www.RiverRoad-SantaClaraPlan.org 4 <br />Parks & Natural Resources <br />Parks and Natural Resources was the category <br />that received the second largest number of <br />comments, after transportation. The riverfront <br />path received much attention within this <br />category, both in terms of being valued now and <br />as an area for improvement. Neighbors <br />especially value the bike path and habitat along <br />the river, and many people had suggestions <br />about cleaning it up or making it safer. Many <br />neighbors also said that they currently value <br />their local parks, and Emerald Park in particular <br />was mentioned in people’s responses. Other <br />suggestions for the future were more and better <br />maintained parks, preserving natural spaces, <br />and building/creating facilities such as a dog <br />park or pool within the neighborhood. <br />Economic Development <br />When asked what type of services or shopping <br />people value now, the most common answer <br />was local markets, followed by small shops. <br />Neighbors indicated that they value being near <br />services and believe small shops make the <br />neighborhood more friendly for walking and <br />biking. The most common suggestions for the <br />future were more restaurant and cafe options, <br />local markets and farmer’s markets, and small or <br />locally-owned businesses. There was an <br />especially common refrain that the <br />neighborhoods need a gathering space, such as <br />a public plaza or a welcoming food store with a <br />communal space. Other visions for the future <br />included job training in the community and <br />zoning changes to allow for more businesses. <br />Other Topics <br />There were several common responses that do <br />not fit into a specific category but reflect a <br />widespread hope or concern. Many residents <br />expressed a desire to build community with <br />their neighbors, and a common vision for the <br />future included establishing more community <br />gardens. Addressing homelessness in the <br />neighborhood was another priority among <br />residents, and was discussed in reference to <br />housing affordability, the river path, and overall <br />public safety. Residents also provided many <br />comments about the duplication of services <br />between City of Eugene and Lane County <br />providers. These comments ranged from <br />concerns over emergency response times to <br />support for special districts. <br />March 12, 2018, Work Session – Item B