from KVAL site

http://www.kval.com/news/local/19719794.html

June 11, 2008

This is a press release courtesy of the City of Eugene

Community members will be celebrating the revitalization of Eugene's much-loved Riverbank Path on Tuesday night. The celebration will bring together and recognize the over 50 local residents and businesses that sponsored new mile markers and wayfinding signs along the path in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Trials.

Supporters of the project include the Eugene Running Club, McMenamins North Bank Pub, and the Oregon Track Club Masters.

The celebration will take place Tuesday, June 10, on the terrace of the Campbell Center in Skinner Butte Park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, appetizers, a short film about the project, and a recognition ceremony.

The effort has been led by a partnership between the City of Eugene and the Eugene Parks Foundation with seed money from the State of Oregon earmarked for Willamette River corridor enhancement projects in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Trials. As part of the project, volunteers placed mileage markers every quarter mile along the path and wayfinding signs were created and installed with a comprehensive map and information about points of interest and amenities.

Thanks to State Representative Nancy Nathanson, and the entire Oregon State Legislative delegation, $500,000 of Oregon State Lottery Funds which is administered by the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department was directed to the Eugene/Springfield area for Willamette River corridor enhancement projects and safety during the Olympic Trials. The Riverloop Connection project received $30,000 of seed money from this funding.

The revitalization of the Riverloop Path is just one of several legacy projects that have been completed prior to the 2008 Olympic Trials. Other legacy projects include: kiosks and signage in Alton Baker Park, new lighting along the Autzen pedestrian bridge path, and the addition of new railings on pedestrian bridges crossing the Willamette.