Although Civic Stadium now sits somewhat unpresumably two blocks south of 18th Avenue between Amazon Parkway and Willamette Street, just 5 years ago it had an integral role in the fabric of South Eugene.
On more summer nights than not, the sounds of bat’s cracking and crowds cheering would drift through the surrounding blocks, away from the stadium, and into backyards, warmly reminding it’s neighbors of the summer season.
For many Eugene natives, memories of Civic Stadium are abundant and cherished. But it also stands as reminder of a trying time in American history. In 1938, Civic Stadium was constructed under the Work Progress Administration, giving those left unemployed after the Great Depression a chance to get back to work.
While most of the labor was paid for on behalf of the WPA, a number of local artisans also donated their skills to the project. Even the 60 ft tall fir timbers which still support the grandstand today were given as donations on behalf of local timber companies. After it’s completion Civic Stadium served as a point of pride and a testimony to the resourcefulness of Eugene and the nation.
Once construction finished in 1938, the track of land the stadium sits on was deeded to the 4J school district for an arbitrary $1, who has remained in ownership until this day.
In 2007, however, the original deed was altered to remove the clause indicating the stadium’s use as a recreational space “in perpetuity.” At that same time it was also placed on the district’s surplus property list, foreshadowing the boards intentions and causing uncertainty for the stadiums future. That uncertainty gained credibility earlier this year when the Eugene School Board announced the sale of the property.
The stadium is one of four remaining wooden grandstands constructed during the WPA era. And while structurally intact, supporters of the stadium, united under the group Save Civic Stadium, find themselves diligently fighting for it’s preservation.
Although, the group caught a break early this February. After entertaining bids for the stadiums purchase, the 4J School District accepted the City of Eugene’s offer of 4.5 million dollars, beating offers from both Fred Meyer and the Eugene Family YMCA. However, the city has until February 16th of next year to decide whether or not they intend to follow through with the purchase.
The City Council has expressed that it won’t follow through with the purchase of the 10-acre parcel of land unless 1) it finds one or more groups capable of raising at least $3 million to renovate the 76-year-old stadium and 2) an entity steps forward with a business plan showing that it is capable of overseeing the renovation and managing of the facility.
Once construction finished in 1938, the track of land the stadium sits on was deeded to the 4J school district for an arbitrary $1, who has remained in ownership until this day.
In 2007, however, the original deed was altered to remove the clause indicating the stadium’s use as a recreational space “in perpetuity.” At that same time it was also placed on the district’s surplus property list, foreshadowing the boards intentions and causing uncertainty for the stadiums future. That uncertainty gained credibility earlier this year when the Eugene School Board announced the sale of the property.
The stadium is one of four remaining wooden grandstands constructed during the WPA era. And while structurally intact, supporters of the stadium, united under the group Save Civic Stadium, find themselves in a fight for it’s preservation.
Although, the group caught a break early this February. After entertaining bids for the stadiums purchase, the 4J School District accepted the City of Eugene’s offer of 4.5 million dollars, beating offers from both Fred Meyer and the Eugene Family YMCA. However, the city has until February 16th of next year to decide whether or not they intend to follow through with the purchase.
The City Council has expressed that it won’t follow through with the purchase of the 10-acre parcel of land unless 1) it finds one or more groups capable of raising at least $3 million to renovate the 76-year-old stadium and 2) an entity steps forward with a business plan showing that it is capable of overseeing the renovation and managing of the facility.
Save Civic Stadium has taken it upon themselves to be that group. A quick look at their website, http://www.savecivicstadium.org/, briefly outlines what they have in mind. They have envisioned the stadium once again serving as a social hub for South Eugene with fields for soccer and other sports. (UPDATE Dec, 6) And have also announced plans to use some of the stadiums property as a park that is owned and operated by the city. As of early December at least $2.25 million had been raised for the stadiums purchase, or about half of the necessary amount. However, supporters are optimistic that with the recently announced extension and re-purposing of a portion of the property as a park that the stadiums demise is not set in stone. More information about Friends of Civic stadium and their plans for the park can be found below:
Save Civic Stadium
Civic Savers add “Pocket Park” to Plan
Another Civic Deadline
Written by John Tucker Livingston Bullier, with insight from James St. Clair.