Golden Gardens: Protect Bethel's Natural Areas

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Golden Gardens Park is one of the few natural areas with wildlife habitat in Bethel and is a crown jewel of the community. The site features herons, bald eagles, and protected Western Pond Turtles. The City of Eugene is proposing a new community sporting complex to meet the community’s need to accommodate recreational activities. While we support local sports and recreation, the proposal will include adding a significant amount of plastic artificial turf to this highly sensitive habitat. 

The proposed sports complex threatens the delicate ecosystem with the inclusion of artificial turf. Artificial turf contributes to the environmental crisis, releasing harmful microplastics that endanger wildlife and human health. Let's prioritize the well-being of our community, wildlife and environment.

See our 2-page handout, "The Case Against Artificial Turf" (PDF)

FALL 2024 UPDATE

The City of Eugene held a series of public meetings to share the latest design for the Golden Gardens Park Sports Complex and Neighborhood Park. The public is asked to give input on the latest design for the 223-acre park and sports complex which includes 14 sports fields, a 124-acre natural area with protections for turtles and native species, a trail system and a 12-acre neighborhood park. Community members who attended voiced concerns, including inadequate protection for the Western Pond Turtle, plastic grass/artificial turf playing fields, sports field lighting, over 700 paved parking spaces, and deterioration of wetland ecosystems and water quality.

The City has contracted Parametrix to complete a Triple Bottom Line Analysis of the use of artificial turf sports fields at Golden Gardens Park. We will continue to monitor progress and urge transparency throughout this process.

 

 

 

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT GOLDEN GARDENS TODAY!

 

Write to Eugene Parks & Open Space representatives on the Golden Gardens Committee

Mark A Kosmos: mkosmos@eugene-or.gov
Carolyn J Burke: cburke@eugene-or.gov

See the talking points (below) to help craft your message.

NOTE: When communicating with the City of Eugene officials, please be polite and include your Eugene address in your communication.

 

 

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The map above is the final design for the 223-acre park and sports complex at Golden Gardens provided by the City of Eugene's contracted design architect Cameron McCarthy. Beyond Toxics has added the area shaded in blue to represent the recommended 500 ft buffer zone (per Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Best Management Practices for Northwestern Pond Turtle) over the ponds and surrounding area which has been identified as habitat for the NW Pond turtle. The bright turquoise shaded area identifies areas where the NW pond turtles are known to have nested.

TALKING POINTS

What Beyond Toxics is asking for:

  • Establish a 500-Foot Turtle Habitat Buffer

    • Eugene Parks and Open Space should set a clear 500-foot buffer around suitable turtle habitats and areas where turtles are present, aligning with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Best Management Practices.

  • Commit to Organic, Natural Turf

    • Let’s eliminate artificial turf in favor of organic, naturally managed playing fields! This commitment to sustainable turf management needs to happen now! Our community deserves healthier, environmentally responsible public spaces.

  • Limit Nighttime Lighting

    • Implement responsible lighting guidelines to reduce light pollution. Limit evening lighting to times when the playing fields are actively in use, preserving dark skies and turtle habitat.

  • Conduct a Triple Bottom Line Analysis on Artificial Turf

    • Eugene Parks and Open Space should lead a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) analysis of artificial turf, actively including environmental advocates and community voices. Transparent, inclusive decision-making will ensure that all perspectives are heard and considered.

  • Invest In and Improve Existing Parks and Open Spaces

    • Rather than converting natural areas, Eugene Parks and Open Space should enhance existing parks by maximizing their ecological services and providing high-quality recreation spaces--without compromising Eugene’s natural spaces.
FullParkPerspective_Map_GG_Oct2024

The graphic above is a visualization of the final sports complex design provided by the City of Eugene's contracted design architect, Cameron McCarthy. If approved, the area would be constructed in phases. The first phase would be approximately two rectangle fields with vehicle access from Clear Lake Road. The entire park is projected to be completed in 15 to 20 years.

Resources

Golden Gardens Park Master Plan: includes information on the city's public involvement plan, the three draft designs for the park, and other background materials.

Guidance for Conserving Oregon’s Native Turtles including Best Management Practices: includes ODFW's recommendation for a 500 ft buffer between turtle habitat and minor infrastructure.

Sports Complex at Golden Gardens Park: The Case Against Synthetic Turf by Stuart Greenleaf (PDF)

Turtles and turf: Eugene activists urge caution in city's designs for sports complex - KLCC | By Nathan Wilk (November 16, 2023)

Eugene council rejects bundling bond for Golden Gardens sports, Ems Stadium, LCC pickleball (Nov. 16, 2023, R-G)

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