Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee

Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park

The Citizen Planning Committee (CPC) for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park, formerly known as the East Alton Baker Park Citizen Planning Committee, was formed as a result of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Eugene, the City of Springfield, Willamalane Park and Recreation District, and Lane County.

The agreement, which took effect in 1993, transferred ownership of the 237 acre East Alton Baker Park from Lane County to the jurisdictions of the City of Eugene and Willamalane Park and Recreation District. The agreement specified that the Eugene City Council and the Willamalane District Board of Directors jointly appoint a 15 member citizen planning committee with the charge of developing a plan to determine an appropriate mix of passive recreational uses for East Alton Baker Park.

Reflecting Community Values

The intent of this agreement was to reflect the will of the citizens of Lane County when they passed ballot measure 20-01 in 1992. The measure halted plans for the development of a golf course on the property and called for the preservation of East Alton Baker Park and the formation of a Citizen Planning Committee. The CPC, in conjunction with City of Eugene and Willamalane staff, completed the East Alton Baker Park Plan in 1995 and forwarded it to the Eugene City Council and Willamalane Board of Directors. A revised plan was approved by both bodies in 1996.

The Committee

The CPC continues to meet four times per year and is active in between meetings working on sub-committee projects. The committee’s scope of work includes monitoring city-initiated restoration and park improvement activities; coordinating committee-sponsored volunteer projects; and promoting the Whilamut Natural Area to the community as a valuable open space asset. The CPC proposed to change the name of the Park to "Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park" in August of 2001. In February, 2002, the name was officially amended by an administrative order signed by the city manager. Although no action has been taken to formally rename the committee, the committee voted in July 2002 to call themselves the "Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park".

For information on serving on the committee, contact Shelly Miller, 541-682-4888, or visit the Boards and Commissions webpage. Applications are generally accepted only during the open enrollment period, January through March.