Hendricks Bridge County Park

Story

Hendricks Park is the oldest city park in Eugene, Oregon, United States. The 78acre park is a little over a mile away from the University of Oregon campus, and contains mature forest, a world-renowned 12acre rhododendron garden, and a native plant garden. The park is laced with trails suitable for hiking, jogging, and birding.In 1997, the city of Eugene responded to neighbors' concerns of falling trees by felling potentially hazardous trees on the park's eastern boundary. When other nearby residents and park lovers objected, the city stopped removing trees and formed a committee to study the issue. As a result of the committee's work, City Councilor Laurie Swanson-Gribscov was able to persuade the council to commit up to $50,000 for a long-range management plan for Hendricks Park's trees and forest.In 2000, the city council enacted the Hendricks Park Forest Management Plan. With its implementation, park staff have worked in partnership with the Friends of Hendricks Park and other community volunteers to help achieve a healthy, resilient, and sustainable forest.