| Save Civic Stadium Have you ever been to a baseball game at Civic Stadium? Ever felt a special satisfaction as the shadows grow and the moon rises over the east hills of town? Ever felt the building vibrate when the resounding crack of wood on cowhide sends a long ball sailing out of the park? There are more ways to enjoy our historic, beautiful, and underutilized Civic Stadium than there are people in Eugene. And yet there is a sad rumor growing that Civic Stadium's days may be numbered. Say it ain't so! Civic Stadium is unquestionably a community treasure. As such, it is up to the community at large to determine what is to become of it. To that end, the rapidly growing membership of Save-Civic-Stadium (SCS) has decided to step up to the plate and take a full swing at guaranteeing the existence in perpetuity of this classic field of dreams. Civic Stadium turns 70 this year; one of the oldest baseball stadiums left in America and the world. It was built during the Great Depression in a joint effort between the WPA, the Eugene School District, the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Eugene, and individual members of the community. The stadium and adjoining property were then deeded to the school district for $1.00, which originally used it for both baseball and football. Over the years Civic has hosted concerts, rodeos, baseball, football, soccer, political events, and fire works displays. For decades the spacious parking area has served as a regional park and ride. Since 1969, Civic has been home to the Eugene Emeralds short-season minor league baseball team, which rents the stadium from the 4J School District. Recently, the Ems entered negotiations with the U of O regarding the joint use of a new stadium to be built on University property. The Ems have a lease through 2009 with 4J for Civic. At the moment, their future whereabouts is unknown. Meanwhile, 4J has declared the 9 + acre site as surplus property, though states it is in no hurry to sell. A question often asked: If the Ems leave Civic, why would we want to keep the stadium? Think sustainable building with an old growth doug fir timber superstructure built for 500 years of use, still in top condition, and soon to be on the National Register of Historic Places. Think multiple-use green space with world-class acoustics and seating for 7000+ adjacent to a growing Downtown and revitalized South Willamette Shopping District. Think approx. 6 adjacent acres of decrepit auxiliary buildings and pockmarked parking that you can almost hear chanting and cheering for positive redevelopment. Last summer the Save-Civic-Stadium membership gathered over 3500 signatures of people who see it in Eugene's best interest to keep our much-loved ballpark alive and well. As this baseball season for SCS gets underway, ideas are presently growing faster than the left field grass. The slate is open for all plans and possibilities. Various ballot measures are being discussed, ideas for creative financing abound. Committees of energized volunteers are formed around fundraising, renovation, communications and governance to explore a broader range of uses for the friendly environs of Civic Stadium. Please remember that it will be the participation of individual citizens that keeps the Civic in our grand old park. Whatever form the Saving of Civic Stadium takes over the next couple years, the SCS organization sincerely desires this to be a popular movement. We want the world to see that Eugene can hit a home run when it comes to saving one of the oldest and best baseball stadiums on this planet. |