Willakenzie Park is a 4.75-acre "neighborhood park" located in Eugene’s Harlow neighborhood at the old Willakenzie School field site; owned by City of Eugene Parks & Open Space Div. Improvements to the park include:
-A new children’s playground that features a sand and water play area with an historic agricultural theme
-New park furniture including picnic tables, benches, drinking fountain, tras
h receptacles, and bike racks
-A multi-use path along the perimeter of the park
-New native plants and trees and a split rail fence
-Interpretive signage and art tiles in the picnic area which reflect the rich history of the site
-An ADA van-accessible parking bay at the main entry on Best Lane, also serving as a pedestrian friendly pick-up and drop-off point when not occupied
Land History:
In 1854 the land became home to the first of four schools that would be located on the property over the next 150 years. Between 1871 and 1883, the Willakenzie area was an important agricultural center producing much of the grains, fruits, and vegetables for the surrounding community. The Willakenzie Grange building which still stands today was established in 1913 and was the focus of both social and economic life for the local farming community. Neighborhood parks, which serve residents within about a half-mile (10-minute) safe walking distance, include the following: a children's play area, accessible pathways, park furniture such as benches, picnic tables, and trash receptacles, and open space for recreation and relaxation. A neighborhood park may also include a variety of optional items such as pedestrian lighting, basketball court, habitat restoration, landforms, art, etc. Neighborhood parks are considered primarily walk-to or bike-to facilities, and typically do not include the following: restrooms, off-street parking, programmed athletics, skateparks, dog off-leash areas, and other facilities that attract visitors from a distance greater than the park's service area. Since programmed athletic fields have served the neighborhood at Willakenzie Park for many years, however, this pre-existing use can be continued at the site.
