January 2024 Update

In the summer of 2023 City of Eugene Parks and Open Space conducted a survey to understand usage patterns of Fairmount Boulevard through Hendricks Park. The purpose of the survey was to gauge support for temporary or permanent closure of the road for specific reasons such as:

• Fire risk
• Illegal car camping
• Maintenance activities
• Recreation/ ADA access

We received over 300 responses with an overwhelming majority supporting temporary road closures to manage the park during high-risk fire conditions. Support for temporary road closure for other reasons was around 50%.

Based on the survey results and after further consultation with the Eugene-Springfield Fire Department (ESFD), we plan to install gates to allow for temporary closure. Closures will occur when:

• Directed by ESFD to manage the park during extreme fire conditions.
• There is a critical need to manage illegal camping and park rules violations.
• There is a critical safety issue such as tree or slope failure.
• Occasional, special recreational events are permitted.

The City of Eugene Fire Marshal and Fire Chief are in support of this action. The Eugene-Springfield Fire Department has plans for emergency situations and would leave open the gates during an evacuation event if that route was safe.