09/04/2026
Parks and Open Space, in collaboration with the Eugene Parks Foundation, is pleased to invite the community to the official grand opening celebration of the South Eugene Meadows Trail at the newly developed parking area (5200 S Willamette St, Eugene, OR) on September 22, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Eugene Mayor Kaarin, Eugene Parks Foundation Board President Kevin Alltucker, and Parks & Open Space, City of Eugene Government Director Craig Carnagey will share opening remarks, followed by a ribbon-cutting and light refreshments. A celebratory “hike the loop” walk for those interested will depart from the trailhead around 10:30 a.m.
South Eugene Meadows Park is located south and west of the Eugene city limits. The South Eugene Meadows Trail includes a shared-use (hiker/biker) trail that forms a 3.8-mile "lollipop loop," when approached from the new trailhead parking area. This 194-acre natural area includes a beautiful mixture of oak woodlands, open prairie, and Douglas-fir forest.
The park property is covered by a Conservation Easement administered by OWEB and BPA, in recognition of the important habitats on the site, and the Easement restricts the use of "motorized vehicles" on the property - meaning that electric assist on bicycles must be turned off within the park.
This $1.5 million project was made possible through the generous support of the Eugene Parks Foundation, which raised $665,000 for the construction of the trail.
This project also received funding from System Development Charges. The 2023 Parks and Recreation Levy funds ongoing care and maintenance of the entire park.
The property was purchased in 2012 with funding assistance from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, wildlife mitigation funds from the Bonneville Power Administration, and a generous contribution from the landowner.
