Trail connection at Delta Ponds nearly complete

This long-awaited trail project to create a 1.4-mile continuous loop around the natural area at Delta Ponds is nearing completion.

A complicated project from the start, it was originally planned for construction in the middle of what became the pandemic causing a cascade of issues from increasing materials costs to property easement negotiations to permit extensions from multiple state and federal agencies.

The last significant piece of construction remaining is completing the boardwalk that connects to the east end of the bridge, which was the cause of additional delay due to geotechnical issues discovered when the footings were being installed last year. They have been re-engineered, which in turn required permit extensions for work within the floodplain. However, staff expect work to begin again soon and for the project to be completed this fall.

Parks and Open Space looks forward to opening the new trail segment this fall with a community celebration!

Funding for this project comes from the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond, System Development Charges and a $350,000 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Local Government Grant.

More about Delta Ponds

Delta Ponds is a 150-acre waterway site consisting of numerous ponds, channels, wetlands and associated riparian areas. This unique natural area owned by the City of Eugene borders a stretch of the Willamette River, just downstream from Valley River Center. For many, it is a favorite spot for bird watching, fishing and enjoying the outdoors.