Amazon Path closed starting this week for creek restoration

The popular Amazon Path in south Eugene will be closed from 24th Avenue to 19th Avenue starting TODAY, Aug. 27, as part of the Amazon Creek Restoration Project. Access to Amazon Park, including the two main volleyball courts, will remain open via the parking lots and side paths.

The path is expected to reopen in early October.

Amazon Path users should follow the signed detour around the project area. The detour includes a temporary path installed on the east side of Amazon Parkway up to the new Kidsports facility, where path users will cross the street to continue along the sidewalk. People biking can use the path detour or use the existing bike lanes on Amazon Parkway.

The creek restoration project will include removing the 65-year-old concrete channel of Amazon Creek that runs through Amazon Park from East 24th Avenue to East 20th Avenue. The natural slope bank of the creek will be restored and replanted with native species, and the footbridge will be reconstructed south of 20th Avenue.

"Although the path closure and periodic lane closures on Amazon Parkway will be inconvenient for the community, the outcomes of this project will provide a more pleasant and ecologically beneficial creek for all to enjoy" said Sean Kovensky, project manager for the Amazon Creek Restoration.

The City of Eugene secured $2.7 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency grant funding for the creek restoration. Additional funding for this project from the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond, stormwater utility fund and stormwater system development charges.

While the path is closed, Eugene Parks and Open Space will also renovate two sand volleyball courts. This work will include enlarging the courts, removing the existing sand and adding new volleyball-specific sand. Work will also include adding underdrainage connecting to the Amazon Creek, perimeter edging, new poles and new nets.

Residents can visit https://www.eugene-or.gov/5264/Amazon-Park-Renovation-Projects for more information about this exciting project!