For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

July 31, 2009

Utility builds shelter for visitors to Leaburg Lake, park

The Eugene Water & Electric Board will host an Aug. 4 dedication ceremony at the newly constructed Leaburg Lake Visitor’s Shelter to commemorate the many recreational improvements that have been made to Lloyd Knox Park and the surrounding area.

The 30-minute ceremony and reception will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. at the new shelter, located near the park entrance, 23 miles east of Eugene. Following the ceremony, EWEB commissioners will travel to Leaburg for their regular monthly meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at the McKenzie Fire & Rescue’s training facility, 42870 McKenzie Highway.

Recreation improvements in the lower McKenzie River Valley began in 2002 as a major component of a new 40-year operating license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for EWEB’s Leaburg-Walterville Hydroelectric Project, which supplies enough electricity to power about 10,000 homes.

The visitor’s shelter at Lloyd Knox Park features space for gatherings and an electronic display with an interactive video that provides information about the history of the park, recreation opportunities and environmental enhancements at the hydroelectric project, parts of which started producing electricity in 1911.

Additional improvements throughout Lloyd Knox Park include the construction of walkways and new bathroom facilities; the installation of interpretive signage, park benches and a fishing dock for people with physical limitations; and improvements to of a fish-viewing station and surrounding trails. About $240,000 was spent on the shelter and surrounding improvements.

As part of the larger relicensing effort, EWEB also made significant enhancements to the recreational opportunities at Walterville Pond, and is financing the creation of some “bird gardens” below the Walterville Powerhouse. The Goodpasture Boat Landing, one of the last recreation improvements scheduled as part of the relicensing, will be located at the upstream end of Leaburg Lake, just below Goodpasture Bridge. The site will improve fishing and boating access to the McKenzie River and lake.