What Is Here For Kids?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sherrill Necessary on February 14, 2009 at 10:02pm

There is the Science Factory and the Riverplay Park as a start.

Permalink Reply by Derek Brandow on February 15, 2009 at 7:48pm

You are correct Sherrill. The Science Factory is a fun place for kids and I am thankful it is here. However, something right downtown would be wonderful. Is there anything you can think of like this closer in?

Permalink Reply by Liz on February 15, 2009 at 5:21pm

This is an excellent question, and one that has come up at a few times at meetings. Unfortunately, the answer is, "Not much." Now that WG has lost the Pacific commitment (unless that's changed again), I would love to see some sort of small community center on the ground floor of that development, although I know that no one is in the mood to pay for it right now. It would even be nice to see more kids' events in public spaces like the Park Blocks and Kesey Plaza, as well as more events that would appeal to adults over 25. (Like Bite of Eugene, which we need to expand!!!)

But kids' activities downtown is an issue that the DNA should work on, so please, let's hear some ideas. I don't have kids, so I have no idea what would work, but I very strongly believe that diversifying the residential population downtown is critical to improving the area.

As for actual suggestions: the DAC has lots of kids' activities, but DAC membership is a little pricey and many of the kids' stuff costs extra. Events like Asian Celebration at the Fairgrounds often include things for kids to do, although I guess that's not exactly downtown.

I feel like I should plug the Cascades Raptor Center here even though it's not downtown at all, because it's such a unique experience--much better than a zoo--and it teaches kids (and adults!) respect and appreciation for wildlife in a really hands-on way. Your two-year-old might be a little young, unless she's a really mellow kid, because many of the birds are a little freaked out by toddler-typical levels of yelling and screaming. But your six-year-old will love it.

Permalink Reply by Derek Brandow on February 15, 2009 at 7:46pm

What a thoughtful response Liz. Thank you for sharing your understanding and hope for downtown activities for kids. I agree, the DAC does have a nice facility however it is slightly exclusive. If there was a similar option that was more inclusive, that offered regular events for kids, I believe there would be a great draw for families to venture here from the farthest corners of the city.

When I lived in Manhattan we would often go on adventures to visit the Childrens' Museum of Manhattan, the Museum of Natural History, the Bank Street Book Store, and many other kid friendly destinations. And we would go back time and time again because of what it offered. The Science Factory and The Raptor Center are also fun destinations, however having something downtown would be spectacular!

I would love to participate in a small group willing to think creatively to begin a process of offering something more permanent for kids downtown.

Permalink Reply by Liz on February 16, 2009 at 10:51am

Derek, I'm a fourth-generation New Yorker, and it took a long time for me to stop comparing Eugene (or even Portland or Seattle) with The City in any way, shape or form. For example, I recently read that the Straphangers are holding protests because of propose MTA cuts which include, for example, reducing weekend service from once every eight minutes to once every ten. If only we could have those kinds of service reductions....

But I know what you mean. :-)

Permalink Reply by William Kennedy on February 16, 2009 at 12:30pm

Yes, as a native Oregonian please stop comparing Eugene to New York. It just really isn't fair is it? :-) But let's please remember, everything looks perfect from far away right?

Permalink Reply by Liz on February 16, 2009 at 6:42pm

Right, Derek, you don't just need to downshift your expectations, you need to get in a completely different vehicle.

And NYC doesn't have a Raptor Center, now does it?

Permalink Reply by William Kennedy on February 16, 2009 at 7:56pm

All this talk is making me nostalgic for my 2 weeks spent in NYC and saddened that I won't be able to make it back anytime soon. It is an unbelievable place.

Permalink Reply by Derek Brandow on February 17, 2009 at 7:49am

MAGIC!

Permalink Reply by William Kennedy on February 16, 2009 at 12:23pm

"I would love to participate in a small group willing to think creatively to begin a process of offering something more permanent for kids downtown."

Derek -

Please mention this during the SC meeting and we'll put on the agenda for the GM to move to form the group. Would you like to move to form the group yourself or would you like me to?

Permalink Reply by Derek Brandow on February 16, 2009 at 12:28pm

Let's discuss. I wold like to know the process for starting a group. I might be interested in doing so.

Permalink Reply by William Kennedy on February 16, 2009 at 7:41pm

Well, I think the process would be planning a date, time, location and announcing a "subcommittee" meeting at the GM in March.

Some thoughts: Installing a play area in the park blocks possibly endorsed by the DNA. Perhaps we raise the funds, and work with the city to get it installed? Also, it's been an idea of mine to bring more holiday celebration back to downtown Eugene (ie. a parade, tree lighting etc.) I can see this relating to events appealing to children.

But we can talk more in person.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page