Trainsong Park

Park Overview

Found in West Eugene, Oregon, Trainsong Park spans a cozy 5 acres and functions as a green retreat for the Trainsong neighborhood. The park's name was chosen through a public contest rather than being assigned by city officials.

Recreational Facilities

This park offers several options for outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the ball field for a casual game, while kids have their own space at the children's playground.

If you're into skateboarding, you can find a small but serviceable skatepark to practice those tricks you've been working on. Basketball more your thing? The basketball court is ideal for shooting some hoops or getting a pickup game going with neighbors.

Environmental Challenges & Restoration

Trainsong Park has had its share of hurdles to overcome. In 2021, some concerning news emerged when Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) found elevated dioxin levels in the park's shallow soil during routine testing.

This discovery led to temporary closures of certain areas. The good news? By April 2022, several sections reopened after DEQ consultations, including the skatepark, basketball court, playground, and paved areas.

Future Improvements

A bright spot on the horizon came in 2024 when the City of Eugene secured a $1.526 million Brownfield Cleanup Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specifically for Trainsong Park remediation.

This funding will go toward replacing much of the soil and developing a plan to keep the community involved throughout the process. If you're planning to see these improvements firsthand, note that the remediation work is expected to begin in 2025, but this depends on finalizing government agreements.

Despite these environmental challenges, Trainsong Park continues to be an important breathing space for West Eugene residents, offering a variety of recreational options in the midst of urban surroundings.