Saturday, August 29, 2026 / South University / Eugene
University Park reopened with a bigger playground and year-round plumbing
The $850,000 renovation also replaced the basketball surface, improved lighting and sidewalks, added seating and made accessibility upgrades.
University Park's renovation is finished, and the fences are down at East 24th Avenue and University Street. The most visible change is a larger playground, but the smaller pieces may be the ones neighbors notice in February: restroom stall doors and year-round plumbing are now part of the 2.81-acre park.
The project also rebuilt the basketball court foundation and surface, added new nets, updated lighting, improved sidewalks and ADA access, and installed more seating and picnic tables. Work began in September 2025 and cost $850,000, according to the city information reported by Lookout Eugene-Springfield.
Saturday's reopening celebration marked the end of construction. The city project page now labels the work complete; the park itself is the part that stays open after the food trucks leave.
Field notes
What changed: The city completed and reopened University Park after an $850,000 renovation that began last fall.
Why it matters: The project changed everyday access and year-round usability, not just the park's appearance.
Who may be affected: South University neighbors, families, basketball players and other University Park visitors.