Officials withdraw proposed alcohol ban at Eugene city parks

EUGENE – Eugene city officials say they have rescinded their proposal to prohibit alcohol in all city parks except during large, permitted gatherings.

The Register-Guard reported Friday that officials took the proposal off the table after receiving a “mixed” public response.

Officials said they received more than 100 comments on proposed changes to park rules. They said most of the comments were on the proposed alcohol ban.

Department spokeswoman Kelly Darnell said more comments opposed the ban than favored it.

The proposal would have allowed people to drink alcohol at city parks only if the individuals were part of a group of at least 20 people that held a city gathering permit for an event such as a wedding, family reunion or community event.