Laurie Gribskov walked her dog through Washburne park, located just south of campus, a few weeks ago around 4:30 p.m. Gribskov did not observe conventional park activities, like kids playing or families having picnics. She heard rustling from the bushes and saw UO students nestled inside smoking marijuana.

Gribskov is one of many local residents who have noticed their neighborhood park turn into a popular place for university students to smoke weed.

“This is a family park, and many neighbors have kids in elementary schools,” Gribskov said.

Unfortunately, Gribskov said college students even smoke in the park when elementary school students get out of school. She said parents are concerned, because they don’t want their kids to witness illegal drug activity.

According to Kelly Putnam, Station Manager at the West University Public Safety Station, 57 calls have been made for service to Washburn Park so far this year. Police have issued 21 citations for drug use at the park. 19 of these citations were issued to UO students, according to Public Information Director for the Eugene Police Department, Melinda McLaughlin.

Because of the noticed drug use in the park, the city councilor, the EPD, UO personnel, and neighbors met on January 15 to discuss the issue.

Those at the meeting agreed on the importance of reporting incidents and ensuring that students are held accountable for smoking in the public space.

They proposed short-term efforts that include:

• The UOPD analyze the data, look for patterns, step up patrols
• Potentially adding Park Watch
• Continuing to report cases to the EPD

According to the notes taken at the meeting, it was proposed that new students be informed of the issue during their UO orientations starting next year. Meeting attendees agreed that further efforts should be made to educate students, parents, and families. The group will meet again to discuss the issue on February 26.

When police issue students a citation, the information is sent to UO’s Office of Conduct & Student Standards. In September, the university extended its code of conduct to apply not only on but also off campus. The change means that students caught now face the same punishments for smoking marijuana off campus as they do for smoking in the residence halls. Sandy Weintraub, UO Director of Student Conduct, could not be reached for comment.

UO Director of Neighborhood Relations, Karen Hyatt, said she has been aware of the issue in the park for several years.

McLaughlin reported that already, just a few months into 2015, the number of service calls made to the park has reached half of the total from 2014.

After noticing this trend, McLaughlin said the EPD has conducted enforcement efforts and been in communication with nearby residents.

Hyatt said students need to recognize that smoking marijuana in public spaces is illegal.

“Even when marijuana becomes legal after July 1st, smoking it in public places will still be against state law,” Hyatt said.

The EPD, neighbors, and the university hope that continued reporting of incidents and increased police patrolling will keep the situation under control and limit the number of students smoking marijuana in the park. This will mean that that kids and neighbors will feel more comfortable using it for its lawful purposes.