The city of Eugene has acquired 8 acres of Willamette riverfront park land from the University of Oregon.

The acquisition gives the city control of open space and pedestrian and bike paths adjacent to the Eugene downtown riverfront site, which city officials envision as the future home of more than 700 units of housing, retail and restaurant spaces and a hotel. Two apartment buildings have been completed on the site to date. Additional development could take years to build out.

The city’s newly acquired land will be preserved as a natural area with access to existing paths and trails along the south bank of the Willamette River, city officials said in a statement. Eugene Parks and Open Space staff plan to plant trees and shrubs on the site this winter.

The land swap began in late 2023 when the city gave the UO land near Autzen Stadium to construct a new indoor practice facility for the UO football team. The city’s acquisition of the riverfront acreage completes the exchange.