Washington Jefferson Park reopened on Friday after 443 days of restoration following the space being used as a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the15 months since the park's closure, the city has invested $1.2 million into clearing out trash and bringing in new soil, grass, lights and pathways.

The majority, $1 million, of the funding was supplied through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as a part of federal pandemic relief.

"We've upgraded the park with new sidewalks and new lighting and just really cleaned the place up," says Eugene's Community Engagement Manager Kelly Shadwick.

With the reopening also comes new ideas about how to reassure the public that the park will be a safe, clean place.

The city has faced criticism about their ability to maintain Washington Jefferson Park in the past.

With fencing leaving, in will come patrols by the city's park ambassadors as well as law enforcement.

Additionally, the city is in discussions about ways they could bring activity to WJ.

"We're working with the Whiteaker community council and the Whiteaker neighborhood to see about maybe activating the space with a dog park, so that's exciting," Shadwick says. "They're also looking at some pop-up farmers markets."

A decision about if and when there will be the additional activities at the park is expected this summer.