Springfield Gateway - Springfield, OR Area Guide

The area of north Springfield circumscribed by the Gateway loop was once the eastern portion of a stretch of agricultural tracts lying between the Eugene/Springfield urban centers and the McKenzie River flood plains to the north. Heritage pioneer homestead claims comprised most of the land holdings, and the fertile Willamette Valley soil allowed farmers to produce vegetables, grain, hay, orchard fruit and hazelnuts, locally known as filberts. The area also provided good pasturage for sheep, horses and cattle. As urban development in the region intensified in the early 1960s, most of the agricultural land gave way to the suburban housing and shopping districts that fill the Gateway area today. However, some remnant fields remain, particularly along the river and on the Eugene side of Interstate 5 north-south, which serves as a de facto border between Springfield’s Gateway neighborhood and the Coburg Road area of Eugene to the west.

The area around Gateway Mall and the Gateway Street retail complex supports many different restaurants, mostly outlets of the major national chains.

One of the few local specialty spots nearby, the Hop Valley Brewing Company at 980 Kruse Lane, boasts pride of place not only as a Springfield original, but also for its site on land that once belonged to the region’s prime hop-growing locale. A pint of its VIP, a rich Porter infused with organic vanilla beans during the conditioning process, sits very well alongside either a platter of house-made beer bratwurst & smoked Andouille sausages or a crisp pile of ale-battered sweet onion rings. Another local favorite, Chicken Bonz, features chicken wings from honey barbecue to hot and a 3/4-pound burger. Those who really love wings can step up to the 100-wing party pack or just go for the all-you-can-eat deal. To continue in the same vein, the China Sun Buffet at 3620 Gateway Street presents four lines of Asian treats, including a Mongolian grill, sushi, Korean specialties and, of course, plenty of Chinese dishes.

The residential nature of the Gateway neighborhood makes for a quiet night-time scene. Many of the chain restaurants near Gateway Mall, for example the Original Roadhouse Grill and the Outback Steakhouse, do have full bars. For some local neighborhood flavor, Sonny’s Tavern at 533 Q Street just beyond the southeast corner of the Gateway district delivers friendly service, treats such as bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, great breakfasts and two daily happy hours. If you want to grab a cocktail, watch sports or play some video poker in a location convenient to the public transit stop on Gateway Street, try the lounge at the Far Man Chinese Restaurant.

The buses of the Lane Transit District (LTD) serve Gateway and connect it with the rest of the Springfield/Eugene area. EMX Express buses run between Gateway Mall, through Springfield and to the Eugene downtown transit center every 10 minutes during peak daytime hours. LTD buses also run east along Oregon Route 126 up to the outlying mountain communities along the McKenzie River.

Drivers encounter generally calm traffic conditions in Gateway, with free parking everywhere and easy access to both Interstate 5 north/south and scenic Oregon State Route 126 that runs east up and over the Cascades to Central Oregon and west to the Oregon Coast. Oregon Taxi and four other taxi companies pick up passengers from the Gateway area on a call basis only. Uber, Car2go and Zipcar ride-sharing services operate in Gateway and the entire Eugene/Springfield metroplex. All areas of Gateway feature dedicated bike lanes and paths, and a flat landscape makes biking and walking easy.

The Gateway area doesn't have as many parks as some of the other local neighborhoods, but its location on the northern edge of the Springfield city limits puts it adjacent to the verdant banks of the McKenzie River and the undeveloped range of wooded hills just beyond.

Guy Lee Park behind Guy Lee Elementary School at 890 Darlene Avenue draws local sports and exercise buffs with its soccer field, softball diamond, tennis courts and jogging trails. Guy Lee also features lights for nigh-time games and activities. Gamebird Park at 1500 Mallard Avenue serves the surrounding neighborhood with a large open field where dogs may run if their owners clean up after them. The park also has a basketball court, a softball backstop and play equipment that includes swings, a jungle gym and a tire swing. Gamebird Park presents an open, rural atmosphere because it directly adjoins the extensive fields of a large urban garden operated by Food for Lane County.

Arguably the most beautiful park in the Gateway area, 22-acre Harvest Landing stretches along the banks of the scenic McKenzie River. Largely undeveloped except for a boat ramp, Harvest Landing features a pristine natural setting complete with clean, clear river, both of which steal the show at this park.

All the parks in the Gateway area allow users free access. For community activities, residents travel the short distance into downtown Springfield where events such as the 4th of July Light of Liberty Celebration and the Fiesta Latina food and music festival happen at Island Park on the Willamette River.

The cost of living in the Gateway District runs a bit higher than in other areas of Springfield, but it still comes in 14 percent below the Oregon average and 1 percent lower than the national average. A typical one-bedroom residence fetches $622 per month. A gallon of gas costs about 13 percent less than the national average, and prices may drop with distance from the Interstate 5 corridor.

The Lane Transit District EMX express bus hub at Gateway Mall gives residents convenient access to public transportation, and a one-way bus fare costs only $1.75. A 16-ounce domestic beer can be found for as little as $2 during happy hour in one of the neighborhood bars, while local microbrew costs about $5 a pint.

Shopping in the neighborhood centers on the area around The Shoppes at Gateway. The mall anchors an extensive retail strip running south from the I-5 Beltline interchange along the western edge of the Gateway neighborhood. The Mall houses over 80 stores, including most of the national chains. Shoppers can also find many other retail establishments scattered along Gateway Street and near its intersection with Harlow Road to the south.

Take a trip back to a simpler time at the Skateworld roller rink just north of Gateway Mall in the Gateway retail complex. Lace on a pair of roller skates for a few hours of fun and good exercise, rent the entire rink for a birthday party or other special event, or experience the action of roller derby at this family-friendly gathering place. University of Oregon Ducks supporters pick up all the necessary fan gear at Oregon Sports in Gateway Mall.

A short ride from Gateway into downtown Springfield gives access to many more shopping opportunities such as the Defiant Diva Boutique. You can also find Trash and Treasures antiques and collectibles and a wide variety of local specialty shops at Paramount Center, 21st Street and Main.

Gateway residents pick up groceries at the Springfield Walmart Neighborhood Market on Gateway Street. The Target store in Gateway Mall also has a grocery section. The freshest local produce, food preservation and gardening demonstrations, fun and music can be found a 15-minute bus ride from Gateway at Marketplace Sprout This local farmers market operates every Friday from May through October in the heart of Springfield at 5th and Main Streets.