Think back to summer in Wilshire Park: strollers, walkers, joggers, runners, picnickers, Little Leaguers, tots in the play area, dogs in the dog run—different ages, ethnicities, and interests coexisting as a community in a beautiful outdoor multi-use venue. But this prototypical idyllic scene masks some devil-in-the-details concerns, such as dangerously dilapidated play equipment, no water fountain in the dog run, off-leash dogs in non-off-leash areas, a shortfall of benches, and overflowing trash cans, etc. These are the issues front and center for discussion at upcoming Friends of Wilshire Park meetings!
Organized last year by BWNA Parks & Open Spaces committee chair Gary Hancock, Friends of Wilshire Park has as its mission the improvement and enhancement of the park, with projects financed through grants and donations and expert guidance provided by Portland Parks & Recreation and local professional organizations.
The first enhancement project, NatureSpace (featured in this issue), is 99 percent complete and a feather in the cap for Friends of Wilshire Park. Building on that success, attention now turns to improvement projects, with the dog run and play area needs at the top of the agenda. Friends of Wilshire Park is reaching out to interested residents for suggestions, and meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month (e.g., January 9 and February 13) from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the same venue used by BWNA for its meetings—Bethany Lutheran Church, on the corner of NE Skidmore and 37th in the basement activity room (Fellowship Hall), on the Skidmore side of the church.
Come share your ideas and opinions in person at these monthly forums or contact chair Gary Hancock via e-mail (outside503@aol.com) or by phone at 503-367-0862.