Despite all the coronavirus chaos, residents of Beaumont-Wilshire, Alameda, and other neighborhoods pitched in with amounts large and small to assure that youngsters can expect to see a new playhouse installed in Wilshire Park by the summer. Let’s just hope that the social distancing is lifted and the playground is open for use by then!
The playhouse represents the third major project in three years driven by Friends of Wilshire Park (FoWP). The playhouse was preceded by NatureSpace completed in the fall of 2018 and the new toddler playcar installed in September 2019. None of these improvements would have been possible without the generous contributions of hundreds of park users, local businesses, and two neighborhood associations (Beaumont-Wilshire and Alameda). Also indispensable to the success of the projects were expertise and technical assistance provided by NE Portland Parks Maintenance Supervisor Mike Grosso, NE Parks Horticulturist Johnny Fain, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Ecologically Sustainable Landscape Program Coordinator Eric Rosewall, PP&R Capital Project Manager Evan Callahan, Central Northeast Neighbors Coalition staff, and the accommodating folks at Morel Ink.
As most park users know, the PP&R budget was severely reduced in May 2019, when “structural” deficiencies were discovered, resulting in major reductions in park maintenance and replacement budgets, with projections of multiple layoffs and park recreation centers slated for closure. That reduction passed on a 4-1 vote, with City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who is the only commissioner not up for re-election this November, casting the single “nay” vote.
Wilshire Park is a magnificent local resource and as residential infill becomes a reality, its use will certainly increase. The long-term mission of FoWP is keeping it well maintained, pitching in to help PP&R staff keep it beautified, and seeking every opportunity to find ways to make it even better.
For details about post-coronavirus meetings and activities, making donations, and volunteering to help on projects, go to the FoWP website (friendsofwilshirepark.org).
by Peter Mogielnicki (on behalf of the BWNA’s Friends of Wilshire Park committee)