Editor’s Note: BWNA board member Gary Hancock was instrumental in the creation of the Friends of Wilshire Park committee and serves as its chair.
Are you concerned about Wilshire Park? Do you have issues that you believe need to be addressed? BWNA’s Friends of Wilshire Park (FoWP) committee is committed to dealing with these issues and encourages residents to get involved.
A couple of years ago, the state of the playground equipment in the park was deplorable. The structures were old and in serious (i.e., dangerous) disrepair. Residents aired concerns at BWNA meetings, and, not long after, the FoWP committee was formed to implement improvements. The committee spent the next year organizing projects in collaboration with Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) and initiating fundraising campaigns through procurement of grants and solicitation of donations from generous residents. The result was the installation of a beautiful NatureSpace preserve adjacent to the picnic area followed by replacement of worn-out equipment in the toddler area of the playground, which is now boasting a new car, house, and play structure.
The committee is currently deciding on what its next park project will be and welcomes input from residents on setting priorities. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. (via Zoom for the time being due to Covid-19 instead of Bethany Lutheran Church at the corner or NE 37th and Skidmore). E-mail FoWP Chair Gary Hancock (outside503@aol.com) for Zoom meeting login information, and check out the FoWP website (www.friendsofwilshirepark.org) for details on projects and associated activities.
The committee looks forward to greeting new participants at meetings and working with the community and PP&R to achieve the ultimate goal: making Wilshire Park a world-class park.