Interviewed by Al Ellis
When Friends of Wilshire Park Chair Gary Hancock resigned the position in December last year, BWNA board members worried this important neighborhood association committee would be rudderless. As it turns out, that fear was unwarranted: Longtime FoWP volunteer Mary Roney stepped up in February to fill the void. We want to introduce her to those who may not know her.
Q: What brought you to Portland, how long have you lived in Beaumont-Wilshire, and what makes living here enjoyable for you?
A: After graduating from Gonzaga University, I lived in Japan for three years and then moved to Portland for graduate school. I felt at home in the PNW and in the early 90s bought my house in the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood. I enjoy my neighbors, being close to Wilshire Park, and many other things about living here.
Q: What motivated you to take an interest in Friends of Wilshire Park, and what accomplishments are you proud of?
A: While walking my dog Dooley in the park, I met Johnnie Fain, Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) Wilshire Park horticulturist at the time. Johnnie suggested to me and my neighbor, Kelly Thompson, that we get involved, since we both love gardening. Kelly and I worked on recreating the Friends of Wilshire Park website and newsletter and helped raise thousands of dollars for new play-area equipment and the off-leash dog run water fountain, which Commissioner Rubio was instrumental in facilitating. I am proud of the sense of community these fundraisers created. We also worked with PP&R to remove the old blue drinking fountain and replace it with a handicap-accessible water fountain in the Pavilion.
Q: As committee chair, what are your three main objectives moving forward?
A:
- Enhancing the partnership with PP&R.
- Creating a strong volunteer base that includes neighborhood youth.
- Assessing fundraising projects based on park needs and community input.
Have ideas for FoWP? Send your e-mail to friendsofwilshirepark@gmail.com