Did you happen to see the recent “art installation,” pictured here, in Wilshire Park and wonder what it was? Well, here’s the story…
Robin Sack, a freshman at University of British Columbia majoring in Urban Forestry, set up the participatory design project in the park. Her assignment was to set up a public project that got the community involved and gave them an opportunity to share their thoughts on the set-up/design of the space they were in. Robin and her family have lived in the neighborhood since she was six years old. Wilshire Park is a place where she spent a lot of time growing up and she “wanted to hear about how it’s impacted other people’s lives.”
Robin and her mom chose the NE Mason Street entrance to the park. They tied twine around two trees, put sharpies and paper with twine in a zip lock bag and asked passersby to share their thoughts. Over the course of a week and half, Robin got about 50 responses! Suggestions included increasing the number of native plants, fencing the dog area, adding seating in areas that get the most sunlight, a nature playground for kids, and keeping up path maintenance.
Asked what surprised her most, she responded, “The number of people who shared how long they have been benefiting from Wilshire Park. I loved reading the experiences people have had over the course of multiple decades — all of them were very positive and heartfelt.
Robin’s favorite thing about Wilshire Park is the joy she sees other people experiencing while there. “I myself have so many positive memories, but seeing people build their own in such a nice greenspace brings me joy, too. I am so grateful to have a park like that in my neighborhood!”
Mary Roney, newly appointed chair of the BWNA Friends of Wilshire Park committee, has lived in the Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood for over 30 years and finds joy in Wilshire Park.