Success for Friends of Wilshire Park on NatureSpace project and children’s play equipment

Success for Friends of Wilshire Park on NatureSpace project and children’s play equipment

The last issue featured information about a multifaceted effort to bring improvements and modernizations to Wilshire Park, all thanks to the volunteer efforts of concerned neighbors participating in BWNA-endorsed Friends of Wilshire Park (FOWP). Along the way, FOWP has worked very closely with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), receiving valuable advice and support. Currently, a date to break ground on the NatureSpace project is being set, likely in October. Native Northwest plants, shrubs, logs, boulders, and a winding gravel path will be installed near the picnic tables, offering variety from the grass and mature trees, and more wildlife habitat, but no interference with any current park uses. Residents are encouraged to volunteer their help and make tax-deductible donations by going to friendsofwilshirepark. org. The website also provides project news, dates for upcoming events, and the opportunity to sign up to receive e-mail announcements (by clicking the “Volunteer” tab). Project publicity is also disseminated via Nextdoor and posters at participating businesses. Please thank these merchants!

Other issues of interest to FOWP participants are the dog-run area, i.e., water for dogs and benches; the walking/jogging track, i.e., wood chips vs. gravel and drainage; and worn out equipment in the tots’ play area. Regarding the play equipment, there’s great news: it was announced by PP&R staff at a recent FOWP meeting that “as part of 2014 Parks Replacement Bond, PP&R identified the capacity to replace 19 play pieces” (at a cost of $30,000), including installation of a state-of-the-art playing surface (PebbleFlex). Work begins this fall, lasting three to four weeks.