Partnerships and individuals make a difference

The Reynolds School Board agreed last week to support the acquisition of land at 162nd Avenue and Halsey Street for public use. The property, while in Gresham City limits, has offered the Portland Parks bureau a unique opportunity to partner while supporting the needs of all residents in East Multnomah County. East Portland Parks Coalition wants to (and will) thank the Reynolds School Board for being first on board.

The best part of this story is Evelyn O’Neal, a resident of the Wilkes Community Group, who went to a neighborhood meeting when she saw the ‘For Sale’ sign on the property. Ross Monn, Wilkes Chair, sent her to us at the East Portland Parks Coalition. At the table was Doug Brenner, East Portland Zone Services Manager for Portland Parks. Doug especially made an effort to engage Evelyn and ensure Parks was listening to her request.

Evelyn gave us the opportunity to highlight the Parks Nomination Process at Portland Online (PortlandOnLine registration required – quick and easy to do). Residents are encouraged to nominate sites for attention.

Evelyn’s one neighborhood meeting and her interest in providing the children of the neighborhood open space is encouraging.

People do care, they simply need a little help.