November 7, 2012________ ____________________
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Page II
Harper Goldberg (center), her mother April Goldberg (seated), and her sister Lennon (left), join the construction crew during the installation of an all-inclusive play
structure featuring wheelchair and walker-friendly elements at Arbor Lodge Park at North Bryant Street and Delaware Avenue.
Playground Dedicated
Arbor Lodge Park makes room for wheelchairs and walkers
A new universally-accessible playground with wheel
chair and walker-friendly areas at Arbor Lodge Park in north
Portland held a grand opening Saturday. It is named Harper’s
Playground after Harper Goldberg, whose family led the
fundraising for the playground.
“Just three years ago, dedicated parents Cody and April
Goldberg envisioned a playground where their child. Harper,
could play alongside other neighborhood kids,” says Port
land Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “They’ve shared their
compelling vision, generated incredible community support,
and have allowed for an innovative playground that will
serve as a model for park improvements across the country.”
PP&R was able to facilitate construction on the project
thanks to the funds that the Goldberg family and valued
partners were able to raise.
The Goldbergs say they have been delighted by the
support they have received.
“We are honored to have received so much love and
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support throughout these past three years,” says Cody
Goldberg, Harper’s father.
The Goldberg family lives near Arbor Lodge Park, and had
noticed that their daughter had difficulty using the existing
play structure there.
They began raising funds through events such as bake
and rummage sales, and neighborhood kids’ concerts. But
the efforts soon ballooned to include notable partners and
businesses committed to making this public-private partner
ship a reality.
Doctors predicted that Harper, who has a developmental
disability, would never walk nor talk. However, Harper defied
medical expectation by taking her first independent steps at
the age of five. Though she still uses a walker much of the
time. Harper loves to enjoy playgrounds, and now has the
city’s newest one named in her honor.
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