All Hands on Deck Driving a Social Agenda Local governments combine resources to help Veterans Youth advocacy group has a new leader See Local News, page 3 See story, page 4 Volume XLIII ‘City o/Roses’ ¡ d ìi Number 45 U l 3 he.ertu'r43 _____ www.portlandobserver.com Wednesday • November 20, 2013 F c t Q h l i c h ^ J i n IQ 7 H Established in 1970 ■ Oj C om m itted to C ultural D iversity / s •'community service r ifeiS — J Community members and officials from Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Development Commission take hold of shovels to ceremo niously break ground on a $2.6 million renovation project for Dawson Park that honors its rich African-American history. Dawson Park renovations begin Members of the Portland community gathered at Dawson Park on Thursday to celebrate the start of construction to restore the park as a key community gathering space while * honoring its rich African-American history. The $2.6 million renovation project will make the park more welcoming and attractive, with an improved playground, interactive water play feature, barbeques, picnic tables and benches, and better lighting and accessibility. Dawson Park, located between North Vancouver and Williams avenues and Stanton and Morris streets, has served as an integral social, political and economic center for many communities - most notably, Portland’s African-American community. The neighborhood around Dawson once was the heart of Portland’s African-American population, and the new park design will recognize that heritage with double-sided cast- stone medallions designed by artist Isaka Shamsud-Din to be placed in a decorative fence surrounding the playground. One side will be inspired by traditional African Ndebele patterns; the other side will contain historic neighborhood remembrances. “Dawson Park is more than just a park— it’s a symbol of this neighborhood, North-Northeast Portland and our con stant vision for a better city. These improvements are truly community-driven and we are honored to play a role in the revitalization of this community asset,’’ said Patrick Quinton, Portland Development Commission executive director. Also lending his support for the project was Michael Alexander, president and chief executive officer of the Urban continued on page 15