Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 2, 2023)
Page 8 August 02, 2023 Space Where All Ages and Abilities Will Thrive Marshall Park holds significance to the disability community The highly anticipated grand reopen- ing of the Chelsea Anderson Memorial Play Station (CHAMPS) is set for 10 a.m. on Sept. 9 at Marshall Community Park (1015 E. McLoughlin Boulevard). The new playground designed by Harp- er’s Playground marks a new era of in- clusive play for the City of Vancouver. The ribbon-cutting ceremony prom- ises to be a memorable event, attended by community leaders, local officials and families eager to witness the unveiling of this transformative playground. Every- one is invited to celebrate the power of play, the strength of community and the shared vision of a more inclusive future. ADA parking is available at Marshall Park and the adjoining community cen- ter. Signs will direct attendees to over- flow parking areas. Seeking to increase access to inclusive play spaces within its parks system, the City of Vancouver worked with Harper’s Playground to transform the playground at Marshall Park into a space where peo- ple of all ages and abilities will thrive. The site was selected for its existing fea- tures of mature fir and cedar trees, com- munity garden, picnic shelter and access to public transit. Marshall Park holds particular significance to the disability community due to its proximity to Mar- shall Community Center, Luepke Senior Center and Legacy Health’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Center, which provides physical therapy to hundreds of youths with physical disabilities. “Harper’s Playground is honored to lead the design and construction of a playscape dedicated to the health and happiness of everybody. Harper deserves the opportu- nity to spend time around other kids. And the good people of Vancouver deserve the chance to meet Harper and others like her. That's the beauty of creating an inclusive world—we all win,” said Harper’s Play- Wheelchair Accessible Friendship Swing at Marshall Park ground Founder and Chief Play Officer G Cody QJ Goldberg. This is the biggest playground to date for Harper’s Playground and features a large centerpiece hill called Harper’s Hill, zero-entry teeter-totter, sand play area, wheel play area, wheelchair swing, sen- sory garden and more. Integrating nature and inclusive design principles, the play- ground offers a unique environment that stimulates imagination, creativity and ad- venture. The design uses long-lasting nat- ural materials such as wood and boulders, purpose-built and existing landscaping, and artwork including bronze sculptures and mosaic murals to delight and inspire wonder. The newly designed park will be physically, socially and emotionally invit- ing for users of all ages and abilities. The Chelsea Anderson Memorial Play Station was built in 1999 to honor the daughter of Vancouver Fire Services Capt. Curt Anderson, after she drowned in 1996. The original playground was in- stalled in partnership with the Vancouver Fire Department and made possible by many generous community donors. When that playground equipment needed to be replaced due to age, maintaining the site’s history was a priority. The redesigned playground pays tribute to that legacy with a firefighter theme that includes a playable art piece made from a real fire truck and water pump and upcycled fire hydrants used to hold plaques with de- scriptions of the various playground fea- tures in English and Braille. The original Chelsea Anderson brick memorial has been preserved and placed in a special tribute area with an updated donor wall. “Partnering with Harper’s Playground on this project allows us to continue our vision to place fully accessible play- grounds at parks across Vancouver,” said Julie Hannon, park development services manager. “The Chelsea Anderson Me- morial Play Station is a treasure in our parks system. We’re looking forward to carrying on the legacy of the Anderson family and those who originally helped build this special playground.” Suspect Dead After Standoff at Apartment Deputy in critical condition after eviction- related shooting Candlelight vigil held for deputy Charles Dozé who is in critical condition A sheriff’s deputy was shot multiple times while trying to detain a person at an apartment complex in a southwestern suburb of Portland, Oregon, officials said. Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were serving a civil evic- tion at the apartments in Tualatin at about 9:30 a.m., said Washington County Sher- iff spokesperson Anel Ceric. Deputies told dispatchers they were attempting to detain a person and that the person opened fire on them at around 10:20 a.m., Ceric said. At least one deputy fired back at the person who opened fire, but Ceric said he didn’t know if the person was hit. The person was found dead in the apartment around 12:30 p.m. by a SWAT team that did not shoot the person, he said. The person’s name and how they died hasn’t been released. The deputy, who has been identified as Charles Dozé was flown to a hospital and is currently in intensive care. According to a GoFundMe account that has been set up by The Washington County Police Officer Association, Deputy Doze’ was struck sev- eral times in his face, arms and chest. He sustained life-threatening and life-altering injuries. All proceeds from raised will be used to assist the Doze’ family through the long and difficult healing process. He is currently recovering surrounded by his family, including his wife and children. The GoFundMe is still active and donations can be made by community members.
