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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 7, 2024)
February 07, 2024 Page 3 BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024 INSIDE L ocaL N ews Arts & ENTERTAINMENT page 7-8 c Lassified /B ids pages 10 Established 1970 USPS 959 680 1727 NE 13th Ave. Suite 201 Portland, OR 97212 The Portland Observer welcomes freelance submissions. Manuscripts and photographs should be clearly labeled and will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed envelope. All created design display ads become the sole property of the newspaper and cannot be used in other publications or personal usage without the written consent of the general manager, unless the client has purchased the composition of such ad. © 2008 THE PORTLAND OBSERVER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. The Portland Observer--Oregon’s Oldest Multicultural Publication--is a member of the National Newspaper Association--Founded in 1885, and The National Advertising Representative Amalgamated Publishers, Inc, New York, NY, and The West Coast Black Publishers Association Publisher: Mark Washington, Sr. Editor: Shawntell Washington Office Mngr/Clasfds : Lucinda Baldwin Admin Coord : Quayuana Washington Creative Director: Kenya Anderson Web Editor: Zoe Holman-Kragero CALL 503-288-0033 • FAX 503-288-0015• news@portlandobserver.com ads@portlandobserver.com• subscription@portlandobserver.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Portland Observer, PO Box 3137, Portland, OR 97208 16 Acres in SE Portland Transformed Errol Heights Park Project Completed Southeast Portland’s reimag- ined Errol Heights Park is now open, with work substantial- ly complete. Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) just com- pleted work at the 16-acre de- veloped park and natural area, located in the Brentwood-Dar- lington neighborhood. The proj- ect included restoring natural habitat, establishing wildlife viewing spots, improving trails and constructing paths for bet- ter accessibility, and putting in a new playground, picnic areas, and splash pad. After planning, permitting, and robust community engage- ment starting in 2018, the major- ity of construction was complet- ed by December, with some final touches undergoing completion. While Errol Heights Park is ready for visitors today, PP&R will wait until spring when weather conditions are more fa- vorable to host its free, public grand opening celebration. Errol Heights Park is open The park design focused on being accessible for people of all abilities and is receiving praise for achieving that goal. “I was at the new Errol Heights Park recently,” says former Port- land Parks Board member Ian Jaquiss, who uses a wheelchair. “I was able to easily navigate all parts of it. And, I have to say, that is the most accessible, beau- tiful park I have seen.” “Errol Heights Park has long been a beloved community gathering spot focused on na- ture and habitat,” says Portland Culture & Livability Commis- sioner Dan Ryan, who oversees PP&R. “But with the new fea- tures which increase accessibil- ity, more people can get around and enjoy the unique space. The elevated walkway, playground, and splash pad are just some of the new park features which are simply wonderful.” “We have reimagined what a hy- brid park and natural area can be,” says PP&R Director Adena Long. “Restored wetlands and wildlife viewing spots complement new play areas and picnic grounds. This is an impressive, unique, and beautiful Portland park!” From the Ballroom to the Classroom Leader Taking Role to the Next Level For Nathaniel Kung, 17, at- tending Portland Community College satisfies his intellectual curiosity and enriches an already complex life. The Sunset High School honor roll student, math- lete, and national ballroom dance competitor started Early College High School just last year but is now also leading the Associated Students of PCC as its president. “I chose to attend PCC be- cause it perfectly aligns with my academic interests as an Early College student,” said Kung, who intends to earn an associate degree before transferring to a four-year university. “The higher level of academic rigor at PCC compared to my high school ed- ucation is particularly appeal- ing.”Describing himself as a big believer in the power of critical Student Body President and dance aficionado, Nathaniel Kung, is connecting students to resources and opportunity thinking and problem-solving, he enjoys tackling challenges. With an admitted “soft spot for finance” and a desire to dabble in business, he thinks combining these specialties with engineer- ing will enable him to approach problems from a unique perspec- tive to make a greater impact. Besides studying, Kung is also representing student voic- es and advocating for student needs by serving as the student representative on the PCC Board of Directors for 2023-2024.“By being a part of and actively en- gaging with the decision-mak- ing process at PCC, I can help bring student input into spaces that shape policies, advocate for Continued on Page 8
