District 4 Round Table

On January 19th, after an afternoon snowstorm, about 30 leaders from District 4 neighborhoods and park support groups, the MPRB superintendent and area recreation staff gathered to meet one another and discuss parks. To meet as leadership within a collective park district was new but the enthusiasm and expectation that everyone brought to the event was palpable.

Superintendent Bangoura kicked off the meeting (in the beautifully renovated Water Works building within Mill Ruins Park) with the encouragement that not only do “people need parks, but parks need people.” The recreation staff for Downtown, Elliot Park, Whittier Park and Kenwood Rec Centers then introduced themselves and shared their vision for youth programming and desire to connect with area residents. Next up, the leaders from thirteen neighborhoods and seven “Friends” park groups shared highlights of what was happening in their local parks and their hopes, as well as concerns for the future. The cumulative effect of hearing all that was happening in and through and for our District 4 parks was a powerful reminder of how our parks bring us together.

As a result of this meeting, neighborhoods and “Friends” groups had a chance to build relationships with one another and park staff, learn about other neighborhood park initiatives and leverage resources and ideas for the benefit of our parks. I am looking forward to seeing what outcomes may develop! One idea that has surfaced is the potential for periodic “deeper dive” discussions around particular topics of interest. In fact, be watching for a buckthorn removal and maintenance summit this spring!

Thanks to all who participated…it was inspiring to hear of your work in the community and our parks!