Heights Crosswalk Demos
The Streets Alive event on September 30th featured two temporary demonstration crosswalks set up on 12th and 13th streets in the Heights which subsequently remained during the first week in October. The City’s Urban Renewal Advisory Committee (URAC) is soliciting open-ended feedback on both demo crosswalks, specifically on preferences for safety features. City residents and users of the road/sidewalk system are invited to give input by way of open-ended comments based on the following prompt thru this comment form link. URAC will collect and review insight and comments.
“The first week in October we had temporary demonstration crosswalks. We’re interested in any comments you have on using the temporary demonstration crosswalks at the intersection of 13th / Taylor / C streets and the intersection at 12th / Pine streets. Feedback from drivers, walkers, bicyclists… everyone and all perspectives will help drive collaborative longer-term solutions.”
City observes Indigenous People’s Day
Close to 100 attendees observed Hood River’s fourth annual Indigenous People’s Day on October 8th. The event acknowledged the history, heritage and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. The 2018 event began with a welcome by Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn, the primary planner of the event. Brigette McConville, tribal council representative of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, as keynote speaker shared stories of her ancestry, and family ties to the land and river. Davis “Yellowash” Washines, executive chairman of the Yakama Nation General Council, spoke of the significance of the observance, and cultural bridges formed through this and similar events. Closing remarks were provided by Judy Zimmerman, chairperson for Gorge Ecumenical Ministries prior to attendees raising a glass of non-alcoholic cider as a symbol of unity.
The first annual Indigenous People’s Day in Hood River was organized by Lana Jack in 2015. It originated as an offering of hope to Native Americans living in the Gorge after witnessing struggles of despair from decades of broken promises and suppressions she felt could lead to drug and alcohol abuse. In 2016, the City of Hood River proclaimed the traditional Columbus Day as Indigenous People’s Day and has continued to do so each year since.
Children’s Park opens
Children’s Park opened September 22nd with a large community gathering for an official ribbon cutting and celebration. The reopening of the 25-year-old-park drew hundreds of guests throughout the day. Mayor Blackburn offered welcoming words prior to the Chamber-facilitated ribbon cutting, with recognition and appreciation to the many volunteers, donors and organizations that made the Children’s Park rebuild a huge success. Live music by Samba Rio plus children’s activities rounded out the event.
Smiles were broad and eyes wide open as children flitted from structure to structure, broke in new swings, slides, and merry-go-rounds. In addition to the vast amount of new play structures, Children’s Park also gained new installations. The third multi-lingual Rotary Peace Pole featured in the park was presented during the re-opening by Brazilian Rotary exchange student Laura Gontijo. In addition, a new mural display was shared using donation pickets from the 1992 park fund-raising, created by community youth with guidance from local artist MacRae Wylde.
Upcoming Special Events (permitted by the City)
Safe Halloween / Downtown Hood River
Wednesday, October 31, 4 pm – 7 pm
Street Closure: Oak Street from 1st to 6th streets
First Friday / Downtown Hood River
Friday, November 2, 5 pm – 8:30 pm
No Street Closures
First Friday Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting / Downtown Hood River
Friday, December 7, 5 pm – 8:30 pm
Street Closure: Oak Street from 1st to 6th streets
Please consider signing up HERE to receive quarterly Emails of future editions of Hood River City Connect.
Si le gusta lo que acaba de leer, considere inscribirse AQUI para recibir correos electrónicos trimestrales de futuras ediciones de Hood River City Connect.