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Ballots
are in -- Vic's out, Lewis is in
ODOT survey finds people want bypass
St. Paul Rodeo queen to be crowned today
Newberg man pleads guilty to rape charge
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A new place to play |
The project is part of the Rotarian's -- both Early
Bird and Noon -- centennial celebration |
By Gunnar
Olson, Newberg
Graphic reporter
E-mail Gunnar at
golson@eaglenewspapers.com
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An
excavator at the corner of Sheridan and School streets on Wednesday
scraped chunks of grass and dirt a foot deep as easily as someone
digs up mashed potatoes with a spoon.
And just like that, ground-breaking had begun at Rotary Centennial
Park – slated for completion the second weekend in September, during
the Harvest Festival.
“We would not be doing this without the Rotarians,” said Jim
McMaster, park manager for Chehalem Park and Recreation District.
Newberg Rotary, in celebration of its 100th year, went to CPRD and
requested a project that would be a benefit to the community.
“We thought it would be a great opportunity for the kids,” he said.
“We’re trying to make it different. We don’t have a park in this
area and people have asked when a playground would be (replaced).”
CPRD is overseeing the construction at Central School, with help
from the Rotarians and the Saunders Company.
Construction of the park will cost about $90,000, with about half
the costs donated by both the morning and afternoon Rotary, McMaster
said. Some funds will come from system development charges levied by
the CPRD for improvements.
Play structures will not be in place until mid-July, McMaster said,
and will include a rock climbing wall and boulder, with 12 inches of
wood chips beneath to provide cushion for anyone who falls, a net
pyramid for climbing, two long lines of swings, a toddler play area
and an area more suited toward older children, said Dennis Lemen,
job site superintendent.
By Friday morning the landscape had changed dramatically, with
county corrections workers spreading out piles of gravel to form
curving walkways and excavators continuing to grade the property.
Already the neighborhood is excited about the play ground.
Two-year-old Jack Chlumak was slated to visit the zoo
Wednesday afternoon, but instead spend much of the day glued to the
window, excited about the activity at the future park.
“I hadn’t heard all the details,” said Emily Chlumak, Jack’s mom.
“It will be great for me – my kids live right across the street.”
It will also be great for the many children living in the
neighborhood.
“I’m so excited to have something going on there,” Chlumak said,
holding 1-year-old Grace Chlumak who seemed riveted by the nearby
construction.
Asked what he thought about the playground, Jack paused before
saying: “Good thing.”
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From May
22,
2004, Newberg Graphic
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