Rebuild Henderson Park
BACK STORY (A HISTORY LESSON)
Along Highway 38 in Reedsport, situated between a triangle of three streets (Greenwood Ave, N 9th St, and West Railroad Ave) sits a small, but mighty community park. Henderson Park, formerly Triangle Park, is named for long-time community resident Roy Henderson. Roy loved children and the community and his family donated the funds to build the original playground which sits on this piece of land. Over three decades later, the equipment is in disrepair. It is mismatched, unsafe, and there is a lack of adequate surfacing material to protect children in the event of a fall from a piece of equipment. Adjacent to the property is a large under-attended baseball field, a rusted basketball court, and a very active AARP food bank which serves the surrounding neighborhood and community.
NEW STORY (PRESENT DAY)
Reedsport is coming back to life one volunteer and community member and agency at a time! We want to bring Henderson Park back to life! We want to restore this amazing community space for local children and families. We have a dream of creating a gathering place in downtown Reedsport for families, for visitors as they pass through town along historic Highways 38 and 101, and for local businesses to use for community events. We believe that because of the location of this park, it would behoove old town businesses and community members to invest in its restoration. It is visible from the main road and a state of the art community park would further encourage tourists to stop and rest, have lunch, and visit the growing number of shops on main street. A safe and utilized community space would increase property values in the downtown area and reduce crime and vandalism in the area as well. There are so many benefits to rebuilding this park, and we hope you will join us in our efforts!
THE DREAM (SPRING 2021)
A new playground structure, swing set, benches, and surfacing. We are writing actively writing and submitting grant applications, but we need to raise matching funds for this project. We need your help to make this happen! Here is a picture of the large piece of equipment we've already been able to purchase! 
A full playground structure, new swings, picnic benches, and fresh surfacing are in the works!
WHY SHOULD I DONATE TO THIS PROJECT?
The Reedsport Rotary Foundation is the sponsoring organization for this project. The Reedsport Rotary Foundation has a long track record of serving the residents of Reedsport through various endeavors, including providing college scholarships. The team of volunteers behind this project are the same people that brought you a brand new preschool playground at Lions Park in July of 2015. In March of 2016, this same group of volunteers brought you the big kids playground at Lions Park. In July 2017, these volunteers brought you a trail system and disc golf course at Bicentennial Park. In 2019, we planted 20 sunset maple trees adjacent to this park. We have a long standing history of serving with the Christmas in July summer initiative since 2012. Our leader grew up in Reedsport and is committed to seeing the city rejuvenated. You can trust us. We know what we are doing. We have a track record. And we want to bring you this park during Spring Break 2021. At the time of the build, we will be reaching out to community members and inviting them to participate in the installation of the playground equipment as well!
WE ARE SO CLOSE TO REACHING OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR THIS PROJECT!
Every donor or business who contributes $75+ will be recognized within an art piece in the park.
Join us in our efforts by donating to this project today. You can also make donations in person at the City of Reedsport. Please make checks payable to Reedsport Rotary Foundation (please write HENDERSON PARK in the memo) and deliver them to the City of Reedsport main office or mail them attn:
Reedsport Rotary Foundation
PO Box 91
Reedsport, OR 97467
THE CURRENT EQUIPMENT
An inventory of the current state of conditions at Roy Henderson Park.
The equipment at Triangle Park is between 20 and 40 years old. There are three pieces of equipment at the park. One is a primary age play structure for ages 2-5, one is for school age children 5-12, and there is a swing set. None of the equipment would currently pass ADA requirements. None of the surfacing material would pass safety or ADA requirements.
Issues with each of the pieces are as follows:
2-5 structure: graffiti on platforms and poles, standing water on equipment due to wear or a possible missing piece, some structure pieces which originally spun are missing.
5-12 structure: Platform is missing a safety bar and has exposed metal edge, a large gap is present at the top of the platform on two sides with a 5 foot drop (would not pass safety inspection), rusted bolts, paint completely worn off many parts of the equipment, graffiti present on many parts of structure, microphone accessory pieces are rusted and do not work properly, rock wall stands over 6" tall and has no safe surfacing beneath it.
Swing set: Swing set is completely rusted over. All chains, bolts, and grommets are rusted. Seats are weathered and cracking-would likely break with a heavy enough child sitting on them.
The park playground is on the verge of being closed off as it is a public safety hazard.
Graffiti present on many pieces of equipment. Standing water. Missing pieces of equipment. Exposed concrete edges and lack of adequate surfacing materials on ground and below large pieces of equipment. Many areas where this is a 5+ foot drop onto a hard surface. Rusted equipment. Missing bolts and hardware. And a generally uninviting atmosphere for children to play. 
Join us in our efforts by donating to this project today. You can also make donations in person at the City of Reedsport. Please make checks payable to Rotary Foundation (please write HENDERSON PARK in the memo) and deliver them to the City of Reedsport main office or mail them attn:
Rotary Foundation
PO Box 91
Reedsport, OR 97467
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Thank you for your financial and moral support for this necessary and exciting community project!
