CHA Volunteers make improvements at Wiard Park
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Submitted photo
Submitted photo
The following is a press release from Cascade Health Alliance.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - 75 Volunteers helped with improvements at Wiard Park this August.
Cascade Health Alliance volunteers met at Wiard Park to help staff with park improvements to make an already great neighborhood space even better. Teams assembled to paint picnic tables and structures, re-stain a pavilion, fix fencing, trim hedges, weed a native garden, and help place new park benches.
Dennis Wiard, the great grandson of the founder of Wiard Park, coordinated the efforts for the volunteers and provided a little park history:
“In 1945 most of the area where Wiard Park is now used to be farm fields. The current park land was owned by the county and was planned to be a bus barn. At that time, it was leased out and farmed for potatoes and onions. The land was bought for around $5,000 from generous donations and a car raffle. The park was built by Harry Wiard with help from family and friends. It was dedicated in 1947 as a place for children to play. Word was that Harry saw a child get hit by a car while playing in the road and he wanted a safe place for kids.”
“As for the volunteer day, the CHA team made a huge positive impact for the park. With the 75 volunteers and different skills, they completed about 30 days’ work in a few hours. All of us at Wiard Park were so impressed with the awesome attitudes of all the team members. I think the CHA team accomplished more than any group I have ever worked with.”
The enthusiasm of everyone involved left a lasting impact on historic Wiard Park. Maintaining a space where families can enjoy a comfortable space outdoors goes to the heart of community values in Klamath Falls. This volunteer day served as an example of how collaboration and community spirit can preserve cherished outdoor spaces for generations to come and promoting a healthier community.
About Cascade Health Alliance (CHA): Founded in 1992, CHA is a coordinated care organization (CCO) in Klamath County that serves Medicaid members. CHA’s goal is to create equal healthcare access for Klamath County residents. CHA brings local health care providers together to deliver quality services efficiently and effectively. Our Vision: To build a healthy community for the population we serve.
About Wiard Memorial Park District: Wiard Park District is a special taxing district operating seven parks within the Klamath Falls suburban area. The park district is committed to enriching the lives of the residents of Klamath County by providing safe, welcoming parks and recreation facilities for people of all ages to play, learn, contemplate, build community and be good stewards of our environment.