Banner Park phase one nears completion

(Oakridge, Oregon) November 5, 2022

By LYNDA KAMERRER/for The Herald  —  During a break in the weather this past week, a large batch of native plants was installed at Banner Park.  An enthusiastic group of 15 volunteers completed a variety of jobs throughout the day.  A few more plants, logs, and rocks need to be added to complete the design created by Mandi Motes, LPA, Third Nature Design, Westfir, OR.

A long and busy volunteer day

The youngest volunteers were a couple of toddlers, whose parents were nearby digging and planting. The early crew started about 8

am.  After a nap and/or lunch break, work continued until 6 pm. Several of the adults worked all day digging holes for the 266 plant starts, amending the soil with compost, and moving things around to complete the intended design. Likewise, other volunteers performed a variety of other jobs. Some volunteers transported the plants from Trillium Gardens Nursery in Pleasant Hill and unloaded them at the Banner Park site.  The dog waste station was relocated. Also, volunteers supplied flagging to mark the location of plants, and others provided technical guidance during the planting process.  City staff delivered mulch from the Oakridge Industrial Park and compost purchased from Robin’s Nursery in Oakridge.

Dollars and efforts expected to yield significant results

 

This project has been made possible over the past 9 months through a lot of community volunteer effort.  Of significance, the financial support was granted by the Oakridge City Council.  The project qualified for Transient Lodging Tax Funds under the beautification category of landscaping.  The Parks and Community Services Advisory Committee has oversight and receives updates at their monthly meetings. There are a number of expected results from improving the looks and functions of Banner Park. Included are a positive aesthetic for the business district and an inviting space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Also, the creation of shade to cool the urban built environment, and an increase in  the time visitors spend in Oakridge are anticipated results.

A city lot transformed

The park has languished since 2015. The “park” consisted of a few lonely and struggling trees on a somewhat desolate city lot surrounded by asphalt and concrete.  This location is where Siuslaw Bank once stood. The bank burned and was subsequently demolished.  After banking buyouts, Banner Bank became the owner of the property. It was subsequently donated the land to the City of Oakridge for a park.