Pamela Joy Lowry Memorial Park
by Christy Lowry
Watching our four grandchildren playing on the swings, in the sandbox, and down the slide at Pamela Joy Lowry Memorial Park takes me back to where it all began.
In 1985, a proposed subdivision and road that would have replaced our neighborhood ponds, footpath, and flora & fauna, galvanized five subdivisions into action. Brent Wadsworth, Bill Swigart, Duane Hippe, Dean Parker and I formed a steering committee dedicated to creating a new community park. After numerous municipal and legislative meetings, a combined Park Improvement District and a legislative grant, we acquired this elliptical shaped 8 ½ acre stretch of wetlands.
Over a ten year period we converted it into a safe neighborhood park, complete with a playground and a nature trail. Our community joined Parks and Recreation to plant trees and shrubs and provide a scenic oasis for visitors.
While I was out of town the neighborhood petitioned the Assembly to rename the park the Pamela Joy Lowry Memorial Park.
Mayor Fink presided over the formal dedication held on June 14, 1993. Two years later, our younger son, Brad, obtained his Eagle Scout rank by contributing signage throughout the park.
Today varied playground equipment draws children of all ages to our park. People enjoy walking, biking, and birding (and frog catching) in the summer, and cross-country skiing and ice skating in the winter.
Chinook Optional Student Program adopts the park and holds cleanups there, numerous science field trips and held there, and neighbors and Brownie scouts provided and maintain the flower boxes and tubs you see at both ends of the park.
The Pamela Joy Lowry Memorial Park is a true community effort and treasure.