Stories From The Field – A RARE AmeriCorps Perspective

Cascade Locks, Oregon:  RARE AmeriCorps Project Round-up

I am the last of a legacy of RARE AmeriCorp volunteers here, at least for a while. Cascade Locks has had over 10 years of ongoing RARE AmeriCorps projects. I don’t even know the half of them, but I think this is a good time to share a small sampling:

West Entrance to Cascade Locks
This is one of those things that I took entirely for granted. Knowing now that this used to be a stand of scrappy trees and weeds, I really appreciate the fantastic view of the Bridge of the Gods that is revealed to me upon entering Cascade Locks. There’s a lovely rock wall built by a citizen volunteer, and flowers, and a welcoming sign. It doubles as the entrance to the famous Historic Highway State Trail.

easyCLIMB Trail and Information Kiosks
Truly a unique mountain biking opportunity in a scenic spot. Located on the far east end of town, the trail is kid-friendly, and a place for beginners of all ages to gain confidence in their skills. The trail was completed this past year (by Northwest Trail Alliance volunteers). It’s been exciting to live here and see this recreational trail planting the seeds for economic growth in formerly “sleepy” Cascade Locks.

 Sacagawea Statue Installation
A stunning statue of the young woman, her baby and the companion dog is located in the Cascade Locks Marine Park.  Heather Soderberg is the artist, and believe it or not, Heather’s studio and bronze foundry are the view from my office window! I love how Heather chose to put a fresh perspective on Sacagawea by researching and learning that she most certainly had a strong and brave personality, and sculpted her to celebrate that.

 Restoration of 100-year-old Locktender Home
One of three lookalike 100-year old structures has been fully renovated inside and out. It’s very attractive and I have enjoyed accessing the space for community meetings and events. These buildings represent the majority of historic structures still standing in the city of Cascade Locks, so in my opinion, their restoration is a very valuable project.

 Community Garden
Located in the yard of the above-mentioned fully restored locktender’s home in MarinePark are a group of charming garden plots. What a spot for growing veggies! It’s easy to imagine doing just the same thing in the same spot a century ago. It’s a special place because the front door aligns exactly with the gigantic doors of the old Lock and Canal, submerged since the late 1930’s.

 Sternwheeler Themed Playground
What a cute idea. The kids love it! This playground is located smack in the middle of MarinePark, you cannot miss it. The custom features make it look a lot like the iconic Sternwheeler boat that docks here in Cascade Locks each summer. There are shapes and spaces to explore that your run-of-the-mill playground doesn’t have. Plus, everyone’s a captain on this boat!

I hope this post leaves you inspired to get things done! There are signs that Cascade Locks has instilled some of that can-do spirit to last awhile. For example, a partnership between the Port, Tourism Committee and Business Association will bring 40 new bike racks to town, to be installed this summer. Local business owners are spearheading the project. (A local RARE alum and I have been helping out here and there, but I am thrilled to see that this project has the energy it needs to happen regardless.) I see this increase in local capacity as a fulfillment of the purpose of the RARE AmeriCorps Program.

About the Author:  Rebecca Sergeant received her Masters in Architecture from NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego.  Intrigued by the many variables that combine to create economic development, Rebecca has found Cascade Locks, Oregon to be a good place to increase her knowledge about creating a vibrant and livable place.  Coordinating often with various community groups and performing a wide array of tasks, she supports the City of Cascade Locks Tourism Committee in promoting the city as a tourist destination.  Her work serves to tie together Tourism Committee efforts with the local business association, downtown merchants, and the Port of Cascade Locks. In this capacity, she is completing a second term as a RARE AmeriCorps volunteer, and looks forward to a lifetime of learning and community engagement in the future.