Board Members

President: Stewart Wershow 

Vice President: Vacant

Secretary: Lisa Scherf

Treasurer: Laurie Chaplen

History

The Garfield Park Neighborhood Association was formed in 2009 as Ward 6's first neighborhood association. It grew out of the Garfield Park Neighborhood Watch Group and now has five neighborhood watch groups. The Association works with the City of Corvallis and the Corvallis 509J School District to maintain and improve the livability of our neighborhood. 

Most of the area in which the Association is located was developed by the Gathercoal family in the 1950’s. In 1952 land was deeded to the school district to be used for “school purposes”. In 1955, the City vacated 12th Street from Garfield to Cleveland Avenues and Garfield Elementary and Highland View Junior High (now Linus Pauling Middle) schools were constructed on or adjacent to that property. The City of Corvallis and the School District agreed that a portion of that area would be retained as a park, known as Garfield Park. The school district retained ownership of the park but the City Parks and Recreation Department maintains it. In the northeast corner of the park is the Gathercoal memorial, including plantings and benches. Unfortunately, the plaque marking the memorial was removed at one point and appears to be lost.

 In 1977, the City purchased part of the land to build Fire Station #3 on Circle Boulevard. In 1989, the City Councilor representing the area received requests that the City keep the area green. When money became available, the City installed a sprinkler system in Garfield Park.

Vision

We envision that in 2030 Garfield Park Neighborhood Association will be as follows:

1.      A community with public open space that is used by residents and other community members for neighborhood gatherings, sports, fitness activities, study, and relaxation.

2.      A place where street trees are planted and maintained; providing shade for sidewalks, streets, and homes, and promoting general livability; and where local ecosystems and songbird and raptor populations live in harmony with neighbors.

3.      A bicycle and pedestrian friendly area with bike lanes and well maintained sidewalks.

4.      An area where car speed limits are enforced by police and appropriate traffic calming devices such as bulbed intersections and speed humps.

5.      An area that has less congestion and parking demand from private vehicles driving to schools, because students are instead walking, bicycling, or using public transportation.

6.      An area where partnership with the 509J School District is valued and nurtured.

7.      An area where partnership with other communities such as the Calvin Presbyterian Church and the Boys and Girls Club promotes neighborhood cohesion and positive relationships.

8.      An area which is safe, where residents and community youth can move around without fear.

9.      An area that is clean, with residents and community partners showing pride through the upkeep and cleanliness of property, buildings and walkways. This goal is supported with an annual volunteer clean up day that encourages neighbors helping neighbors to maintain their property if needed and to collectively maintain shared open spaces.

10.  An area that embraces the youth and family focused resources located in the neighborhood - our community pool, after school resources at the Boys and Girls Club, and public schools that positively enhance property values.

11.  An area that is welcoming and honors the diversity of all residents.