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. Garfield Elementary school and Highland View Junior High school were constructed on that area. The city of Corvallis and the school district agreed that part of the area should be a park. The school district retained ownership but the city maintained it.
In the northeast corner of the park is the Gathercoal memorial. Unfortunately, the plaque marking the memorial was removed at one point and appears to be lost. The association is working to replace it.
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 was able to install a sprinkler system in Garfield Park.
The park remains the crown jewel of our neighborhood and the association works to support it and the city parks department.
The Garfield Park Neighborhood Association was formed in 2009 and was the first neighborhood association formed in Ward 6. It grew out of the Garfield Park Neighborhood Watch Group. The association now has five neighborhood watch groups and works with the city and school district to maintain and improve the livability of our neighborhood.
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, playing sports, fitness activities, study, and relaxation.
2. A place where street trees are planted and maintained; providing warming and cooling of residences as well as general livability; and where local ecosystems and raptor populations, bluebirds, and other wildlife are supported and live in peace 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 intersection
5. An area that has fewer buses going to schools because students are walking, bicycling, or using public transportation.
6. An area where partnership with 509 J school district is valued and nurtured.
7. An area where partnership with other communities (Calvin Presbyterian Church, the Boys and Girls Club, community gardens) promotes neighborhood cohesion.
8. An area which is safe, where residents and community youth can move around without fear
9. An area that is clean – streets, parks and residents show pride through the up-keep and cleanliness of property, buildings and walkways – including 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 focus resources located in the neighborhood/ward -- our community pool, out of school youth and health center and public elementary and middle schools that positively enhance property values
11. An area that is welcoming – honoring the diversity of residents, including those who live in our low-income apartments and housing. Ensure meeting announcements are available in Spanish to support inclusion for all of our neighbors.