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A newsletter for the neighbors of the University of California, Berkeley |
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Spring 2002 |
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| Springtime at People's Park by D. Lyn Hunter |
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| It's spring at People's Park. The grass is green and projects completed during the winter months have added tangible improvements: a new patio, improved walkways, retaining walls that prevent erosion and drainage problems, an enclosure to screen trash containers, planters crowded with flowers. In addition to these is a hard-working site coordinator who has embraced People's Park with enthusiasm.
"I want to make this flower bloom," says Devin Woolridge, part of UC Berkeley's Office of Community Relations staff. He scans the park grounds from his office on the site. "It's not all milk and honey yet, but it's slowly getting better." The 2.3-acre lot has been the focus of protest and controversy for much of its history. For many Berkeley residents, it has also had a negative image - which Woolridge and park users are working hard to change. Woolridge's first step, when he came on board in August 2000, was to strengthen relationships between campus and park stakeholders, including local residents and park users, city of Berkeley officials, police and students. "I'm trying to break down the walls and make things more comfortable for everyone involved with the park," said Woolridge, who knows and understands the community he is working for. Not only was he born and raised in Berkeley, he was on staff at nearby Emerson School for 15 years as a computer and physical education teacher before his current university job. Woolridge, along with co-workers in the Community Relations Office, works regularly with city officials and the community to hash out park issues. A campus-appointed People's Park Community Advisory Board - made up of students, neighbors, campus staff and park users - meets monthly to plan park improvements and outreach, discuss programs and advise on park policies. "There seems to be a change in attitude," Woolridge says. And park users are taking notice. "Devin has been a tremendous addition," said retired filmmaker George Holmes, a daily park visitor for 16 years. "The park is much cleaner and friendlier since he's gotten here. He's a good listener and has been able to smooth over many of the park's rough spots." Woolridge is also trying to change the reputation of the park among Berkeley students - including those brand new to campus. "When new students come onto the grounds, I introduce myself, give them a tour and talk about the park's rich history," said Woolridge. "It makes them rethink their perceptions." Efforts to make the park more user-friendly seem to be paying off. According to UC Police Department logs, criminal incidents at the park have gone down in virtually every category. "Things are lot better now," noted Noah Bullock, a UC security patrol officer assigned to the park. There's plenty to do on the site. Its basketball courts are popular with students and local players; the community gardens attract green thumbs; others enjoy concerts and special events. Those who prefer quieter recreation can borrow board games from the park office. This spring, special events for children are planned, including a Berkeley middle school basketball tournament scheduled for early May and a children's chess festival in June. April 28 is the 33rd People's Park Anniversary event. Last year, the party featured music, skateboarding on Haste Street and a petting zoo for kids. On August 27, the San Francisco Mime Troupe is scheduled to perform at the park. A UC staffer is on site at the park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Park facilities can be reserved for special events at no cost. For information on the People's Park Community Advisory Board or to schedule an event, call Devin Woolridge at (510) 642-3255. |
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Devin Woolridge, site coordinator for People's Park, enjoys a bright day on the job.
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