Podcast episode 51: Cary Simmons and the redevelopment of Kiwanis Methow Park
My guest this week is Cary Simmons, the director of the Trust for Public Land’s Parks for People program. The organization has been engaging neighbors in South Wenatchee and throughout the community in the redevelopment of Kiwanis Methow Park. TPL is also working on a second park in East Wenatchee on 9th Street.
“The work we’re doing in the Wenatchee Valley feels really special and I think a big part of that is just the community aspect of this place and the way that Methow Park and the new work that we’re going to be doing in East Wenatchee are really pulling together the whole community,” Simmons told me.
And engaging the neighbors has created a tremendous sense of ownership in the park. A group of neighbors called the “Parque Padrinos” are programming events at the park and guiding the development of the project.
For anyone who thinks public engagement isn’t useful, this project should give them cause to reconsider. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Read the full story in The Wenatchee World.
