Friendship Park

---

      The weather forecast had library staff scrambling to make indoor arrangements for the big event scheduled at the Cascade branch of KDL on Saturday, June 29...the grand opening of ‘Friendship Park’ on the grounds of the library.

      But, even though the bashful sun remained hidden behind clouds, the rains stayed away, making it possible for the hundreds of people gathering for the celebration to congregate under the new pavilion in the park to hear those most closely involved in the project share some of the history and their personal experiences that brought the park to life.

      Wes Landon, who headed up the project for landscape architecture firm Native Edge, talked about how much the project meant to him and how he gave of his personal time to ensure that it was something he, the township and the library could be proud of.

      And, when the new facility was unveiled to the public, there was plenty to be proud of, according to Friends President Joe David.

      “The Friends had wanted to use the outdoor space for something that would enhance the library experience for families,” he explained. “But, the idea didn’t gain traction until the Cascade branch management team--especially Vanessa Walstra and Ashley Smolinski--approached our board with some preliminary ideas back in 2019.”

      David said it didn’t take long for the Friends board to approve funding for phase one of the project, and that’s when momentum really began to build in the community.

      “Before we knew it, the Cascade Township board and the Downtown Development Authority got behind the idea,” he said, “and, with the additional funding they were able to generate, it became feasible to address all three phases of the project simultaneously.”

      The result is a beautiful and welcoming park that seems to spill out of the library, offering numerous benches and tables for relaxing and congregating; a pavilion that has already hosted Vibes Fest in August; walking paths; children’s playground equipment; and much more.

      Melanie Manion, township parks & recreation director, was instrumental in working with Native Edge to ensure that foliage in the park would lend itself to satisfying both the amateur naturalist and children interested in learning about flora.

      Cascade Branch Manager Lulu Brown shared accolades with her predecessor, Vanessa Walstra, who had initiated plans for the park with the Friends. David said both were deserving of recognition for the vision and hard work they poured into the project to give it life and substance.

      “Vanessa had the vision, did the preliminary work, and then handed her baby off to Lulu for nurturing,” he explained. “And, did she ever! Just take a walk through Friendship Park. And you’ll see for yourself.”

RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES