Mark another 15 for 15 Project completed for Friends of Woodland Park! Congratulations for everyone involved in seeing this project completed. Special thank yous to Council Member Mario Castillo, District H, for his critical part in ushering the project through the permitting process.
Life Scout Thomas Fereday chose the Double Plank Bridge installation as his Woodland Heights Eagle Scout Project. The project replaced an unsafe plank crossing that was in extreme need of replacement. Now completed neighbors who walk the nature trail running through the Woodland Heights Nature Preserve will not only have an easier way to cross the gully across Little White Oak - but they will be much safer while doing so.
"This bridge is really important to me. I'm really glad we got to do something permanent. It was what I wanted to do when I first set out to decide what I wanted to do for my equal project, and this is exactly what I was envisioning, and I had so much fun doing it," said Thomas Fereday, during the ribbon cutting for the new bridge. "We had an incredible team. And I think that's kind of what this bridge is about. It's kind of small, but it's the result of like so many different organizations working together. They're from Mr. Taylor's construction company with these concrete footings, all the engineering done by the people we ordered it from, the help from Mr. Permitting, the help from Mr. Castillo with getting that done on time. And everything was just, there were so many people and organizations that had gone into building this 14-foot, 3-foot wide bridge. But it's been so much fun. That day that we started the construction was the most fun leadership I've ever had in my life."
Ryan Taylor, WHCA Beautification Director, and his crew helped with the installation by assisting with the concrete pillars.
"Supporting our local youth in service projects like this not only improves our neighborhood's beauty and vibrancy but also fosters a sense of pride, responsibility, and connection among our residents of all ages. By helping Thomas with his Eagle Scout project, we are investing in the next generation of community leaders and demonstrating how collaboration can make a lasting, positive impact on the place we all call home." Ryan continued, "As the Beautification Chairperson for the Woodland Heights Civic Association, I love seeing young people step up to improve our community! This project reminds me why I am passionate about my role - it's not just planting flowers or cleaning up parks, but about nurturing a spirit of volunteerism and teamwork. Working alongside dedicated youth, like Thomas, motivates me to keep making our neighborhood a place we are all proud of!"
The construction of this new bridge will support safe access for all users. It also marks the completion of one of the 15 for 15 Campaign projects the Friends of Woodland Park have targeted for their 15th Anniversary Celebration.
“Thank you to all who helped bring the new bridge to fruition. We were especially honored to have Council Member Mario Castillo attend the official ribbon cutting this past week to celebrate its opening,” said Kelli Fereday, President of Friends of Woodland Park. "The 15 for 15 Campaign is all about celebrating this wonderful asset our neighborhood has all within walking distance from our homes. We look forward to completing the rest of our projects and hope our neighbors will join us in the effort."
Additional projects that are part of the FWP 15 for 15 Campaign include:
The placement of a Historical Marker
Improved Park Signage
Nature Preserve Fence Railing
Creation of a Self guided Audio Tour
Art in the Park installation
Community Center Improvements
Parkview Entrance Landscape Improvements
Educational Programming Support
Great Lawn Master Plan Phase I
Bayou Overlook Platform Study
Trash Weir Feasibilty Study
Gateway Steps
Double - Plank Bridge
Rain & Pollinator Garden Improvements
Revitalize & Refresh Playground
Friends of Woodland Park was incorporated FWP as a non-profit in 2010 when four neighbors saw an opportunity to make a difference in their neighborhood while celebrating a parks historic roots and building on them for the future. At that time, Woodland Park was facing potential closure by the city due to its condition and under-utilization.
Then four neighbors, Becky Houston, Pat Rutledge, Beth Fisher, and Louise Moss, saw the parks potential and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Today, thanks to their efforts and other neighbors who have joined FWP mission, Woodland Park is a shining example of one of the few remaining natural, intact, riparian spaces in the city — creating an area for nature preservation and enjoyment as well as providing a recreational center for the local community. To find out more about FWP visit friendsofwoodlandpark.org.
