Reopening park in Oregon town devastated by wildfire ‘is going to be a big milestone’
Source: NBC16.com
BLUE RIVER, Ore. – The Holiday Farm Fire swept down the McKenzie River drainage and through town late last summer, driven by unusually fierce east winds.
Blue River Park was lost to the flames along with much of the community.
NBC-16 visited Blue River and interviewed Park Board member Alice Bonasio.
“Blue River was almost entirely destroyed, and the park was an example,” said Alice Bonsio, a member of the park board. “So to have this re-opening is going to be a big milestone. I think it will feel like coming home.”
There’s an effort in progress to reopen the park soon, with plans for chainsaw artists to carve sculptures out of tree stumps – and a fundraiser for people to sponsor the sculptures and park benches.
It’s one example of how the community has pulled together in the aftermath of the fire.
One organization – McKenzie Community Development Corporation – fills different needs, evolving from relief centers and food pantries to helping people navigate resources.
“We may not have lost our homes, but we are here to help the ones who did,” said Jeffery Dehne, president of McKenzie Community Development Corporation.
“McKenzie Strong” has become a tribute to the tight-knit community helping one another.
“It’s a way to let people know we are strong, we will survive,” said Dehne.
Read the full article here.
Copyright NBC16.com
