Week of 10/25/21 - Neighborhoods

The Neighborhood Update is produced on a weekly(ish) basis by the City of Corvallis to help neighborhoods stay connected. Contributions are always welcomed and considered - please send by Friday of the preceding week.

New This Week

On the Calendar: Imagine Corvallis Action Network | Park in the Dark | Volunteer Tree Planting Event

Porter Park Playground Improvements - The Parks & Recreation Department has received a small grant to help update the playground at Porter Park! As we embark on the planning process, we need your feedback! Share your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations with City staff by attending the virtual meetings, visiting the website, and participating in an upcoming survey. Here is what to expect:

• Virtual Meeting #1 - November 2 @ 5:30p @ online - Parks & Recreation staff will provide a project overview, including site opportunities and constraints and offer insights into the community's broader park system needs. Register to attend.
• Online Survey - Open through December 22 - An online survey will be posted on the project website to collect your thoughts and preferences regarding playground improvements as they develop design alternatives. Visit website.
• Virtual Meeting #2 - December 22 @ 5:30p @ online - Parks & Recreation staff will return to share 2 -3 playground design alternatives and invite feedback.  Input will be considered in conjunction with the grant requirements, budget, community inclusivity goals, safety, and overall contribution to Corvallis park system.

BOO! Downtown Trick or Treat Returns to Corvallis - October 29 @ 1:00p - 5:00p @ Downtown Corvallis - Dress up in your spookiest costume and be sure to wear your Covid-safe mask and head to downtown Corvallis for the best trick or treating around! Participating Businesses will be giving out goodies during the event. Event is sponsored by the Downtown Corvallis Association. Learn more.

BOO! Park in the Dark - October 29 & October 30 - 6:30 -9:00p @ Chintimini Park - Come take a haunted walk through Chintimini Park as it's inhabited by a cast of roving frights and fun. Bring your friends, get spooked and have fun for a cause! Park in the Dark supports the Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund. Drinks and treats will be available for purchase from the Coffee Leaf Cafe'. Must be ages 14+ to participate! This outdoor event will follow COVID safety protocols to ensure a safe environment! Learn more.

GOBBLE! GOBBLE! Turkey Trot is Coming Soon - November 25 - The Corvallis Turkey Trot is the Parks and Recreation Department's largest fundraiser for The Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund. The Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund gives low income families and individuals access to programs such as swimming lessons, therapy classes and more. Whether you plan to run or donate, we are looking forward to keeping the momentum of the Turkey Trot going in 2021! Register.

Tree Planting Event along the Eric E. Austin Memorial Bypass - October 31 @ 1:00p - 4:00p - Please join us to plant 20 native trees along the Mill Race stream and the Eric E. Austin Memorial Bypass in south Corvallis. The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 31. Trees, gloves, and tools will be provided. The event is conducted by the City of Corvallis Public Works and the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition. Please RSVP to Ted Hart at 541-766-6454. Learn more.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Skyline West Neighborhood Association is in the News - Congratulations to SWNA for its recent recent appearance in the Oregon Forest Resource Institute's Living with Fire report. The neighborhood is featured as a "fire-adapted community" with a focus on the annual efforts the neighbors take on together to keep the area safe in the event of a fire. Read more.

Do you or your neighbors need help with seasonal tasks? - Fall is most definitely here, and winter is only weeks away. This is the perfect time of year to get a little HELP with raking leaves, winterizing your garden, or hanging seasonal and holiday decorations. The Homeless Employment Launching Project (HELP) connects neighbors with qualified workers who can take on tasks around a home or business.  All HELP workers are interviewed, vaccinated, undergo a thorough background check, and are eager to work! Here are a few examples of the tasks that HELP workers can assist with:Yard Work/Raking Leaves | Painting | Gutter and Window Cleaning | Moving Services | Office Filing and Cleaning | Seasonal Decorating. Ask a Question | Learn more 

Corvallis Sustainability Report Now Available - The January 2020 - July 2021 Sustainability Report describes the City’s progress on Strategic Operational Plan (SOP) actions, Corvallis Climate Action Plan (CAP) municipal operations projects, and other sustainability efforts. This year’s report covers an 18-month timeframe - calendar year 2020 and the first six months of 2021 - to allow future reports to coincide with the fiscal year and align with the City’s SOP. The report also has a new format! Read the report.