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Wednesday November 12, 2025 | Volume 150, Issue 46

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John C. Barnard Park opens in Dallas SW Polk featuring an all abilities play structure Fire District responds to levy election results

I-O STAFF REPORT

Children of all abilities now have a place to play together at the new John C. Barnard Park that opened Nov. 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The park, located at 1901 SE Academy St. in Dallas, includes a first-of-its-kind investment in inclusion and accessibility for the Dallas community. “This park has been a dream for Dallas for many years,” said Jennifer Ward, Public Works Director for the city of Dallas. “Now, thanks to the support of Moda Health, the Trail Blazers, and our generous community, that dream is a reality. This is a park that offers something for everyone.” Designed for children of all physical and sensory abilities, the park features an adaptive play structure with sensory-friendly elements, as well as open spaces built to encourage connection and movement for every child. The project was made possible in part by the Moda Assist Program — a partnership between Moda Health and the Portland Trail Blazers — which turns on-court assists during the Trail Blazers’ season into realworld community improvements across Oregon. “Through the Moda Assist Program, we are creating inclusive play spaces where everyone feels that they belong, because everyone deserves access to play,” said Karis

By CHIEF FRED HERTEL

PHOTO COURTESY MODA

Children frolic on the new playground at the John C. Barnard Park in Dallas that opened Nov 8. Stoudamire-Phillips, Vice President of DEI and Community Initiatives at Moda Health. “Every assist on the court helps fund playgrounds where everybody can connect and play.” John C. Barnard Park was made possible through a combination of city funding, grants, and community partnerships. It reflects the city of Dallas’s ongoing commitment to building accessible, welcoming

spaces that enhance health and quality of life for all residents. “We have always believed in the power of teamwork to build something bigger than ourselves,” said Annie Klug, Vice President of Community Programs, Portland Trail Blazers. “That spirit of teamwork fuels our community work, and we’re proud to partner with Moda Health to create something lasting for every kid in the Dallas community.”

The Moda Assist Program is a partnership between Moda Health and the Portland Trail Blazers that turns every assist made on the court into funding for projects that build healthier communities across Oregon. Since its launch in 2013, the program has helped build all abilities playgrounds in Astoria, Baker City, Dallas, Hermiston, La Grande, Medford, Portland, Redmond, Tillamook, La Pine and Woodburn.

High spirits overcome low turnout at Willamina art tour

She admitted the Coastal Hills Art Tour has had some “hiccups” over the years, such as when it had Drive through Willamina the to be canceled during the COVID second weekend of November and pandemic. Last year’s event was also visitors would likely find a surprising cancelled, due to the city’s commuamount of creative artisans residing nity center had to be shuttered during in and around the small rural town. renovations. Many, whether individually or as Darr said the event’s first year had members of groups and organizaabout a dozen artists and at its peak, tions, meet throughout the year. But the art tour had 30 participating. come November, for more than three “It’s still looked forward to by decades, they invite the surroundthe community thanks to the efforts ing community, even those passing of the Chamber of Commerce and through on their way to the coast, to Economic Improvement District,” stop and see what they’ve created. Darr said. “It’s usually excellent, in Thus was born the Willamina Coastal Hills Tour in 1991. PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES that (visitors) think they’re getting a good bargain. Most of the artists sell Unfortunately, this year’s theme for Chris Darr, spokesperson for the Coastal Hills Quilters, the annual art showcase seemed to gives the backstory of her group’s recreation of the Murder their things at a relatively good price. So we get a lot of people who do be low turnout. Participating artists, Quilt during a stop on the annual Willamina Coastal Hills their Christmas shopping, get somewho couldn’t help but notice fewer Art Tour Nov. 8 thing more personal and handmade attendees, were nonetheless still in One of the longest running memBuzzwell (water colors) and Walt than something off the rack.” high spirits willing to share their art Mindinhall (metal art) were involved bers is the Coastal Hills Quilters, Their nine members, putting their or a tale or two. which joined the tour a couple years creations on display in the VFW in it. She was a famous artist. Her Author and artist William and one of her husbands had a straw- into its run. Spokesperson for the Hall, now craft anything from baby Lindberg, or just Bill if you meet berry patch down where the casino is quilters, Chris Darr, said the art tour, quilts all the way up to king sized him on the street, recalls attending which started as a walking tour of bed quilts, and everything in between the tour in his youth. Now, he partic- now. She started doing water colors. downtown businesses displaying local from table runners to wallets. Somehow her art could be found in ipates, showcasing his hand crafted art, has worked to draw new artists every airport in the United States. At the south end of town, the first greeting cards. and visitors ever since its inception. She became very wealthy from her stop on the tour is actually off the “It was a great event,” Lindberg “It was very successful. I think it watercolors.” said, only slightly lamenting the was even copied. The Yamhill County But the art tour continued on withslow turnout this year. “But I think See TOUR PAGE A3 Art Harvest Festival started after that. out the two renowned artists. it worked way better when Judy It’s continued ever since,” Darr said. By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

IN THIS ISSUE

The Southwest Polk Fire District’s initial reactions to the recent levy election results are ones of understanding and concern. We hear and respect the public’s voice as a clear message against increasing taxes. As a District, we recognize the need to strengthen our communication with the community to help clarify the full ramifications of not renewing the levy. At the same time, we are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished over the past four years through community support. Together, we have achieved faster response times, implemented Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, launched ambulance operations, provided 99% coverage for response requests, and enhanced the training and professionalism of our fire and EMS providers. In addition, the District has been awarded more than $1.5 million in grants for fire and medical equipment, personal protective equipment, and facility improvements. These achievements have directly improved safety and service for every citizen within the SW Polk Fire District. The proposed average increase of $120 per year was designed solely to continue these accomplishments and sustain the higher level of emergency service the public now receives. Our foremost concern moving forward is maintaining the dedicated staff and employees who make these successes possible. If the levy ultimately fails, many of these skilled professionals may face employment uncertainty and could be compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere. This situation could impact the quality and timeliness of emergency services our community depends on. The Board of Directors have discussed the possibility of pursuing a May election as a contingency and will continue deliberations on that option in the coming months. The SW Polk Fire District remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the continued protection of our citizens. We sincerely thank the community for its engagement and ongoing support, and we will continue working to ensure everyone has the information needed to make informed decisions about the future of emergency services in our district. Editor’s Note: In the Polk County Elections Office’s initial count for the Nov. 4 special district election, a 36.65 percent voter turnout saw Southwest Polk Fire District’s levy request being rejected 1,224 No’s to 920 Yes’s. The next voter count update will be posted tonight (Nov. 12).

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