On April 10th, 2014, the small wooden play structure in Franklin Square was removed by the Corvallis City Parks and Recreation Department. The structure had rotted out at the footings, and although it had been repaired in the past, it did not meet today’s safety codes for play structures. Franklin Square is located in the heart of Job’s Addition, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Corvallis.
The Job’s Addition Neighborhood Association (JANA) is leading a community effort to fund and build a new play structure in Franklin Square. Our neighborhood needs a modest but unique structure suitable for use by children ages 2-12. Monetary and volunteer contributions from the community will help us reach our goal.
Franklin Square is the oldest public park in Corvallis, donated to the city by Beniah R. and Addie Job in 1889 to be used “for all time to come as a public park”. The Jobs prioritized beautification of the community, and the planting of trees and shrubs commenced at once. Volunteers cared for these early plantings, and the park in general, by hand and with horse-drawn implements. The trees now standing are large and magnificent specimens. For at least 46 years, there has been a play structure for children in the park.
Before its removal, the play structure at Franklin Square was a popular gathering place for young families. Parents shared information about community resources for themselves and their children, and lasting friendships were made. It was the only appropriate play structure for children ages 2-4 within a reasonable and safe walking distance from Job’s Addition. Other such play structures exist 0.4 miles to the west (Chintimini Park), 0.6 miles to the southeast (Central Park), 0.6 miles to the north (Porter Park) and 0.4 miles to the east (Washington Park). Reaching
these other parks from the Job’s Addition Neighborhood requires crossing major roads with traffic that can be very heavy. The only other play structure available for older children (up to 12) within our neighborhood is at Franklin School.
There is currently no public funding available from the City for this project. Parks and Recreation generally pursues one Capital Improvement Project grant per year and has prioritized Franklin Park for 2014/2015. Based on the cost of other similar, recently installed play structures, the City estimates the total cost of replacement will be about $125,000. Most CIP grants require a 50% match, which leaves the neighborhood with the responsibility of raising about $63,000. Volunteer labor may be included as part of a match, but due to liability, most installation must be done by licensed contractors.
Members of JANA have met with Corvallis Parks and Recreation to discuss how we can work together to replace the play structure. The City is open to design input from the neighborhood, and we are working together to find sources of funding.
Friends of Corvallis Parks and Recreation (Friends) is a newly formed non-profit group dedicated to protecting and improving Corvallis’s parks and recreation programs and facilities for all residents. Fundraising for parks is the cornerstone of their mission. Friends has advocated for the Franklin Square play structure at a city budget meeting, and supports us in our fundraising activities. They have agreed to manage a fund dedicated to a new play structure for Franklin Square.
Tax-deductible, designated donations can be made online or by mail to Friends of Parks and Recreation for Franklin Square.
Thank you for helping make our parks safer and healthier for our children!
Play at Franklin Square 