Klamath Commons Park, Open for Play
/After months of construction Klamath Commons Park in Downtown Klamath Falls has opened
Katherine Pope and Heidi VanDyke embrace in a hug following the ribbon cutting of the Klamath Commons Park. July 1, 2019 (Image, Brian Gailey / Klamath Falls News)
“All great things have a story behind them,” said Paul Stewart CEO, Sky Lakes Medical Center.
The Klamath Commons Park is no exception. There might be a few orange barricades protecting the newly seeded grass, but the temporary construction fences are down and the park is open for play for both young and old.
Monday, hundreds gathered at the new park in the city block surrounded by Main Street, Klamath Avenue, 11th Street and 12th Street in historic downtown Klamath Falls. They gathered to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Dr. Stephanie VanDyke and her vision of a healthier Klamath Falls.
VanDyke was the visionary behind the park.
“I must say, I am in awe of the outpouring of all of you being here in this beautiful park, says Heidi VanDyke, Mother of the late Stephanie VanDyke. “It is such a small town, but such a strong community.”
“Today we join all of you to dedicate this beautiful park in her memory,” said Heidi VanDyke. “You have all been so compassionate and generous.”
The Sky Lakes Board of Directors, in conjunction with the medical centers 50th anniversary, wanted to capture investments they could make where they could give back to the community.
VanDykes vision for a downtown park, along with the park at Kit Carson, and swimming lessons for third graders aligned with the Sky Lakes Board of Directors conception.
“They wanted those investments to be in infrastructure initiatives that promoted physical activity,” said Stewart. “Physical activity is associated with reducing thirty-five chronic conditions and we as a community all need to move more.”
In addition to new curbs, sidewalks and parking, Klamath Commons Park features a covered seating area, a grass staged amphitheater, and splash pad.
“Rather than assuming time will change the wrongs of the world, in reality, we have to change them ourselves.”
~ Dr. Stephanie VanDyke
