45 and under crowd..

[Waterbuffalo]

So I have been having dreams of Vancouver about the past three night of sleeping sessions and thought this might be a good time and place to start a thread of this sort.

What does our younger folks between the ages of 21-45 or so think they want in Clark County or Vancouver? Not going to say this thread is not just for Vancouver per se but all the cities, incorporated and unincorporated areas of our community.

My question is what do you guys dream about? What do you want? (From the younger set that very rarely says any thing in our community.)

[CouvCoug]

Good question, WB...Glad you asked.

I fit in your age scale, so here's what I want for our community:

- Continuation of solid schools, with continued support from the community (yes that means taxes...we ALL have a responsibility to provide the kids the learning tools they need, whether we have kids in the schools or not. Someone else once paid for all of us to go to school. Thank you to all of them).
- Abolition of the WASL. This program, in my opinion, is unfair to students, teachers, families, school administrators and school districts. Don't get me started.
- Control on growth. In my opinion, there are certain parts of Clark County that are starting to feel like Southern California, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. The Board of Clark County Commissioners used to have a pretty good vision and plan for this, until the current board messed it all up.
- More living-wage jobs in Clark County, helping to keep our people and tax dollars, here in our own community.
- The new Columbia River Crossing - BUT ONLY if its done right! If we're going to pay $4.2 billion in TAX dollars to build the thing, MAKE SURE we're not building something that 1) creates more bottlenecks when five lanes narrow down to three on either side of the river -- I'm not convinced that's been considered. 2) NO LIGHT RAIL! The HOV lane disaster in Vancouver proved that people do not want to get out of SOV's...what makes CRC think people will get out of SOV's to ride a crowded, crime/violence-riddled train that takes just as long to get to downtown of Vancouver's bedroom community (aka portland) as driving does?
- Despite my earlier comment about control on growth, I do want the COV to annex Hazel Dell, Felida and Salmon Creek...then stop annexation! As a native of Vancouver and Clark County, I'm very proud of our community, and there's a part of me that wants to be the second-largest city in the state. But that's probably more about ego than sensical-thinking.
- Well-thought out transportation infrastructure into the future. Let's not kill ourselves with gridlock before we start building new transportation infrastructure -- and no light rail.
- Cougar athletics at WSU Vancouver! Full time. All sports. Wouldn't that be great?! Sure would help recruiting efforts! ;)

[Chief]

I want to keep my 52 year old comments out of this thread as much as possible, so I have one question for CC:

Are you suggesting a full-sized college football stadium for WSU, on campus, or somewhere else. I am very interested in hearing more about that concept if you care to fill out the details...mayby as part of some sort of County-led Sports Complex??

thanx!

[CouvCoug]

Chief:
I think a privately-funded ("The HP Pavilion"? "Nautilus Gymnasium"? "Burgerville Fieldhouse"? "nLight Field"? "Columbia Machine Coliseum"?...You can see where I'm going with this) County Sports Complex would be the ideal way to go...especially if I'm thinking of pie-in-the-sky ideas like moving all of WSU's athletics program down here. :) And there are already some facilities in place that we could use as-is (i.e. Vancouver Tennis Center, numerous golf courses, Vancouver Lake Park (for Cross Country and Rowing), Propstra Field (Cougar baseball). The way I see it, the only things we'd really need are a football stadium and a basketball arena (what a shame we don't already have that...we could have Cougar basketball here now).

Regardless, I really wouldn't want the taxpayers to have to bear the entire burden.

-CC

[Chief]

I see where you're going and I would suggest that some of the land South of the CC Fairgrounds might be a consideration for something like that.

One of my criteria for mass transit in Clark County, is that it serve us, and not Downtown Portland. I have long advocated for any transit system to hook up to the fairgrounds and amphitherater as a good example of what Clark County High Speed and High Capacity transit can do that our citizens can support.

Whether it's possible or not, the idea of having regulataion College Football games in the area gets my attention immediately. That's a great example of what a Public/Private Partnership enterprize could accomplish without a vast infusion of tax dollars. I would think a way could be found to provide access for all kind of sports activities for kids and adults with a stadium as the anchor for such a facility...all it takes is Strong, Bold Leadership.

Worth considering and fleshing out...

[Waterbuffalo]

One of the main reasons why i started this topic was that I didn't feel that our community is being served and that not many young people that are under the retirement age are speaking up about what they want in Clark County.

Some of us have lived here and benefited from the education but have not stood up and spoke about what we truly want. Starting with the Columbia River Crossing, Maxx Light Rail and many other projects that are coming into the planning and ? will have to be paid for some how by this generation mostly from 21 to 45 if they wish to continue to live here.

A lot of the ideas that have been coming through various media channels have basically come through people that has stood up, said what they truly wanted and needed, found ways to make it happen and funded, but I don't see my generation stepping up and saying what they really want.

Having a local sports annex or stadium paid for by private donations or some type of public/private sharing would be an awesome idea. Not sure if the Fairgrounds Neighborhoods are going to allow that to happen because of some of my reading of things going on in that area that are basically no-growth wanted in that area. Am I wrong?

I personally am not for or against Light Rail coming into our community but what I'd personally like to see is some thing that will serve this community into the future that is cost efficient, effective and people can say this is what we want? Does Bus Rapid Transit or Light Rail actually an efficient, effective and has a good percentage of buy-in from our community?

I've read and talked to people in Clark County with various opinions on the subject. I don't see our community stepping forward to embrace this with full buy-in because of the cost involved in building it, maintaining it and will it effectively get people around the community?

The past bus service was not what I would call an effective use of the system. People who worked in Portland at 2am for some company, go to a Rose Garden event, get sloshed and how would they get home? What if some people went to a nice dinner party or function in the future and had to get home. Would you want them on the road?

When it comes to Columbia River Crossing, I have listed on other threads my concerns about it and have serious personal reservation about its effectiveness and what some of the people have said this might be a 100 yr bridge but at the growth rates we are projecting to grow, within ten years or so, are we going to be right back in the same situation we are in right now?

Multiple and possibly new choke points, that haven't been discovered. Looking at the Confluence Project and rebuilt of the SR 14 circle on to I-5 South as two serious choke points that haven't been addressed in the media or in my circles of people talking to.

To CouvCoug comments on Growth and Annexation. You couldn't have said it better. Lets get on with it. Give Vancouver the area and be done with. Because in 20 or 30 years, they're going to have it anyways.

[Waterbuffalo]

One of tefen's comments I have loved reading for some time is putting a McMenamins bar in one of our local historical buildings or some type of historical places that shows off the history of our community, can share a brew and love our history in a different light?

There are many opportunities out there. So what do our other readers think? I'd love to hear some more of my generation here on the subject and any thing else you have concerns on.

There are many political officials watching this board. What do you guys want?

[Waterbuffalo]

Another idea that I've been floating around for the past 2 years has been turning WSUV into a 4 year university that has its own ties, alumni association and isn't part of Washington State University Pullman.

Why can't SW Washington have its own University of Higher Learning? Its mostly there, but it-is-in-name only right now..

[karma]

Well I guess this posts leaves me out in the cold??

[Waterbuffalo]

Well Karma, you have more information on Ecology to impart on Chief's brain?

This is one thread I'd like to see some of the younger crowd that does the daily head beat into the windshield every day to work in Portland, Vancouver or around the area thats in a class thats not standing up and speaking to what they want in Clark County or its Politics?

CouvCoug Started with some very nice observations and ideas but where is the rest of our regulars logging in and able to comment. Love to see how Tefen feels??

[karma]

As a Senior member here, I'm glad I'm not having to drive to Portland on a daily bases anymore!! But finding a job on this side of the bridge compared to what I did over there is a pure slap in the face wage wise!! So the drive was worth it but again OR state needs to look at those kicker checks when it comes to us in WA helping out their state?? Folks will do where the jobs are if they truly want to work and driving to that job appears to the the wisest way to go unless your employer is willing to foot the bill for trans.?

[Chief]

As a Senior member here, I'm glad I'm not having to drive to Portland on a daily bases anymore!! But finding a job on this side of the bridge compared to what I did over there is a pure slap in the face wage wise!! So the drive was worth it but again OR state needs to look at those kicker checks when it comes to us in WA helping out their state?? Folks will do where the jobs are if they truly want to work and driving to that job appears to the the wisest way to go unless your employer is willing to foot the bill for trans.?


I want any one of you to contrast that statement from karma, with the recent defeat of the Port of Vancouver's IDD Levy, and the lost prospect of 5,000+ Clark County high-wage jobs.

Anyone??

Bueller? Bueller?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/SeniorChieftain/teachermirror.jpg

::)

[karma]

Yea Chief, the Port is going to hire me??? In your dreams??? Sorry but I have a hard time swallowing that, just like the City or County is going to hire me?? Or how about the Columbian and I know the Reflector won't???

[Waterbuffalo]

How about petitioner for the wayward souls of Clark County?

[pdxlady]

I wanted to bump this up because it has been a while since there has been a post on this thread and it is a great question. I am too tired this evening after finally getting the kids to bed to post a lengthy reply to this tonight - but will make a few comments. I am looking at the social aspect here for the moment.

It is my belief that we need to look at improving Clark County opportunites for families and young people in a variety of different ways including the ability to create more of a community feeling for people versus the "go to work, go home and never say a word to anyone and I don't know my neighbors because I am too busy or too tired mentality".

We continue to improve our entertainment options with the addition of locations on both the East Side (Big Al's) and Downtown (Dublin Down Pub and Top Shelf) with more to come I'm sure. I love the idea of a McMenamin's type location (not discounting the one by Beaches) further into Clark County.

Aside from the traditional sports oriented grade school activities it would be nice to have more places for young families to gather. The only Gymboree in town is on the East Side and the indoor soccer arena is on the West Side - which for some can be a 20-30 minute drive in either direction. Luckily, the YMCA is centrally located and a great place for families.

I think the answer to this question also depends on whether we are talking about single folks, married folks, or parents. Each segment of our population has different wants and needs depending on their stage in life. The key is to engage folks to talk about their wants and needs - like Buff was trying to do with this post.

[Chief]

Great comments pdxlady....I'm staying out of this one since I'm well over 45, but I agree with what you said.

Are you referring to the Firstenburg Center here on the East side?? They've impressed me from the start by the wide variety of programs they offer for different age groups. Our Community Centers here are tremendous assets...

[karma]

But would there be a community if one doesn't have the proper job? This thinking of all fun and not work isn't the answer and why this younger society has a serious problem?? There is a time to play once the responsibilities or a job is done, which pays for the play?? Doesn't one think the needs of a community is more important than the play?? Just a senior moment!!

[pdxlady]

Karma,
Absolutely agree with you. I'm not talking about denying responsibility and focus on play but work on balancing both. As I mentioned last night I was tired and starting with one of the "easier" pieces with more to come. I wanted to bump the question back up and discussed some of the good things I've seen happen - which means progress. What I have noticed is some of the good things that have been happening (including Firstenberg Center) from the social aspect which helps to engage the younger crowd and bring them together. It is when we have a dialogue among people that more benefit. If we can get people out of their homes and talking with their neighbors we begin to rebuild community. East and West have done a fine job of working to create these "Centers" but are they enough for our growing population? We need to foster that feeling of responsibility and make it important.

Personally, I am fortunate to work my 40+ hours a week in WA, I do my duty and pay property taxes in WA where I love living, am happy to pay sales tax by shopping in WA, which supports local businesses, and supports our infrastructure needs while doing my best to make sure my children are loved, clothed and happy. Yet, there are times when I feel isolated because my kids aren't in grade school sports yet with the camraderie that brings -- we're lucky to have Firstenburg, Big Al's and the YMCA so we can visit with other families in a fun location. Then there comes time for a little self care. I am pleased I don't have to drive into Oregon to get a nice meal and some time with my spouse. Not only do we get to support local business owners on the occassional "date" - but this supports our community -- I think this is part of responsibility.

What I was trying to write about last night about is the way life has changed for the "younger set"....many folks spend hours in the car driving to work, don't know our neighbors or just wave to them in passing and have lost a lot of what I feel is a sense of Community that other areas have had in the past.

As for the more difficult issues there are a number of things I would like to see (and not everyone will agree with me but I share my opinion):

1) We need to work on bringing more jobs to the area - either through additional large corporations coming to the area OR by increasing the viability of Small Business growth by being able to have the necessary structures in place to remain business friendly thus allowing business owners to provide a living wage and decent benefits to their employees.

2) We also need to continue to work on education advances at all levels. As any parent, I want my kids to get a great education that will prepare them for whatever career path they choose.

3) We need to look at how we better support our infrastructure - I think there needs to be more fiscal responsibility and accountability in government which is easier said than done but is vital to our Community. How do we build partnerships that help us maintain a livable community? What does livable mean? Ask 4 people and you'll get 4 different answers.

There's more in my brain but this is long enough for the moment. I hope others are willing to jump into the conversation and share as this next generation is going to be responsible for the future.

[Waterbuffalo]

To pdxlady and Karma, Thanks for bumping up this conversation... I totally forgot about it. Pdxlady, you made a lot of great points and want to acknowledge it.

"What I was trying to write about last night about is the way life has changed for the "younger set"....many folks spend hours in the car driving to work, don't know our neighbors or just wave to them in passing and have lost a lot of what I feel is a sense of Community that other areas have had in the past."

IMO Vancouver suffers from a lack of things to do for the younger sets and crowds. Yes, there are community centers like Firstenburg, Marshall and senior centers for the aged that need it, but what is there for the younger crowd to keep them here? From my experience of living here on and off for 20+ years, Vancouver has become a city of transition.

Young and older people come here for a few short years and for various reasons of their own choosing move on to bigger and better things.

One of the things that I think pdxlady stated so eloquently is Vancouver lacks a community focus that will keep the younger generation here and engaged? There are a lot of things here for the senior set and families but what is there for other sets of people?

One of the things I think needs to be worked on is a community focus AWAY from The Reserve and Downtown and on other community treasures we have in this city. A McMenumans or a few other things might be nice...

[karma]

History Buff, history!! it ain't going to happen, one isn't anything unless it's downtown and history will tell you why.

[Waterbuffalo]

Karma, I thinking of the future that is past Royce, past Tonkovich, Past all the city council squabbles, clark county commissioner debates and whining, I think thing of the future karma.

I want to live here for a long time, finally say in my own life this this "IS HOME?" I might move around in the Clark County from rental to rental but in the end, this whole bright community is where I want to live for 15 to 20 years.

Some thing I thought about last night from all the stuff that has been written here on Clarkblog, Columbian or many other things. But how much of it is actually more than petty fighting, petty whining or petty squabbles?

There are only a couple of things or subjects I can think of right off the bat that aren't? Columbia River Crossing, Port of Vancouver and may be some of the Comprehensive master planning of where the City of Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, Woodland and some other fine places. But what are the SERIOUS issues we need to tackle that are not full of complaining, whining instead of some real solutions.

I am starting to see some bright lights in my community like pdxlady, tefen and others who I have talked to recently that are rising up above all the din that seems to pervade this community. Chief, your one of the few that I have met that doesn't give me that whine factor and its nice to talk to you.

Now in the future, what are the young people, men or woman going to do to create a community that "ALL" of us are going to want to stay in, live in and contribute too? For some reason, I feel Clark County is coming through a rebirth and coming into its own, with a new starting place and opportunity to look into its own future and working together as a bi-state metro area that doesn't have the same qualities or issues facing it.

Hope to here from more of the younger kids as some of our older compatriots probably could refer to us about what they want in Clark County. I'd love to personally see more people sign up and comment to see what honestly they want in our community.

Chief, Karma, Tefen, CouvCoug, Louis, Sensibilist and many others, how many of you are hearing from this age group of what they see in the future for Clark County, not JUST vancouver...

[karma]

Buff, what future when they have already spent the grandkids' money on their beating of a dead horse in redevelopment of Downtown which they will distroy even more with LR being added to the mix? Look what they did with the Mill Pain extension and how that truck traffic is killing the Downtown area, I hate to even go down there now!! Without the proper leadership that takes care of the past neglect and looks to the area as a whole there will be no future than the bedroom of Portland??

[Waterbuffalo]

Karma,

May be I am looking at the past to learn what the future will bring.. Yes there have been some big whoops in our community. But what community does not have that?

I am not personally worried about little things like Mill Plain Extension or 1/2 of the other problems we have had in the past 20 years. I am trying to look and move forward. Dwelling on past is for those that dare to repeat such faction.

I started this thread to see what the next two aged groups are looking toward the future that might have to live in a community that looks exceptionally different than it does now. I see a lot of the older folks who have time to comment but what I don't see around here is the ages in this thread represents. There is going to be a lot of things that will have to be corrected or dealt with but what I want to know is what are the dreams of people in or near my age group for this community.

I do believe in my own heart this part of the community is being under served or unheard from.

[karma]

Well Buff I'll head off to OZ, let me just say I lived here in the 1970 and now in the 2007 and can tell you nothing has changed for the better.

[Waterbuffalo]

Well I'm trying to remain 1/2 positive Karma. I am looking at a change of leadership in a couple of different areas in government.

But I'm going to try and look forward instead of living in a perpetual path of past historical miscues.

[karma]

Buff, you will have to clean house totally and these new folks will have to let go of the promisses of the past!! Seriously look at the neglect and work for the betterment of the entire community as a whole not in piece meal fashion? I still don't see anyone coming up to take on this task.

[Waterbuffalo]

Karma, Maybe you have been infected too much from the past to look into the future.

I see a new state senator at the 18th district, Dunn, Benton and Deb Wallace probably will be facing some form of people looking to run against them and I see America's Vancouver mayor possibly retiring in a year or two. May be even facing some form of a new challenger, if he decides to continue as Mayor past his term.

I look at all of the new businesses that are coming to the east side of Vancouver that are not getting much help from the City? I am looking at the Columbia River Miracle League that was formed to help disabled people have a chance at playing baseball. I see an active, but small university growing by leaps and bounds with new students who want an education and are working hard for the new "American Dream."

I see a new baseball team that's semi pro that plays here in Vancouver, baseball fields and historical places outside of Vancouver that are getting renewed attention for so many years of either neglect or ignorance they were there.

I see a Camp Bonneville that could be a gem in the future its is done right and clean up. Some of it might be closed off for various reasons and probably tooo numerous to restate here in this thread. How about all of our hills, mountains and wonderful attractions East in Skamania and Clark County. Pacific Crest Trail any one?

What about the Bonneville Dam that has daily tours in its facility to teach all who come about history and operation of one of the reasons "WHY" Vancouver, Portland and the Pacific NW can thrive in such a global climate? Dams are considered "earth friendly" but I don't understand that when you see and hear about all the salmon churning up in the turbines.

How about Goldendale Observatory and its wonderful lessons of astronomy not more than 100 miles outside of the light pollution of the metro area?

How about 100 miles to the west is a wonderful Oregon and Washington Coast?

Portland and Vancouver is also along a major arterial that just doesn't affect truckers or carry those kids off to camps along the Pacific NW, but also creates a wonderful way for people to get from and to work and be able to travel up and down this wonderful country.

Karma, there is sooo much things wonderful about this place I can't even begin to say them all. My concern is about all your posts, are that they just live in the past of Clark County instead of looking to a wonderful future that all of us are going to have to live with.

And I can honestly tell you Karma, I don't agree with all of the visions or ideas or solutions to problems, but I do see a younger class coming up now to take the reins at all levels of government from their parents, grandparents and other members of our society. All I can say I have a brighter hope for the future.

[karma]

Buff, we are talking Clark County here not Goldendale that has it's own set of problems for a hick town with more history of screw ups than one can shake a stick at!! Remember my folks are up there and I know all the dirt up there too!! Got to love their Seattle Mayor??

As for Camp Bonneville, it they clean that all up it will be a miracle. Let me take your works and wait see. My bet is it won't be done and I'm not planning on setting a foot up there, yes due to the history!! It's an unsafe place.

Where are these up coming folks?? I don't see many at meetings and will take a wait see on the newly annointed Rep. My bet is she will fall in line just like Pridemore did. As for here, I just shake my head as I watch those folks that think they are in charge do stuff I did over 10 years ago and pass it off as their own ideas. More can be stated but ya know, I'm there to say I told you so down the road. I lived here in the 1960-70 and nothing has changed, still a bedroom community of doing what was done in the past???

[Waterbuffalo]

Karma, may be I am trying to do things one step at a time instead of coming up with a long and low diatribe about how things are wrong.

I basically gave you a list of opportunities that are availably to any average schmo that any community would kill for. And they didn't revolve around a government or sanction by anyone.

One of the reasons why I started this thread was to give a voice to a class of people I honestly feel are under represented, who have to work a hell of a lot and simply don't have time to sit around and ponder the universe according to some fictional tale that they want to come up with. (Yes, I do think some times some of our leaders vision statements are a little screwed.)

There are real opportunities to change this community instead of living with a ghost and perceptions of the past. I'm not going to live my life worrying about my experiences of moving here for the first time in 1987 and how all the schools looked like they were from the 1970s, amongst other things.

I could go on and on Karma. I'd like to hear from others what they have to say, including Chief on my latter day diatribes..

[karma]

Buff, They all have a vioce but I don't see them using it. They are to busy with family matters?? So many times I hear, we are glad someone out there is watching as we are too busy with life. These are the folks that the Powers that Be state they have their heads in the sand and they are the ones that are willing to open their wallets to fund whatever comes down the pike without really looking at where the money goes?

Some folks here are just hell bent on distroying this place so that it's like Portland and I believe X Councilperson Lipton is right 'Portland Envy!' Just look at LR, nothing new with that this go around and they feel those that were very vocal are gone? The heck with what the vote was then and they sure aren't going to allow this to go to a vote again, why?? Also why do they keep pumping money into the Downtown area when they can't provide serives like they promised to the east county folks when they were annexed?? Money talks here and those with the silver spoon will rule, one needs to know why and know their place to work their magic. So welcome to Clark County WA and if you do speak out, be prepared to be labeled as this is how this community is.

[Waterbuffalo]

"Buff, They all have a vioce but I don't see them using it. They are to busy with family matters?? So many times I hear, we are glad someone out there is watching as we are too busy with life. These are the folks that the Powers that Be state they have their heads in the sand and they are the ones that are willing to open their wallets to fund whatever comes down the pike without really looking at where the money goes?"

This may be true Karma but this isn't the thread to discuss that. I am looking for discussion on topics of interest to a certain age group.

"Some folks here are just hell bent on destroying this place so that it's like Portland and I believe X Councilperson Lipton is right 'Portland Envy!' Just look at LR, nothing new with that this go around and they feel those that were very vocal are gone? The heck with what the vote was then and they sure aren't going to allow this to go to a vote again, why?? Also why do they keep pumping money into the Downtown area when they can't provide services like they promised to the east county folks when they were annexed?? Money talks here and those with the silver spoon will rule, one needs to know why and know their place to work their magic. So welcome to Clark County WA and if you do speak out, be prepared to be labeled as this is how this community is."

Karma, Maybe Clark County is changing and the way it used to be for you for 30 years isn't going to be the same way it was way back when. I am looking forward instead of backward and this may mean a wholly different vision, attitude and desires than what your used to?

I don't think the 45 and under crowd is envious of Portland or its costs of Light Rail. But since I haven't heard from them here, I can only speak for myself.

If you feel so need to vent, go to the Current sitting City council in January and vent?

If there are issues or promises about Cascade Park that have not been fulfilled Karma, than those people need to step up, talk to their neighbors and vote those people out of office? I still see two city councilors sitting from the last election, so honestly, the whole east side situation is moot IMHO.

And Money talks portion Karma, is that not life and reality?

Look Karma, this isn't the thread for past situations or realities. I am looking toward future needs of a subset of my community that is near my age group, not worry about Light Rail or many other issues. If one needs to comment or vent, there are 100's of threads on Clarkblog to vent that on.

[karma]

Ya know Buff, you really disappoint me but again where are the 45 and under folks?? I know and it's not where they care about politics, just look at the next meeting you attend and count the heads. If is doesn't affect them personally, they don't care, they are to busy raising their families and that is what the powers that be are banking on. Maybe it's time to educate that age group on the politics of our community and to speak up? I'm tired of this mess and it's orange county awaiting to happen as we seniors get priced out of our homes.

[tefen]

At the ripe old age of 30, I guess this thread is directed partially at me.

What do I want?

I want to be able to work in my community. It's not to say there aren't jobs for computer programmers in Vancouver, but the last time I was actively on the job hunt six years ago, the opportunities in Oregon were much better. I've currently acquired a great deal of knowledge in a very specialized field which does have analogues in Vancouver, but far more just the other side of the river.

I want a greater sense of community. I know my neighbors on either side, in front and behind, but the folks down the street I rarely see except as they motor past in their cars. To achieve this sense of community within my neighborhood, I would like a "gathering place" or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place">"third place"</a> as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Schultz">Howard Schultz</a> would say. A place within the neighborhood that people can walk to, gather, meet and talk.

I would like culture and entertainment. The more I think about it, the better it seems Vancouver is doing on this front. There's the public movies over the summer, the concerts in the park, the train excursions by the Chelatchie Railroad, the Fort Vancouver historic recreations, the historical museum, the Pearson air museum, etc, etc, etc. I was going to say there wasn't enough, but now I'm wondering if I'm just not making use of the opportunities presented. I do try to take in one stage show a year and those are almost exclusively in Portland. Additionally I go into Portland for the Rose Festival and other events they have throughout the year.

I want a safe place for my children to play. I love my neighborhood, but it's lacking in public parks and sidewalks. The Lincoln neighborhood contains one public park. A park which is completely ringed by houses, invisible from the street, only accessible through alleyways, and serves primarily as a courtyard for the surrounding homes. I've heard it's a great place to make-out, drink, or shoot drugs, but it's not exactly the kind of place I want my children to play. The park is actually two blocks from my home, and I lived here for over a year before I realized it was there hidden behind the houses. Currently the school grounds serve as the main park for our neighborhood. As such, those are off-limits during school days and often extensively booked during soccer season. The sidewalk issue baffles me. I don't understand how a city neighborhood as old as this one can have so many unfinished sidewalks.


I've got other ideas in my mind, but I'm going to have to call this good for now. Based on my thoughts as I write this, I think I'm most interested in bringing everything back into a human scale.

[Waterbuffalo]

<Bump up this thread..>

Going to give myself a day or two read Tefen's post again, when I have had some more sleep. Want to post some thing more intelligent than 1 liners or diatribes that are usual of me here

[Waterbuffalo]

Tefen,

Thank you for your wonderful post! Have a lot of agreements with what you have posted. Though now living on the east side of town where there tends to be a lot of more activities and things to do, sounds like some worthy goals and possible things to shoot for.