Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center's campus. A transformation will begin soon in the heart of Cornelius, as gray asphalt turns green.
A project by the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center to turn an alleyway on its property into a linear parkway is one of three in Washington County awarded Nature in Neighborhoods grants by the Metro Council on May 19.
Creating a natural retreat for patients and visitors in Cornelius
The Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, a nonprofit healthcare provider, will turn the alley outside its Cornelius Wellness Center into a natural retreat for patients and visitors, thanks in part to a more than $320,000 capital grant funded by Metro’s voter-approved natural areas bond measure. Native plants, porous paving, on-site stormwater management and exhibits highlighting the area's ecological, cultural and historical significance will stretch down the block – and likely beyond.
A rendering of Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center's planned Wellness Center, which includes a public park-like green space paid for in part through Metro's Nature in Neighborhoods grant program. "Virginia Garcia's design proposal works well with city planning goals for our Main Street District, establishing the first of a four-block pedestrian pathway through the center," said Richard Meyer, development and operations director for the City of Cornelius. "It is the city's hope that this will provide a model for future development in Cornelius, enhancing the livability in our community for years to come."
It’s the type of teamwork Metro is encouraging throughout the Portland metropolitan area.
"This is an exciting project with many organizations partnering together to help the environment while creating a more livable community," said Metro Councilor Kathryn Harrington. "This truly is a community investment that will pay off for Cornelius, its residents and the people seeking care at the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center."
Improving habitat for frogs and more in Hillsboro
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve Another Nature in Neighborhoods capital grant for more than $129,000 will help restoration efforts at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. The preserve already serves as a popular destination for hiking, bird watching and environmental education in Hillsboro, but it will get even better as 120 acres of degraded wetlands are returned to a healthy ecosystem. The project will provide improved habitat for many native species, including threatened red-legged frogs.
"This project shows the region's commitment to protect and restore important natural areas," said Councilor Harrington. "By tackling the challenge today, future generations will be able to come to the wetlands and experience the beauty, connect with nature and see native species thrive in a much better and healthier environment."
Engaging Latinos in nature awareness
A third Washington County project received a restoration and enhancement grant through Metro's general fund. With $24,606 in grant money, The Tualatin Riverkeepers will engage low-income Latino families and youth in hands-on nature experiences, growing a new generation of watershed stewards.
Among the groups partnering in the project is the Forest Grove-based nonprofit Adelante Mujeres, which means Women Moving Forward.
"Our goal is the holistic education and empowerment of low-income Latina women and their families," said Bridget Cooke, the organization's executive director. "Our relationship to the natural world and caring for our local environments is one of our core values, expressed in all our programming."
The project will reach out to kids through opportunities such as school field trips, summer day camp and a new event, Rumba al Rio.