Portland, Or. Harper’s Playground is still open and remains a great place for all kids, including those with physical challenges, to play. But this year, the nonprofit has moved its annual benefit online. From October 1st, through October 8th, the organization will hold a virtual auction and raffle while highlighting recent projects and playgrounds. Click here to check out the offerings.
Harper’s Playground is an organization that helps build all-inclusive playgrounds featuring modifications for kids with physical challenges. The nonprofit usually hosts events like a Community Play Day and Rhythm & Play, but both have been postponed until 2021. Despite recent COVID-19 limitations, the organization’s unique playgrounds remain open due to their wide inclusive spaces that support social distancing practices. These parks give children and families new places to explore during COVID-19, unlike some other more crowed play structures.
Volunteers from Harper’s Playground work with the Portland Timbers during the pandemic.
Volunteers at Harper’s Playground are still able to lend a hand during the pandemic as well. The organization recently worked with the Portland Timbers and held a clean-up at the flagship park, Arbor Lodge which is located in North Portland.
Harper’s Playground began in 2009 with a simple walk in the park. Harper, daughter of founders Cody and April Goldberg, wished to play in the neighborhood park but couldn’t reach the structure when her yellow walker stuck in the wood chips. From then on, Cody and April have dedicated themselves to creating inclusive spaces where all children are free to play. The original Harper’s Playground opened in 2012 and founder Cody Goldberg stated that he would “turn Harper’s Playground into a non-profit that would help other communities build playgrounds like the one we had already built.”
The inclusive playground model.
The organization now helps build playgrounds across the globe, from Anna and Abby’s Yard, a park here in forest grove Oregon, to the Tokyo Sports Playground in Japan. This park is to open in partnership with Nike for the upcoming 2021 Olympics.
Harper’s Playground inspires vital communities by creating inviting playgrounds for people of all abilities. We envision a more inclusive world, one playground at a time.
Portland, September 10th, 2015. If you couldn’t join the thousands who flocked to Pioneer Courthouse Square for The Standard’s Annual Volunteer Expo, you’re in luck. We’ve got all the information and website links to explore over 125 local nonprofits that could use your time.
A full list of links of nonprofits is at the bottom of our story.
R. Richard Crockett, (left) is the Program Operations Director & Volunteer Coordinator at Chess for Success.
Classroom Law Project is a non-profit organization of individuals, educators, lawyers, and civic leaders building strong communities by teaching students to become active citizens.
The Standard’s Volunteer Expo has repeat participants year after year, here’s a look at some nonprofits which continue to recruit volunteers:
Jenny Bedell-Stiles and Andy Meeks from Friends of Trees
talks with Casey Rhodes and Clark Hays.
Jenny Chu from Literary Arts
New Avenues For Youth volunteers are a hit every year because they dish out the free Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream!
Rachel Randles from Oregon Historical Society
The Volunteers of America recruited some new volunteers!
Special Olympics Oregon has room for coaches and event volunteers.
Newspace Center for Photography promoted its multidimensional photography resource center and community hub for students, working artists, professional photographers, educators, and photo-enthusiasts of all types.
Latino Network’s Edgar Ortega
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro Area had a colorful display.
The Work for Art’s Community Fund and Arts Education Fund support more than 80 arts and culture organizations every year—encompassing dance, visual arts, music, literary arts, media arts, theater, cultural arts, and arts education.
IMPACT NW drew prospective volunteers who learned that each year over 60,000 low-income children, youth, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities participate in Impact NW’s comprehensive anti-poverty programs.
The YMCA was handing out information about programs.
People who stopped by The Q Center booth were met with a friendly smile.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oregon Chapter staffers promoted their many volunteer options.
Reps from the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon explained their work on behalf of local cats and kittens.
American Red Cross volunteer recruiters had the trademark red vests!
The mission of the Make-A-Wish Oreogn Foundation® is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Northwest Pilot Project began in 1969 as an all volunteer agency to provide basic supports for seniors at risk of losing their ability to live independently.
Miracle Theatre Group is The Northwest’s premiere Latino arts and culture organization.
Camp Fire offers opportunities for volunteers who like to work with kids.
Bridge Meadows is a multi-generation housing community serving Oregon’s vulnerable populations; foster youth, adoptive parents and elders (55+).
Here’s a list of links to charities at the The Standard’s Volunteer Expo. Please consider donating your time, and tell them PortlandSocietyPage.com sent you!
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