WEA plays up the neighborhood

On a crisp fall morning this week, the Board of Directors for Westside Economic Alliance broke out of the conference room, suited up in blue jeans and boots to hold their monthly meeting in a unique location - outside on a playground.

"In most communities, we hear a lot of talk about making places better and more livable.  Here on the Westside, local business leaders and elected public officials are willing to roll up their sleeves and work shoulder to shoulder to get things done," said WEA executive director Jonathan Schlueter.

WEA's Board spent Wednesday morning in an "executive build" where they constructed a handsome play structure for nine families in the Vance neighborhood, which is a Habitat for Humanity community near 160th and Farmington Road in Aloha.  The structure includes swings, a slide, a climbing wall, tire swing, a clatter bridge and even a chimney.

The "Executive Build" was organized to honor the memory of Brody Borlaug, the 3-year old son of WEA Board member Jeff Borlaug and his wife Tracy.  Brody passed away in early June, following an 18-month battle with a rare immunodeficiency.  WEA Board members agreed to build the play structure in memory of the young child who wasn't able to play outdoors in his short life.  Now, in his memory, the children of nine low income families will have that opportunity.

   Washington County Chairman Andy Duyck and his son James spent the morning working on the structure with the assistance of Tigard Mayor Craig Dirksen and other volunteers.

By the time the neighborhood children arrived home on their school bus, everything was ready for a test ride.

One parent later reported the neighbors were so excited about the new play area that they left the outdoor lights on and let the children play until their 9:00 p.m. bedtimes, waking up to a better community the next morning.