Slide 14 When people hear about equity, they often think about the planning process. But the real challenge begins after the ribbon cutting. The question becomes: how do you ensure that the people who fought for this park actually benefit from it? For us, the EDP became an operating framework that guides decisions about programming, partnerships, workforce development, youth engagement, and cultural preservation. Everyone of our programs relates back to one of the EDP areas of focus which are Arts culture & identity, youth opportunities, healthy communities & ecology, business and workforce development, transit, access and safety, and housing security. 

Slide 15 Larry to describe photos 

Slide 16 FOSTERING COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP 

One of the biggest lessons we've learned is that community ownership cannot be assumed. We intentionally brought together long-time residents and neighborhood elders to ask a simple question: What would make this park feel like yours? Those conversations informed programming decisions and helped establish a sense of shared responsibility and pride in the space. 

Slide 17 BUILDING A LONG TERM ECOSYSTEM 

We often ask ourselves: who will own and care for this park twenty years from now? The answer is today's youth. Programs like Mini Moguls, Rocking the Boat, swim instruction, and workforce training aren't isolated activities. They're part of a long-term pipeline that connects young people to this place and creates future stewards, leaders, and advocates. 


Slide 18 CULTURE IS INFRASTRUCTURE 

Physical infrastructure alone does not create belonging. Culture does. Through our Cultural Preservation Program, we've provided resources for residents to activate the park with workshops, celebrations, youth events, and community gatherings. We've worked with local artists and legacy businesses, and we've intentionally created opportunities for neighborhood history and culture to remain visible in this new public space 

Closing 

There are many additional positive impacts from all of this programming that can be easily missed. Our Food Pavilion operators are making around $8k monthly from their weekend lunch services and people are learning real skills they can use daily. The pre-apprentice program has 9 graduates who all have gained employment. Rocking the Boat is bringing incredible boat building skills back to the neighborhood and out Mini Moguls park provides a platform for elementary school youth. Close with the story of Fred.