Street-strolling encouraged at ‘Rosewood Walks’

See what happened during this outer East Portland event, presented by Oregon Walkways on a summery day, not long ago …

Here in the Centennial neighborhood, along NE 162^nd Avenue, a traffic lane is closed off for exhibitors at the “Rosewood Walkways” summer stroll.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The invitation went out from Oregon Walks to come for their third annual “Oregon Walkways”, this time held in the Centennial neighborhood, between Rosewood and Parklane Park on the afternoon of July 14.

“Today, we’re ‘opening the streets’ in this area, to help create a comfortable walking environment and a fun day of games, prizes, food, art, music, and outdoor activities,” smiled Oregon Walks VP Kari Schlosshauer, who was in their booth, set up along SE Main Street.

Pausing for a photo at their booth are Oregon Walks Board VP Kari Schlosshauer with volunteer Charles Rynerson and Communication Committee volunteer Liz Sauer.

At the intersection of NE Main and Mill streets, the roadway is closed to motorized vehicles during the pedestrian-and-bike-only event.

“Because we’re partnering with the Rosewood Initiative, we’re calling our event ‘Rosewood Walkways’, which also includes a lot of other community groups nearby – to let people know what kind of services are in the neighborhood, who their neighbors are, and get them out and talking with people,” Schlosshauer told East Portland News.

Specifically, a lane of southbound NE 162^nd Avenue was closed to traffic; and NE Main Street was closed to vehicular traffic from NE 162^nd Avenue to NE Mill Street at Parklane Park.

Filling another sports bottle with cool, clear water, on this blazing hot afternoon, is Rockwood Water People’s Utility District Government Affairs Coordinator Kerry Aden. They’re the water utility serving parts of the Wilkes, Glenfair, and Centennial neighborhoods.

They call it an “Open the Streets” type of celebration. “We are letting folks walk around the neighborhood!” exclaimed Schlosshauer.

Asking her to make clear the meaning of “opening streets”, Schlosshauer said, “We actually close the streets down to motorized vehicles, and in doing so, turn those streets into a space where we could have a parade, and people could walk around the streets and enjoy a game of futsal among other activates.”

Folks venturing to Parklane Park are treated to Middle Eastern treats provided by the Rosewood Baking Club.

Providing delicious Middle Eastern snacks to visitors were members of the Rosewood Baking Club. Check out their next “International Bake Sale” on September 30, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Rosewood Initiative center, located at 16126 SE Stark Street, 97233.

Some 25 community groups participated, ranging from governmental bureaus to nonprofit organizations.

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