Parks with rib cages: Nikkei Neighborhood Park in Vancouver and Ibach Park in Tualatin

Yes, it is kind of an unusual category.

We had been to Ibach Park several years ago, but I hadn't reviewed it. We just had a picnic lunch there, and one of my sisters had taken children there on summer camp excursions.

Nikkei Park opened in 2021, and we had seen some articles about it and the dinosaur theme, which interested us.

We finally made it there recently. Reminded of Ibach Park, we saw that it had recently been renovated. We decided to make a return trip so we could compare the two. 

One discovery that I had never thought of before was that the ribs at Ibach Park were supposed to be mastodon bones.

This is not the only way in which Ibach Park corresponds to the Tualatin River Greenway Trail, also emphasizing the water's path.

Other nods to the area's history include the Atfalati village, meteor, ferry, and some farm animals. Those can ring bells for long-time residents, encourage research for newcomers, and perhaps reinforce lessons for school children who are just trying to play.

It is more difficult to find the connections between the Japanese internees that Nikkei Park honors and the dinosaur theme.

The page refers to the truck farmers who were a vital part of the food supply before internment. In that way, an agricultural farm theme might make more sense.

We checked it out for the dinosaurs, though. Dinosaurs are a huge draw.

As it is, the dinosaur theme is well-carried out, with statues, signs, and a digging pit.

We did have a lot of frustration getting to Nikkei Neighborhood Park, as there was construction in the area cutting off some access and parking.

It is right in the name that it is a "neighborhood" park. Size-wise, Nikkei Park is 5 acres compared to Ibach's almost nineteen acres. They have different options and parking availability.

Still, if your child loves dinosaurs, Nikkei Park might be worth the trip.

There is still a strong need to having thriving neighborhood parks. That requires not just money, but vision and follow-through.

Somebody, please think of the children.

COVID: Both parks are outdoors, but it is possible for there to be close quarters around some of the attractions, especially on a crowded Saturday.

Accessibility: These were both pretty good, with smooth, wide paths and spongy surfaces for the play area itself.

I do think Ibach Park was preferable in the inclusion of different sensory options allowing for more types of play. It was also nice that they had a small climbing structure for older kids set off at a distance where parents would still be able to keep both areas in sight. However, they are bigger and it gives different options. 

 

https://www.tualatinoregon.gov/recreation/ibach-park

https://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks_trails/nikkei-park/ 

 

Grand Ronde - Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center

The Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center is in Grande Ronde just a bit down from the casino (if you are heading to the coast) and on the right instead of the left. 

It is not a large space, but there are areas for gathering, where you can tell it could play an important part for meetings and community.

The tribal office is located there too.

 The building design is interesting, echoing some of the art and themes that you will find inside.

Permanent exhibitions give information about the land and traditional river paths and food ways.

This is a valuable resource for students and those interested in more natural diets.

 We were there at the end of the Transgressors exhibition, focusing on Two Spirit artists.

There was a wide variety of artists and media.

 Artists pulled from a mix of traditions to plumb the personal and profound.

Two things struck familiar chords.

One color palette and style was very familiar.

Sure enough, it was the work of Jeffrey Gibson, who'd had two installations -- They Come From Fire and To Name An Other -- at the Portland Art Museum in 2023.

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2023/02/jeffrey-gibson-at-portland-art-museum.html

Then there was a reference to She-Who-Watches.

https://preservewa.org/most_endangered/tsagaglalal-she-who-watches-petroglyph/ 

It has been so many years since I have seen her; long before access was restricted. The impression remains vivid.

Because of that, I suppose it doesn't surprise me that she has a similar impression on others, but there is still a sense of connection in seeing it.

I am glad that we caught this particular exhibit, which is now on view at the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History (Go Ducks!):

https://mnch.uoregon.edu/transgressors 

Chachalu is now showing My Ancestors Are Here, featuring the photographic meditations of Leland Butler, there through September 6th:

https://www.chachalu.org/exhibits/my-ancestors-are-here/ 

Art endures, but exhibits change.

COVID: While there are some open spaces around, the exhibits themselves are inside. It was not crowded but I did stay masked.

Accessibility: The navigation did seem pretty good to me. I will also add that while the staff was not pushy, they were very quick to answer any questions and offer resources, so if there are specific concerns I would not hesitate to ask.

https://www.chachalu.org/