PORT TOWNSEND — For the past two years, local Soroptimists have offered women the chance to make a fresh start in life through the “Do Your Dream” program.
Now, they are doing the same thing for a park.
“We’re doing an extreme makeover — Soroptimist style,” said Nancy Stelow, co-chair of the project.
The Soroptimists started the Do Your Dream seminars to support women who want their lives to branch off in a new direction.
Last year, they adopted Willow Tree Park, a raggedy green space at Sims Way and Kearney Street.
“While our mission is to make life better for women and girls, we are involved in many different arenas, and improving the environment is one of them,” said Susan Zoya, Stelow’s co-chair.
“I think we were the first group to step forward and say we would adopt an existing park.”
Willow Tree Park was offered by the city because it didn’t have the manpower or money to maintain it, Zoya said.
Except for the large willow tree and small elms that line Washington Street, the rest of the landscaping will consist of hebes and low-growing, low-maintenance plants, Page said. The Soroptimists are seeking donations to help with park maintenance.
“The annual application of mulch is the key to keeping this park healthy,” said Page, who owns Landshape Gardens.
In addition to the heather, the small elms and the willow tree in the center of the park, Page plans to salvage the daffodils now in bloom and replant them when the work is done.
“Everything else is up for grabs,” she said.
