Brooklyn Boy Scout Cristiano Coleman holds design plans for two cedar picnic tables to install at a new public pocket park on the curve where S.E. 13th connects with Bybee Boulevard.

The Oaks Bottom Overlook project, developed by SMILE, the Sellwood-Westmoreland neighborhood association and supported by a number of local partners, has begun developing a new public greenspace on the outside curve at S.E. 13th Avenue and Bybee Boulevard.

Plans for the small underused area, under what in December is known as the “SMILE Christmas Tree” fir, include round picnic tables with attached benches, a split rail fence at the edge of the bluff, and a kiosk with information about the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge below.

It’s intended that the area will provide a place for peaceful relaxation, family activity, and an educational opportunity for better understanding of local natural resources.

The Stewardship of Natural Amenities Committee (SNAC), a committee of the Sellwood Moreland Improvement League, has secured approval and financial backing from the SMILE Board for the project. Volunteer Coordinator Nanci Champlin is working on the project’s Master Plan.

The project began with a hunt for the owner of the land, adjacent to Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial. Some assumed Wilhelm’s owned it; others thought Portland Parks had jurisdiction. The initial concept was to provide a safer biking area on the turn, for kids going to and from Llewellyn Elementary School. Eventually, the project evolved into more of a park on the scenic corner.

As it turned out, it’s owned by the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and now it has given permit approval for the greenspace. SNAC is currently working on a grant from the Hardy Plant Society to secure funds for native plants to install. These should attract native pollinators, beautify the area, and provide some forage for local wildlife.

Local partners include Heiberg Garbage, which offered free garbage service; resident landscape architect Piper von Chamier, who is designing plans for the space; and fabricator Dean Hanel, who will design and build the informational kiosk.

Cristiano Coleman, a Brooklyn Boy Scout from Troop 351 who is working on his Eagle Scout Badge, coordinated the design and construction of the picnic tables. “The tables each seat 8 to 10 people,” he explains. “I spent several months planning and acquiring supplies and help. The tables and benches are all cedar construction, made with wood donated by Brown Lumber, McCoy Lumber, and Parr Lumber.”

Coleman says the tables and benches will be complete by the end of April, but will not be installed until later on. When planting and installation of amenities begins later in the spring, SNAC hopes that volunteers will step forward to help with work or funding.

The project is also supported by Joseph Galati, Llewellyn School Principal, and Natalie Whisler, Director at the Meyer Boys and Girls Club, which are both within walking distance of the site.

Those interested in commenting on the planned pocket park in Westmoreland should e-mail Nanci Champlin at: HYPERLINK “mailto:comments@sellwood.org” comments@sellwood.org.