I’ve lived in Shandon for nearly a decade. I’ve watched our neighborhood grow—in population, in character, in voice. But every time I walk by Emily Douglas Park, I see something else: a space stuck in time, beloved yet overlooked, in urgent need of becoming what it could be for all of us.
The Heart of a Walkable Neighborhood
Shandon is known for its walkability, its canopy roads, and its mix of families, longtime residents, young professionals, and pets. Emily Douglas Park sits at the center of that life. It’s not just green space—it’s where neighbors connect, children play, dogs sprint off-leash, and people lounge with books or friends. For many, it’s more than a park; it’s the backdrop of daily life.
What’s Missing—and What’s Possible
The issue isn’t imagination—it’s resources and will. Things our neighborhood needs:
- Modern, accessible playground equipment so parents don’t cross fingers their kids won’t trip.
- Tennis or pickleball courts—spaces not just for competition, but for friends to gather and stay active.
- Better landscaping and lush green spaces—places that invite people to linger, not just pass through.
- A dog park that feels safe and cared for, not fenced in and forgotten.
These aren’t luxury wish-list items—they’re staples of a community that values quality of life.
Pride, Participation, and Power
I believe a well-maintained park strengthens community identity. When Emily Douglas Park thrives, so does neighborhood pride. It inspires us to care—not about some distant plan—but about the roots of where we live.
We’ve already made our voice heard: residents drafted a petition asking city leadership to prioritize a comprehensive renovation. Signatures grew, concerns were shared. The message is clear. We want transparency in planning. We want timelines. We want investment that reflects our neighborhood’s value—not just visually, but in equity.
What Comes Next
Columbia already built momentum: its Parks & Recreation Department has adopted a 10-Year Master Plan, informed by community feedback, focused on renewing existing parks, enhancing greenways, improving safety, and more. That plan provides a framework—but the work of making it real falls to neighbors, civic groups, and elected officials alike.
Here in Shandon, opportunities are cumulative. To show up at public meetings. To speak up about park funding. To partner with park staff on upkeep. To vote, because leadership shapes priorities.
Emily Douglas Park could be more than a green space—it could be a symbol of what it means to be a part of this city: invested, heard, and at home. Let’s make sure our community doesn’t just imagine that future—it builds it.