[quote style=”2″]Northside Park Now Known as Greenwood Park[/quote]
Tucked away on a little corner lot on Beech Street is a city park – actually its considered a “pocket park” – that most folks in Hermiston don’t even know exists.
In fact, up until Monday night, it didn’t even have an official name, simply referred to as Northside Park, due to its location. But following the recommendation of the city’s Parks Committee, the Hermiston City Council passed a resolution giving the park the name Greenwood Park.
Luster, as many longtime residents know, was an active member of the Hermiston community for decades. Luster had always wanted a neighborhood park for his children to play in. In the early 1970s, Luster got the OK from the city to develop a small park on a piece of derelict property at 80 W. Beech Street. With the help of neighbors, church members and the Hermiston Jaycees, a park was created and equipped with an old swing set and merry-go-round that had been in use at a playground at Dunn Rollin’ Trailer Park.
Over the ensuing years, Luster and volunteers added a brick restroom and basketball court. During his time in Hermiston, Luster was employed with Rohrman Ford, Union Pacific Railroad and Sanitary Disposal, He was also the pastor at the Church of God for many years.
Fetter said a series of neighborhood meetings took place to learn more about the park’s history.
“We wanted to take this rundown park and breathe some new life into it,” he said.
His granddaughter, Jackie Linton, said her grandfather was always a supporter of Hermiston. She spoke to the Hermiston City Council on Monday, thanking it for honoring her grandfather.
“He was such a giving person and cared about Hermiston so much,” she said. “He was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back. Thanks you so much.”
