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Local volunteers work to convert vacant lots
to middle school recreation area, garden site

A group of energetic volunteers teamed up to assist Mt. Scott Middle School with a much needed service project, and honored and celebrated the life of a fellow student and friend in the process.

On May 16, 2004, Xuan and David Sibell organized "Nathan's Day" to honor their son Nathan, a Riverdale High School student who was tragically killed in an automobile accident the previous year. The Sibells were active in establishing a Community Service Club at Riverdale and contacted Hands On Portland to find a suitable service project for the students, as well as the various family friends interested in an activity to celebrate and remember Nathan.

"We became involved in Hands On Portland because of Nathan's involvement in the group," said Xuan. "Nathan inspired and continues to inspire his parents and his friends to stay active in serving their community."

Mt. Scott Middle School, located at the Kenilworth Presbyterian Church site in SE Portland, also contacted Hands On Portland seeking volunteer assistance in cleaning up the vacant lots behind the school. The school did not have an outdoor recreation area for it students.

The resulting partnership was an ambitious and successful beautification project combining the efforts of Riverdale students and parents, Mt. Scott staff, and local businesses. "Nathan's Day" launched the project with a group of 30-40 volunteers removing two commercial dumpsters full of debris from the site. With the site cleared, volunteers later returned to continue tilling and leveling the area, as well as spreading mulch and bark chips to the garden and play areas. The group also repaired a broken water pipe to the garden area.

Kevin Teller Landscape donated its services during the final two weeks of August 2004 to complete the project. The following week, Mt. Scott students and staff returned to school to enjoy a spacious and clean play area and a wonderful space to develop a community garden and outdoor science lab.

Mt. Scott Middle School students and staff extend a very special thanks to the following individuals and groups for all your efforts in making this project possible: