The 10th Annual Car Free Day in Corvallis on September 22nd turned out to be a beautiful day, coming just a few days after wildfire smoke had disappeared. Many community members took advantage of the fresh air to get outside and explore the area, most travelling by bike.
Corvallis Sustainability Coalition volunteers had posted colorful “Car Free” flags at nine locations around the community, primarily at City parks. Event participants were invited to take selfies next to the flags and submit their photos to be entered in a drawing for gift certificates to local bike shops. Participants submitted their appreciation, along with their selfies:
- “Thanks for coming up with this fun idea!”
- “Met some new people and had a nice ride. Being new to Corvallis, it was a great way to explore some new neighborhoods and parks.”
- “Hit 8 checkpoints in my 22-mile loop of the city. Absolutely beautiful day for a bike ride!”
- “We had a great time and saw some things we had never noticed before, such as the marimba-like instruments at the playground in Avery Park.”
- “I had a blast doing the car free challenge with my dog, Charlie!”
Three participants – David Lerman, Robert White, and Russell Ruby – visited all nine sites. A total of 160 selfies were submitted, and one winner was drawn for each site using Google’s random number generator. And the winners are…
- Avery Park – Ken and Carol Trueba
- Calvin Presbyterian Church Community Garden – Andrea Norris
- Chepenafa Springs Park – Leigh Ann Starcevich
- Chintimini Park – Robert White
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – Tim Hubley
- Riverfront Park – Lori
- Starker Arts Park – Erin Radniecki
- Village Green Park – Bart Bolger
- Willamette Park – Bill Dunn
Each winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to the local bike shop of their choice.
Car Free Day 2020 was co-sponsored by the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition and the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department.