VANCOUVER, WA — For years, visitors walking or biking along Vancouver’s Renaissance Trail have reached its eastern edge and wondered the same thing: “Why does it end this way?”
That was the question Clark County Sheriff’s Detective Jeremy Brown once asked his wife, Jill Brown, as they stood where the paved path simply stops and gives way to grass and gravel. Jeremy believed there had to be a better way — a place where people could pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of the Columbia River.
After Jeremy’s passing, Jill set out to make that vision a reality. Working with the Parks Foundation of Clark County, she helped inspire what is now known as the Renaissance Pointe Campaign — a project to transform the trail’s unfinished end into a riverside
gathering space that completes the Renaissance Trail. The new space will feature seating, shade, and open views of the Columbia River, offering visitors a true sense of arrival and reflection.
That vision recently gained even deeper meaning through a $10,000 gift from Vancouver resident Ken L. Foster, who wanted to honor his late wife of nearly forty years, Valerie J. Simrell. The couple shared a lifelong love of the river, often parking east of the I-5 Bridge to watch the water flow. “She always said that she would like to have a park bench along the river for people to stop and rest,” Ken wrote to the Parks Foundation.
When Ken read about Jill’s efforts to bring new life to the Renaissance Trail, he saw a chance to help fulfill both women’s wishes — to create a peaceful place where others could stop and appreciate the moment.
“This campaign is the answer to Jeremy’s question,” said Sean Janson, Development Director for the Parks Foundation of Clark County. “He asked why the trail ended this way and whether something could be done about it. The answer is yes — and the Renaissance Pointe Campaign is how. Jill’s determination and Ken’s generosity are helping complete what began as one man’s thoughtful question.”
Community Support and Partnership
The Renaissance Pointe project has been made possible through the generosity and collaboration of many community partners. The Lynch Foundation and Michael Lynch
provided significant early support that helped launch the project. Additional major
contributions have come from the City of Vancouver, Otak, Robertson & Olson
Construction, Alchemy Partners, and the Columbia Business Center, whose collective commitment of time, talent, and resources has been instrumental in bringing the vision to
life.
Join the Campaign
The Parks Foundation has launched a community fundraising campaign from November 11 through December 2, aiming to raise $30,000 to fully fund the Renaissance Pointe project.
The campaign will culminate with a celebration at McMenamins on the Columbia on Monday, December 2, from 5 to 10 p.m., where 50% of food and drink proceeds will be donated to support the Renaissance Pointe Campaign. Community members and local businesses are encouraged to attend, enjoy an evening on the waterfront, and help bring Jeremy’s vision to life.
To learn more or make a contribution, visit parksforclark.org/renaissance-pointe.
If funds raised exceed the amount needed to complete the Renaissance Pointe project, remaining contributions will support the Parks Foundation’s general fund to enhance other
community park projects throughout Clark County.
About the Parks Foundation of Clark County
The Parks Foundation of Clark County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Clark County by raising funds to support parks, trails, and recreational programs.
Media Contact:
Sean Janson
Development Director, Parks Foundation of Clark County 253-313-4429