Cooper Point Appreciative Inquiry Project
Interview with Gary and
Sandra Worthington
Interview conducted by Kim Crisler
February 20, 2006
1. Gary and Sandra felt most alive and happy living on Cooper Point when
they first designed and built their home over 30 years ago. They first
rented in town, but were attracted to Cooper Point’s “progressive zoning”
and comprehensive development plan. Gary and Sandra also appreciated that
Cooper Point residents were passionate about preserving the area as much as
possible and were backing up their beliefs with local action via the Cooper
Point Association. They love the rural character of Cooper Point and would
hate for that to change.
One particular happy memory was participating in ECCO (Evergreen College
and Community Organization). ECCO was formed to help bridge the gap between
Evergreen faculty and the local community. One of ECCO's methods for
achieving this was an International Foods Group with participants randomly
assigned to meet for potluck dinners at rotating homes on a monthly basis.
Gary and Sandra participated in ECCO for 5-6 years.
Gary and Sandra’s favorite aspects about living on Cooper Point include
being so close to town, yet remaining a semi-rural area. They also love
living so close to the Sound and having access to the beach via TESC’s beach
paths. TESC also ensures a diverse range of intellects which appeals to Gary
and Sandra.
2. Gary and Sandra smile over the fact that Cooper Point “hasn’t
developed as fast as other areas”. They appreciate the 1 house per 5 acres
density law. The mixture of the natural setting and privacy, while still
being so close to town, is appreciated. They also love the wildlife that
ambles through their property on a regular basis.
3. Because Gary and Sandra cherish Cooper Point’s natural setting so
much, they work to preserve it. Gary and Sandra had the opportunity to
purchase 39 acres near their home with a goal of preserving most of it. They
are in the process of designing green-built homes that will have a
“Stewardship Association” as part of the agreement of living there. Gary and
Sandra envision part of the 39 acres as being used for passive recreation,
where neighbors can get to know one another’s names and faces.
4. Because of Gary’s legal background, he enjoyed his time on the Cooper
Point Association Board, which was sometime in the late 1970s. Gary liked
the challenges and working on the various issues that the Board pursued.
Gary said it was also a good way of getting to know his neighbors. Gary and
Sandra are also excited about designing and developing their 39-acre
property in an environmentally responsible manner. They believe it will be
interesting to meet the people who will want to purchase their “green” homes
and learning their reasons for doing so.
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