Thursday, October 1, 2026
BRIDGEPORT – The reopening of newly renovated Berryman Park honored its founder, Len Berryman (1911-1987), during a special ribbon cutting with family descendants in attendance on June 7.
Berryman served as an engineer during the building of Chief Joseph Dam and during that time championed Bridgeport’s development. He formed the Chief Joseph Recreation Association and guided the creation of the city’s first park that featured playground equipment, wading pool, tennis court, picnic shelter with fireplace, and swimming pool. An unusual addition is a World War II memorial displaying military equipment.
An untold story
An interesting story related by daughter Patricia Berryman, is that her father had even more equipment destined for the park, but logistics got in the way.
“The train (Great Northern locomotive #1147) that is in Wenatchee was supposed to go here,” said Berryman speaking at the park dedication, “It was too heavy to go across the bridge.”
A military jet ran into a similar problem.
“Same thing with the plane (T33 Shooting Star) that’s in Brewster,” said Berryman. “It was supposed to go here but they could not get the wings across the bridge.”
Berryman said her father agreed to donate the jet to Brewster where it stands mounted on pylons in Legion Park at the east end of Main Street.
“He made only one condition,” said Berryman. “The plane had to be pointed to Bridgeport.”
And so, it does.
City launches upgrade
As part of its community revitalization plan for the SR-173 corridor the city secured a grant through the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) in 2024 to fund a major facelift of Berryman Park. With assistance from city planner Kurt Danison, then Superintendent of Public Works, Stuart Dezellem, Planning Committee Chair Leslie Robb, and council/committee members, the plan was made, money secured, and work engaged.
Former Bridgeport Mayor Janet Conklin who spoke at the dedication was serving her final term office when the project launched. Current Mayor Sergio Orozco who joined Patrcia Berryman to cut the ribbon, witnessed its completion.
Upgrades and additions include:
Visitors to the east end of the park are greeted by a sign with photos and descriptions of Chief Joseph Dam, the City of Bridgeport, and Berryman’s role in both.
Also attending the dedication with city officials and members of the public was Len Berryman’s granddaughter, Misty Villanueva with her daughter – and Berryman’s great granddaughter, Kayiie Villanueva.
Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media
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