On November 3, 2020, Portlanders overwhelmingly gave their support to Measure 26-213. Thank you for passing it!
Listen to Adena Long, Portland Parks & Recreation Director, explain what critical services the additional levy monies will fund.
News
Measure 26-213
Take a Discovery Walk
Looking for a fun walk in a park? Check out the new Discovery Walk in Arbor Lodge Park. This 10-item walk shares some history, tree identification, and fun. Check out this Arbor Lodge Park page to find the Discovery Walk. Then to to the park, take a walk, learn some cool stuff and have some fun! Good for ages 2 to 92.
Commissioner Carmen Rubio Assigned PP&R
As of January 1, 2021, newly elected Commissioner Carmen Rubio began overseeing Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) as one of her bureau assignments. Nick Fish was responsible for PP&R until his death last year.
This is what Commissioner Rubio wrote about her first term’s priorities concerning parks and natural resources:
As a longtime nonprofit executive director, I have seen firsthand how parks programming enriches the lives of Portlanders and makes an important contribution to the health of this community. Especially now, we can see how people are turning to our parks and natural spaces for their physical and emotional well-being. My goal is to expand our parks resources to increase access to Black, Indigenous, other communities of color, working families and East Portland communities.
In fact, 33% of youth in Portland live east of I-205 and 59% of those youth do not have access to a playground. Knowing this matters and taking action matters more – especially in the midst of these challenging times where we have no choice but to stay home or find spacious outdoor places – in order to stay safe. Even more, for people and families with little or no direct access greenspaces, like in more urban or apartment settings, access to city parks has been a lifeline. Parks and open spaces are providing an opportunity for youth and adults to go outside, get exercise, breathe fresh air and mentally and physically recharge. For these reasons, I’ll work hard to ensure we hold onto, and expand, this precious resource.
We welcome Commissioner Rubio and look forward to working with her and her staff!
Willamette Cove Now Eligible for Bond Funding
On December 10 the Metro Council voted unanimously in support of a resolution that makes Willamette Cove eligible for funding through the 2019 parks and natural areas bond measure. Read more about this vote here.
Columbia Park Honeybees Relocated
A Linden tree in Columbia Park fell during recent windstorms. Several neighbors discovered it housed a nest of honeybees and were concerned about their survivability. With the support of Portland Parks & Recreation, they contacted the owner of 18 Bees who successfully relocated the nest to a location near Mt. Hood. Hopefully the queen survived the impact and the hive will thrive in their new home.
This is a sweet example of the power of partnership between the community and Portland Parks & Recreation. Keep it up!
Measure 26-213
Portland Parks & Recreation Levy
While understanding that any increase in property taxes may be difficult for some, the North Portland Parks Advisory Group recommends passage of the Portland Parks & Recreation Levy.
Why is a Levy Needed Now?
After closing pools and community centers due to COVID-19, Portland Park & Recreation (PP&R) lost over $16 million in revenue from March through September 2020. To have sufficient funds to reopen these facilities by the summer of 2021, the Levy needs to pass.
What would the Levy do?
- Protect and maintain parks, natural areas, streams, wetlands, trees, and other natural features in urban areas by increasing the removal of invasive species, pruning, planting, and maintaining trails.
- Expand programs for people of color and children experiencing poverty so they can connect with nature.
- Fund recreation programs, community centers, and pools, including funding to reopen all 12 community and arts centers and 12 indoor and outdoor pools.
- Provide park maintenance, restroom cleaning, playground inspections and repairs and increase litter and biohazard removal.
- As a result of the COVID-related closures, 1,700 recreation program employees, many youth, were not hired for the summer. The levy will prevent further job cuts for the workers who care for our parks and provide recreation services.
Who will decide how the money will be spent?
PP&R would work with the community to manage the proposed operating levy. If the measure passes, a five-member oversight committee would report annually to City Council after reviewing proposed levy expenditures and annual audits. City Council would approve levy budgets annually.
How much will it cost?
The proposed levy of $0.80 per $1,000 of Assessed Value would raise approximately $48 million per year for five years. A homeowner with a home valued at $200,000 Assessed Value, approximately Portland’s median value, would pay about $151 per year or about $13 a month.
A main goal of this levy is to reopen parks and recreational facilities for all, ensuring those on limited incomes have access with no fees/barriers to participation. PP&R is working on a simplified process to qualify for free participation.
