January 4, 2012

It’s an honor to begin the new year with The Oregonian Editorial Board’s ringing endorsement of our community’s plan to end homelessness.

In particular, they call out the plan’s two cornerstones: the ‘housing-first’ strategy, which prioritizes getting people into homes as a first step; and 'supportive housing,' which offers services along with housing and is the most cost-effective way to help people become self-sufficient.

In “First, a place of their own,” the Editorial Board lauds two of our most valuable community partners, Central City Concern and JOIN, for their “success not only in getting people into housing, but also in keeping them there.”

This year, we will build on our strong partnership with our government partners, including Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury and Senator Jeff Merkley.

The Editorial Board makes a strong case for long-term, cost-effective strategies to combat homelessness:

Giving people a safe, warm place to live averts the tailspin of illness, violence and injury the homeless suffer when they camp outdoors. That makes them less employable and more likely to be a permanent liability for taxpayers. A sturdy safety net can withstand public scrutiny because it’s cost-effective. And the smartest safety net of all is one that has four walls and a roof. 

We couldn’t agree more.

January 4, 2012

By David Nguyen

We're excited to share that the Friends of Portland Community Gardens non-profit has been chosen by the Whole Foods at 28th and Burnside as the recipient of its January 12, 2012 community giving “5% Day,” where one organization is selected to receive 5% of that day’s net sales. For 25 years, the Friends have provided support to the City's community garden program through fundraising and by recruiting and coordinating volunteers.

We're working to add 1,000 new community garden plots by the end of 2012 - these funds will help us move toward that goal. Some projects in the pipeline that might benefit from this fundraiser are Frazer Park in Rose City, Errol Heights in Brentwood-Darlington, Helensview in Sumner, and the Mt. Tabor garden in Mt. Tabor.

Parks' community garden program has provided gardening opportunities for the physical and social benefit of the people and neighborhoods of Portland since 1975. Our 39 gardens, located throughout the city, are operated by Parks staff and volunteers and offer a variety of activities.

As an added incentive, the Friends will be raffling off a $100 gift card for Bogs Footwear if you visit their table at Whole Foods on January 12.

January 5, 2012

Three stories about the Parks family caught our eye today:

First, Larry Bingham reports on the students working to bring a community garden and a learning garden to Grant High School in Northeast Portland - we're very proud to help with this effort.

Second, Jennifer Anderson digs into some of the cuts proposed for the 2012-13 Parks budget. Mayor Adams has directed that we prepare proposals to absorb 4%, 6% and 8% cuts.

Lastly, Tom Hallman Jr. writes about the role of Peter Anthony, a Parks staff member, in the New Year's Day rescue of a man suffering from hypothermia after overturning his kayak and falling into the Willamette River.

January 5, 2012

Today, Commissioner Fish announced his selection of Hannah Kuhn as his new Chief of Staff, effective February 6. 

Hannah previously served as the Commissioner's Senior Policy Director, and later as Special Projects Manager. In the past year, she led a national search to recruit a new Parks Director and worked to implement the City's newly adopted tree regulations.

"Hannah Kuhn is smart, politically savvy and a collaborative leader who gets things done," Commissioner Fish said. "I'm thrilled that she's agreed to lead my team."

Hannah has broad experience in public service: from 2002 until 2004, Hannah worked as Mayor Vera Katz's senior policy advisor, and under Mayor Tom Potter she spearheaded the development and implementation of the City's Measure 37 program.

We're very excited to welcome Hannah back to the Fish Team as Chief of Staff.

News Release

January 9, 2012

By David Nguyen

Portland Parks & Recreation is offering gift card option good toward classes and activities offered by.

Gift cards of $20 and above are for sale at any of our community or arts centers (click here to find one near you). You can also purchase a card over the phone and we'll mail it to you - call (503) 823-2525.

Your gift card can be used toward the cost of registering for classes and activities, as well as for permits, rental fees, merchandise, swim lessons, fitness passes, and drop-in usage fees at any PP&R recreation facility.