June 22, 2010

Last December, the Portland Development Commission partnered with the Parks bureau to purchase three lots at 106th and Halsey in Northeast Portland. The future Gateway Neighborhood Park property, totaling 4.2 acres, will become a 3-acre park with one acre of complementary redevelopment in the Gateway neighborhood.

Tonight, from 6 - 8 pm, Parks and PDC will host on official Kick-off and Open House at the project site. This is a great chance to tour the site, get to know project staff, review consultant analysis to date, share your ideas, and enjoy refreshments and ice cream with the project team.

Increasing equity in access to our Parks system is one of Nick's top priorities as Parks Commissioner. Gateway has long been one of Portland's most park-deficient areas, and Parks staff have been working since 2001 to acquire property in the area. Once completed, this park will serve three neighborhoods - Hazelwood, Mill Park, and Parkrose. The project site is also located on the NE Halsey "Main Street" corridor, and will be an important step in increasing the area's economic vitality.

Planning for the site is a collaborative effort from Parks and PDC staff, consultant firm Mayer/Reed, and an advisory committee made up of community volunteers representing a range of perspectives. The Committee includes representatives from the Gateway business community, neighborhood associations, residents, youth, park advocates, and East Portland community activists, each with unique ideas. The Committee is charged with developing a balanced community-wide vision position incorporating the varied ideas of each member. The Committee will have a total of five meetings, all open to the public, this year. Click here for more on the Committee and for information about the next meeting.