Skip to Main Content View Text-Only

The City of Portland, Oregon

Nick Fish (In Memoriam)

City of Portland Commissioner

phone: 503-823-3589

Email: nick@portlandoregon.gov

1221 S.W. 4th, Room 240, Portland, OR 97204

Director Zari Santner announces retirement

March 29, 2011

After 29 years with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), and eight as Director, Zari Santner announced her retirement today.

Zari leaves a rich legacy for future generations of Oregonians - from her efforts to fully integrate recreation programs into other areas of the organization to her commitment to quality design, from diversifying the funding base for parks to protecting and managing our natural areas.

Under Zari's leadership, PP&R had significant achievements:

  • Treasured community parks - the Vera Katz Esplenade, Director Park, Jamison Park, Tanner Creek Park, Caruthers Park, the Holly Farm, and the Ed Benedict Skateboard Park.
  • Gains in East Portland - new properties, master plans for a number of sites, the LEED Platinum East Portland Community Center, and creative thinking about how to increase equity in our parks system.
  • An amazing team, which consistently earns high marks from the community for its services, facilities, and programs.

We'll be conducting a national search to fill Zari's position and continue her legacy of excellence. Nick told the Oregonian's Brad Schmidt this morning, "The truth is, I can't replace Zari Santner. She's left a beautiful legacy for us to build on."

Thank you, Zari, for your service to our city.

Portland parks director retires

The Portland Tribune

Santner retiring from parks bureau

The Business Journal

Zari Santner, Portland Parks & Recreation director, announces retirement

The Oregonian