April 5, 2012

By David Nguyen

We’d like to give a special thanks to our friend Karen Loper for her amazing contributions as Portland Parks & Recreation’s Assistant Director.

Karen is retiring after a 30 year career with Parks. She writes:

“I leave knowing PP&R is in good hands.  I feel so fortunate to have had the honor to call all of you my co-workers because I do believe the work we do is so important - the legacy of our gold medal park system, the people who count on us, and those who will in the future.

I am moving from employee to advocate, volunteer, and 'customer'.  Over the past 30 years I have seen us go through good times and tough times but I can honestly say, the park system keeps getting better.  Thank you and I'll see you in the park, center, along the trail...”

We'd also like to welcome Warren Jimenez to our Parks team! Warren is taking over Karen’s position and was most recently Mayor Adams’ Chief of Staff.

In the picture: Parks' Director Mike Abbaté, Karen Loper, Commissioner Nick Fish