November 13, 2013

Nick was pleased to join Commissioner Fritz, Portland Parks & Recreation, Legacy Emanuel Hospital, and the Portland Development Commission at the construction kick-off for the Dawson Park Improvement Project.

Dawson Park has served a historically African-American neighborhood since 1921. Public and private partners are investing $2.6 million to restore the park as a community gathering space.

Legacy Emanuel Hospital, which neighbors the park, generously donated $200,000 to add a water feature to the makeover of Dawson Park. Nick was proud to partner with leadership at Legacy to make the fountain a reality.

The interactive water feature was envisioned by neighbors during extensive public involvement. Other renovations to the park include a large central lawn area, a new playground, flowering plants, new picnic areas, barbeque grills, and much more.

The park will also include art panels by local artists that tell the history of the park as an important center for the African-American community.

We hope to finish construction and welcome the neighborhood back to Dawson Park next summer!

Dawson Park construction begins; park will close for a year

Casey Parks in The Oregonian

Rendering courtesy of 2.ink Studios.