Research Policy Portland Parks & Recreation encourages the use of parkland as a research laboratory in areas such as urban ecology and recreation, especially where research results can help build our knowledge base related to our parks and/or their management.
All research taking place on property owned or managed by PP&R requires a permit. There are no fees, but the permit is required. Applications will be accepted at any time and must be updated at the end of each calendar year by filing a yearly progress report. Where impacts to park resources or other visitors are anticipated, these impacts must be minimized and the research benefits articulated. Any impacts to the park as a result of research must be repaired or mitigated.
To benefit from park research, PP&R requires copies of reports and publications; published or unpublished data, must be made available upon request.
Process of Permit Review
Submit application as directed below. Note: Please contact us in advance if you are proposing archeological or social science research as additional permits or review may be required.
Permit review normally should take no more than 3 weeks.
Submission of an application for use of PP&R property does not necessarily guarantee that parkland will be made available for the requested use.
Conditions of Research in Portland parks
Portland Parks & Recreation requires a copy of any reports and publications based on this study. Data must also be submitted on request.
Permits expire on December 31 of each year. They are renewable on submission of the required Annual Report. Annual Reports are due November 15.
All markings and equipment left in a park must be marked with the research permit number, and must be removed within one month of completion of research.
Any damage to park property resulting from your research must be remedied.
Applicants are responsible for documenting that they have acquired necessary state and institutional permits.
Portland Parks & Recreation assumes no liability for researchers or their equipment.