Portland Parks Commission Annual Report 2014-2015

October 1, 2015

The Portland Parks Commission

The Parks Commission is a citizen board composed of 13 commissioners. By city ordinance, members include one of the city council, who is on the Transportation, Sustainability and Energy Committee; one member representing Friends of ; one member representing Friends of the ; one member representing Friends of Evergreen Cemetery; and one member representing Portland Trails. Seven members represent the public-at-large and one member representing the Land Bank Commission. Except of the City Council, all appointments are for three-year terms.

As established by City ordinance, the duties of the Portland Parks Commission include:

● Soliciting, encouraging and accepting private contributions to the city, in cash or in kind, whether by gift, trust, or subject to conditions;

● Making recommendations to the city council as to the sale of dedicated parks and public grounds and disposition of trust funds held for parks, trails and open space;

● Maintaining inventories of parks, trails and open space needs as it determines to be desirable;

● Submitting an annual report to the city council regarding the state of the city’s parks and public grounds and City of Portland Parks, Recreation and Public Buildings and Grounds making specific recommendations therein about suggested goals and improvements for the parks and public grounds;

● Encouraging educational programs, through the schools or otherwise, in forestry education or other relevant subjects it determines to be beneficial to the parks programs of the city;

● Undertaking such other activities as to enhance the parks, trails and open space programs of the city as it deems appropriate from time to time; and

● Conducting an annual meeting of all parks, trails and open space advocacy groups to discuss annual projects and to recommend goals and priorities for capital improvement projects to the city council.

2015 Portland Parks Commissioners:

Diane Davison, Chair, Friends of the Eastern Promenade 2014-2017 Carol Hutchins, Friends of Deering Oaks 2015-2018 Craig Lapine, Public-at-large 2015-2018 Cynthia Loebenstein, Friends of Evergreen Cemetery 2015-2018 Meri Lowry, Land Bank Representative 2015-2018 Michael Mertaugh, Public-at-large 2014-2017 Jaime Parker, Portland Trails 2015-2018 Steve Morgenstein, Public-at-large 2014-2017 Nathan Robbins, Public-at-large 2015-2018 Travis Wagner, Public-at-large 2014-2017 Dory Waxman, Public-at-large 2014-2017 Jeff Scher, Public-at-large 2012-2015 Ralph Carmona, Public-at-large 2012-2015 Jon Hinck, City Council Representative

Parks Commission City Staff

Mike Bobinsky, Director of Public Services Sally DeLuca, Director of Recreation – Acting Director of Recreation and Facilities Troy Moon, Environmental Programs and Open Spaces Manager, Public Services Rick Knowland, Senior Planner, Planning and Development Melissa Graffam, Executive Assistant, Public Services

Brief History of the Parks Commission

1885 The city Cemeteries and Public Grounds was created by the Maine Legislature.

1913 The Cemeteries and Public Grounds Commission was changed to the Parks Commission.

1915 The city Recreation Commission was created by the Maine Legislature.

1923 Citizen Commissioners were replaced by City Councilors who now served as Parks Commissioners.

1947 The Parks Commission was eliminated and the Portland Department of Parks and Recreation was created.

1983 The Friends of the Parks Committee (popularly known as the Friends of the Parks Commission) was created by the city.

1987 Friends of the Parks Commission held its first meeting.

2008 Friends of the Parks Commission changed to Parks Commission.

Heritage of Portland Parks and Open Space

Portland’s parks and open spaces are a treasure – an important element of who we are. They anchor Portland’s spectacular natural setting and offer repose and recreation for the population of Maine’s largest city and for her many visitors. They also offer respectful places for burial and commemoration of Portland’s deceased loved ones.

Of all the cities in the United States, none can compete with Portland’s unique natural setting – overlooking the beauties of Casco Bay, her islands and seaway to the East, and the White Mountains to the West. Portland’s parks ensure that these priceless vistas can be enjoyed by present and future generations of Portland residents and visitors.

Portland’s parks did not just happen. They resulted from the vision, dedication, and generosity of many Portland residents and friends over the past two centuries. Safeguarding Portland’s existing parks for the benefit of future generations and creating new parks as the city continues to develop will require continuing vigilance and commitment by the citizens of Portland.

Portland’s park system began with the city’s acquisition in 1828 of a parcel of land on 1 that would become part of the Eastern Promenade Park. ​ The Eastern and ​ roadways were established by 1837, and in 1878 the city engaged Calvert Vaux, Frederick Law Olmsted’s collaborator in the design of New York’s Central Park, to advise on improvements in Portland’s public spaces. That same year, the city’s civil engineer, William A. Goodwin, outlined a vision for protection of the vistas from the Eastern and Western Promenades as permanent scenic resources of the city. The high vantage points of the Eastern and Western Promenades were key features of Mayor James Phinney Baxter’s 1897 plan for Portland’s park system, modeled on the linked system of parks in Boston’s “Emerald Necklace.” Another element of this plan was the peripheral road and pedestrian trail around Portland’s , known today as . Baxter Boulevard and its border of linden trees have become a much-loved feature of Portland’s park system. In addition to offering a splendid view of the Portland peninsula, the pedestrian trail provides a year-around outlet for exercise and renewal for many of Portland’s residents.

The first of Portland’s designated parks; Lincoln Park was created just after the great fire of 1866 as a central park for Portland’s residents and as a fire break in the event of a future conflagration. Lincoln Park became a focal point for the city’s development in th th the late 19 ​ and early 20 ​ centuries, but it has suffered from neglect in recent years. ​ ​ Public use of the park has been discouraged by the loss of its eastern edge to the

1 This brief sketch of the history of Portland’s parks is drawn from Bold Vision: the Development of the Parks of ​ Portland, Maine, Theo H.B.M. Holtwick and Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr, editors, Greater Portland Landmarks, 1999. ​ widened Franklin Street, by increasing vehicle traffic along its northern and eastern sides, and by falling maintenance standards. A recently formed Friends group is working to mobilize interest and resources to help revitalize Lincoln Park. This effort should benefit from the planned redesign of Franklin Street, which is expected to restore some of the eastern portion of the park that was lost to the earlier widening of Franklin Street.

Through the generosity of the Deering family, Deering Oaks Park was another early addition to Portland’s park system. The park was given to the city by Nathaniel Deering II and his son, Henry Deering in 1878. For many years prior to that, the park’s wooded space had been freely used by the public. Once it became a Portland park, there was a risk that the park’s trees would be thinned to make room for organized activities. City engineer William Goodwin successfully advocated to keep the trees and to move slowly and cautiously in deciding how to develop the park, consistent with Olmsted’s design principles. He also had the mill pond dammed to create the skating pond, and installed the fountain and the first of the pond’s duck houses.

Evergreen Cemetery was established by the city of Portland as a cemetery in 1852 in what was then the town of Westbrook. Its development was inspired by the garden cemetery movement, which had begun with Cambridge’s Mount Auburn Cemetery in 1831 and Bangor’s Mount Hope Cemetery in 1834. Like Mount Auburn and Mount Hope Cemeteries, the site for Evergreen Cemetery was selected for its attractive landscape features – its hills and natural contours, pond, and specimen trees. These were enhanced with thoughtful plantings and grave layouts that respect and enhance the natural features of the site. The Friends of Evergreen was established in 1991 to help protect Evergreen Cemetery and to promote public appreciation of the cemetery. This was the first of the several friends groups that have been established since to advocate for the needs of Portland’s parks and open spaces. Its first initiative was to obtain recognition of Evergreen Cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places. This was followed soon after by its effort to lead the restoration of Wilde Memorial Chapel after a period of serious neglect.

As described in this report, Portland has added many parks and open spaces to its parks system since these early park acquisitions. Together with the various parks friends groups, the Parks Commission is committed to protecting Portland’s parks, promoting the respectful use and appreciation of Portland’s parks by the public, and advocating for their needs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Parks Commission Highlights 2014-2015

2.1 Passage of the Parks Ordinance 2.2 Adoption of PC Rules 2.3 Origination of budget (Advocated reinstatement of full time park ranger) 2.4 Adaption of CIP Ranking Criteria

th 2.5 Green Space Gathering – (5 ​ Annual held in 2014) ​

3. Department of Recreation and Facilities Management – Recreation Division 2014-2015 3.1 Mission, Organization and Relationship to Parks 3.2 Summary of Accomplishments (2014-2015) 3.3 General Recreation Opportunities Available at Parks 3.3.1 Park Usage through Organized Recreation Events 3.4 Recreation Budgets for Parks 3.4.1 2015-2016 Recreation Budget 3.4.2 2014-2015 Recreation Budget 3.5 Capital and General Improvements 3.5.1 2014-2015 Name of project, Basic outcome, cost 3.5.2 2015-2016 Name of proposed project, expected outcome, est. cost 3.6 Pressing Recreation Issues 3.6.1 Short Term 3.6.2 Long Term

4. Public Services Department – Parks and Open Space Division 2014-2015 4.1 Mission, Organization and Relationship to Open Space 4.2 Summary of Accomplishments (2014-2015) 4.3 Park Usage 4.4 Parks and Open Spaces Budget 4.4.1 2014-2015 Parks and Open Spaces Budget 4.4.2 2015-2016 Parks and Open Spaces Budget

4.5 Capital and General Improvements 4.5.1 2014-2015 Name of project, Basic outcome, Cost 4.5.2 2015-2016 Name of proposed project, expected outcome, cost 4.6 Pressing Parks Issues 4.6.1 Short Term 4.6.2 Long Term

5. Parks Commission Priorities 2014-2016 5.1 Crafting the Inventory of Parks 5.2 Short-term Funding Opportunities/Goals 5.3 Identifying and Supporting Partnerships 5.4 Next Year Long-term Goals

6. Inventory of Portland’s Parks 6.1 List of Parks and Open Spaces

1. INTRODUCTION Message from the Chair, Diane Davison

A transformational time for our City’s Parks and Open Space.

It has been an honor to serve on the City of Portland’s Park Commission for the past seven years. During this timeframe our parks and open space have received elevated attention and passionate advocacy rightfully deserved. The Commission continues to experience increased level of commitment from dedicated citizens serving our green spaces via this Council appointed body.

Recent accomplishments outlined in “highlights”, Section 2, are significant. Adoption of CIP ranking criteria and budget origination for the Commission supported critical advocacy for Congress Square Park and re-instatement of a Supervising Park Ranger position.

Administrative revisions include adoption of rules and general provisions for order of business, governance and elections, public notice and general conduct & voting guidelines for the Commission. Among key roles identified within ordinance pertaining to role of Parks Commission are inventory of open space, improvement & maintenance recommendations. This initial report is intended to set the framework for ongoing work in this process.

The Parks Commission shall continue seeking consistent support to ensure viable, sustainable future of parks and treasured open space within “Forest City”.

2. PARKS COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS 2014-2015

2.1 Passage of the Parks Ordinance The 2015 fiscal year (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015) was marked by several significant developments for Portland’s parks. On July 10, 2014, a new provision was added to the 1 City Code ​ to reflect the passage of the June 10 ballot initiative on the process for ​ selling or altering the use of the city’s parks. Under this provision, sale or altered use of any 32 designated Portland parks would require recommendation by the Land Bank Commission and either approval of a voter referendum and approval by six (6) of the nine (9) City Council members, or approval by eight (8) City Council members.

Shortly before the parks referendum, the City Council adopted a new ordinance on parks which reinforces the role of the Parks Commission in oversight and support of 2 Portland’s parks and open spaces. This May 28, 2014 Parks Ordinance charges​ the ​ Parks Commission with the following duties:

1. Selecting and accepting contributions to the city for parks, 2. Making recommendations to City Council regarding sale of parks and/or use of trust funds for parks, trails and open spaces, 3. Maintaining an inventory of parks, trails and open spaces, 4. Submitting an annual report to City Council on the state of the city’s parks and recommending goals and improvements for city’s parks and open spaces, ​ ​ 5. Encouraging park-related educational programs, 6. Undertaking other activities to enhance the city’s parks, trails and open spaces, 7. Conducting an annual meeting of parks advocacy groups to discuss projects and recommend investment priorities for parks within the capital improvement program (CIP) to City Council.

2.2 Adoption of Park Commission Rules

3 In January 2015, the City Code was amended ​ to add another duty for the Parks ​ Commission: “adopting reasonable rules for the conduct of its meetings, which rules shall include provisions for public comments.” Draft rules were created and reviewed by the city’s Corporate Counsel. The Parks Commission voted to adopt these rules at their August 2015 meeting. (Appendix A: Rules of the Portland Parks Commission) ______

1 ​ Portland City Code, Chapter 2, Section 2-42 (revised 7-10-2014) 2 ​ City of Portland Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18, Section 18-10 (revised 5-28-2014) 3 ​ Order 116-14/15 (1-5-2015) 2.3 Adoption of CIP Ranking Criteria To help set budget priorities for parks during the planning of the FY 2016 city budget, the Parks Commission developed and recommended the following criteria for parks expenditures for FY 2016, in descending order of priority:

1. Progress on Congress Square Park, for which there are high expectations following the recent citizen's initiative and Council ordinance, 2. Proposals for improving overall parks maintenance and oversight, 3. Proposals for design studies and master plans that refine priorities and cost estimates and move projects closer to implementation readiness, and 4. Completion of projects that are very close to completion and embody significant cost sharing.

These recommendations were based on several expectations and assumptions:

● That budget will be maintained in FY2016 for seasonal park rangers, a full-time park ranger, and seasonal parks maintenance staff. These are the highest priority park budget needs for FY2016, but represent continuation of already budgeted activities. ● That the Parks Commission will prepare a brief first Annual Report, as mandated in the City’s new Parks Ordinance, in FY 2016 on the basis of available information. Following consultation with the City Council on the desired content of subsequent annual reports, the Commission will request a budget in FY2017 for ​ ​ collection of baseline data and preparation of a fuller annual report in FY2017. ● The 2017 Annual Report will also reflect information generated by the update of the Parks Master Plan in FY2016 (for which funds are requested below) and from the study that is currently being carried out by the Trust for Public Lands and Portland Trails. ● That serious consideration will be given to the operating budget requests as proposed by the Parks Commission, which are important for maintaining functionality of our parks. Experience demonstrates that deferred maintenance often leads to larger needs for capital outlays.

2.4 Adoption of Parks Commission 2016 Budget

Unlike the Land Bank Commission and the Public Art Committee, both of which receive an annual budget allocation equal to 0.5% of the year’s CIP budget, the Parks Commission in prior years has never been allocated a budget to support initiatives for Portland’s parks. For the first time, the City Manager’s proposed 2016 budget included an allocation of $75,000 from the City Manager’s discretionary budget to support priority interventions for Portland parks. Despite the difficult budget environment for 2016, this proposal was endorsed by the City Council. At its June, 2015 meeting, the Parks Commission voted unanimously to distribute this amount for the following priorities derived from the ranking criteria and assumptions summarized above:

● $20,000 to supplementing the Department of Public Service’s budget for a full-time Supervising Parks Ranger, ​ ​

● $20,000 to Evergreen Cemetery for removal of dangerous trees,

● $35,000 for cost-sharing with the Friends of Congress Square and their grant from the Project for Public Places to support re-design of Congress Square Park.

2.5 Green Space Gathering – 2014

th The Parks Commission held its 5 ​ Annual Green Space Gathering on October 2, 2014 ​ at Ocean Gateway. Inspirational keynote speaker Elizabeth Vizza presented successful strategies implemented by Friends of the Public Garden, Boston Commons. As long time Executive Director, Liz shared how this public/private partnership with the City of Boston maintains these famous grounds as an exceptional green space. Thanks to CTN5 you may watch Liz's speech by visiting this link:

http://www.ctn5.org/shows/member-highlights/member-highlight-portland-parks-2014-gr een-space-gathering-7887

3. DEPARTMENT RECREATION AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT – RECREATION DIVISION 2014-2015

3.1 Mission, Organization and Relationship to Parks

The mission of the Recreation Division is to provide activities and programs in the community for Recreation Community Centers, Aquatics, Ice Arena, Golf Course, Senior Adults, Therapeutic Recreation, Before and After school, Summer Camps, Athletic Facilities, Playgrounds and Water features. Our relationship with Parks is coordinating these activities that take place in open spaces. Ballfields, tennis, basketball, volleyball, pickleball courts, along with playgrounds, ornamental and drinking fountains are in parks and open spaces.

3.2 Summary of Accomplishments (2014-2015)

New playground Features at Peppermint Park. Orchestrated and managed the removal of three storm water overflow drains from under Fitzpatrick Stadium. Along with orchestrating and managing through Unitil, the repair of multiple gas leaks 20’ under Fitzpatrick Stadium. Replaced the synthetic turf and track surfaces at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Built new snowboard feature for Payson Hill Terrain Park. Entered into partnership with local organization to rent ice skates at Payson Park pond during the winter months.

3.3 Recreation Opportunities Available at Parks Tennis, basketball, pickleball, volleyball Women’s Soccer program Youth Summer Track program Programming includes a Junior Naturalist and Hiking program for kids Concerts in Deering Oaks for children Concerts on Eastern and Western Prom Shakespeare in the Parks (co-sponsored by Recreation)

3.3.1 Park Usage through Organized Recreation Events Usage Hours Portland Public School Use of athletic facilities 690 hours Portland Community Use of athletic facilities 2,460 hours Fields 130 hours Deering Oaks Park 389 hours Athletic Facility 175 hours Fitzpatrick Stadium (major renovation in 2014) 174 hours ​ Lyman Moore Middle School 198 hours Memorial Stadium (Deering High School) 608 hours Payson Park 321 hours Hall Elementary School 50 hours Preble Street Soccer Fields 213 hours Riverton School Fields 236 hours

3.4 Recreation Budgets for Parks 3.4.1 2015-2016 Recreation Budget Ballfields/Courts $523,456 Expenditures; $271,891 Revenues Playgrounds $161,560 Expenditures; $0 Revenues Water/Benches $97,469 Expenditures; $0 Revenues

3.4.2 2014-2015 Recreation Budget Ballfields/Courts $ 516,256 Expenditures; $293,066 Revenues Playgrounds $160,359 Expenditures; $0 Revenues Water/Benches $95,469 Expenditures, $0 Revenues

3.5 Capital and General Improvements 3.5.1 2014-2015 Name of project, Basic outcome, cost Payson Park Title IX Improvements $200,000 (phase 1 of 2) Fitzpatrick Stadium Field and Track replacement $1,005,000 Pleasant Street Park Playground Renovation $20,000 Peppermint Park Additions $15,000

3.5.2 2015-2016 Name of proposed project, expected outcome, est. cost Payson Park Title IX Improvements $200,000 (phase 2 of 2) Lyman Moore Athletic Fields Improvements $275,000

3.6 Pressing Recreation Issues 3.6.1 Short Term As facilities grow, additional money is needed for more staff and equipment.

3.6.2 Long Term Implement recommendations from Athletic Facilities Task Force Report approved by City Council in 2011. Replacement of old playgrounds Lights for Deering Oaks Tennis Courts Lack of irrigation/drainage systems on ballfields Old cyclone fencing needs to be replaced (some are more than 50 years old) Infield renovation of baseball fields Develop new fields to handle the demand

4. PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT – PARKS AND OPEN SPACE DIVISION 2014-2015

4.1 Mission, Organization and Relationship to Parks The Department of Public Services is charged with the maintenance and care of Portland’s parks and open spaces. This includes mowing and turf management of traditional park space, care of many trails including the Back Cove Trail and the Eastern Promenade Trail, and management of natural open spaces such as Baxter Woods and Pine Grove Park. In addition, the Department manages two active cemeteries, Evergreen Cemetery and Forest City Cemetery, as well as 14 inactive cemeteries including the historic Eastern and Western Cemeteries. The Forestry and Horticulture section cares for nearly 20,000 street trees and creates beautiful floral displays such as the Fessenden Street Garden and the rose circle in Deering Oaks. The Department issues permits for nearly 400 events in public spaces which include large walkathons and road races, concerts, weddings, and other activities. Employees from the Solid Waste Division provide regular collection of trash from the park space. In spring, 2015, 9.5 full time employees and a supervisor from the Districting program were assigned to work exclusively on park maintenance. Several seasonal employees also contribute to park maintenance efforts doing mowing, litter control, watering plants and trees, and other tasks. The Department has one full time park ranger and several seasonal park rangers who patrol parks and trails in order to enforce park rules, promote safety, and serve park patrons.

4.2 Summary of Accomplishments (2014-2015) Public Services had several notable achievements in our parks during the past fiscal year. Perhaps the most notable was the successful completion of the Fort Allen Park Restoration project. Harnessing approximately $1.1 million in City capital improvement funds as well as $300,000 in private funds raised by the Friends of Eastern Promenade, the project restored many features of Fort Allen including the access road, the historic overlook (now handicap accessible), the wrought iron fence, and the historic cannons. The undergrounding of utilities around the park provides the public to with and unimpeded view of Portland Harbor and the Casco Bay Islands. Significantly, this is the largest collaborative project to date involving the City and a Friends group. Its success provides a road map for future collaborations.

Of similar scale and significance, the Department undertook the expansion of Evergreen Cemetery. This $550,000 project adds about 800 additional grave sites as a columbarium for the placement of cremation urns. The development of this project included significant public comment from the Friends of Evergreen Cemetery and other members of the public. Completion of the project allows the cemetery to serve the burial needs of Portland for many years and brings beautiful landscape features to the street frontage on Stevens Avenue.

Other notable projects during the past year include restoration of the retaining wall at the Western Promenade, restoration of the Evergreen cemetery wall along Stevens Avenue, completion of forest management work at Pine Grove Park and Baxter Pines, and successful implementation of Sundays on the Boulevard. The Department continues to work successfully with Cultivating Community to manage community gardens.

The Friends of Congress Square Park deserve commendation for their efforts to program Congress Square Park. They have sponsored dozens of events including concerts, dances, movie presentations and other activities. Through fund raising they purchased movable furniture and other amenities. Their volunteers have worked hard to maintain these items and to ensure they were stored safely each night. The Friends applied for and received a Project for Public Spaces Grant sponsored by Southwest Airlines that will provide them with $50,000 in funds for programming and amenities as well as another $50,000 in kind technical assistance. City staff looks forward to working with the Friends as the future of Congress Square unfolds.

4.3 Park Usage 4.4 Parks and Open Spaces Budget 4.4.1 2014-2015 Parks and Open Spaces Budget Forestry/Horticulture: ● Expenditure $658,815 ● Revenue $95,798

Cemeteries: ● Expenditure $586,028 ● Revenue $400,962

Districting: ● Expenditure $554,429 (Parks related staff and supplies) ● Revenue $ 10,225 (Boat launch fees)

Administration: ● Expenditure $108,018 ● Revenue $20,700 (Event fees)

4.4.2 2015-2016 Parks and Open Spaces Budget Forestry/Horticulture: ● Expenditures $624,438 ● Revenue $96,445

Cemeteries: ● Expenditures $581,235 ● Revenue $509,829

Districting: ● Expenditure $587,138 ● Revenue $0

Administration: ● Expenditure $111,258 ● Revenue $45,870 (Event fees)

4.5 Capital and General Improvements 4.5.1 2014-2015 Name of project, Basic outcome, Cost East End Beach Paving $35,000 (complete)

Evergreen Cemetery Water Line $15,000 (complete)

Evergreen Cemetery Wall Repair $70,000 (phase complete, additional work required)

Evergreen Cemetery Expansion $500,000 (complete)

Fort Allen Expansion $1.1 million City funds, $300,000 private donations (complete)

4.5.2 2015-2016 Name of proposed project, expected outcome, cost Western Promenade Walks $50,000 summer 2015 completion

Deering Oaks Pond Bottom $1.1 million fall/winter completion

Capisic Pond Restoration fall/winter work

4.6 Pressing Parks Issues 4.6.1 Short Term Inadequate staffing is the primary short term concern for Parks and Open Spaces. There is also a dire need for addition funds to address hazardous trees in Evergreen Cemetery. Estimates by local tree contractors indicate a cost of approximately $250,000 to address this issue. We are also seeing increased demand for community garden plots and need to find a way to address the growing waiting list.

4.6.2 Long Term There is a significant backlog of capital projects that need to be addressed. These include Lincoln Park Restoration (walks and fence), Deering Oaks Lighting, Monument Square Rehabilitation, Eastern Cemetery Retaining Wall, Redesign of East End Beach, and improved bathroom facilities at Deering Oaks.

5. PARKS COMMISSION PRIORITIES 2014-2016

5.1 Crafting the Inventory of Parks 5.2 Short-term Funding Opportunities/Goals Short Term Goals (1-2 years) 1. This year’s ranking CIP 2. FY16 Operation Fund Allocations: ● Full Time Park Ranger ● Congress Square ● Trees for Evergreen 3. Create a budget and pilot program for signage consistency within parks and open spaces (FY17)

The Parks Commission was able to complete numbers one and two on its short-goals list.

5.3 Identifying and Supporting Partnerships Portland’s Park and Opens Spaces benefit greatly from partnerships developed over time. Currently, these partnerships are primarily between the city and non-profit groups. These groups in the majority of cases are “friends groups’ that support and advocate for specific parks or open spaces in the city. Friends groups are encouraged to report to the Parks Commission to make the commission aware of needs and improvements that will enhance the user experience in a park or open space or correct a deficiency that might create a risk to those who enjoy the park. At this time there are eleven (11) friends groups:

● Friends of Capisic Pond ● Friends of Congress Square ● Friends of Deering Oaks ● Friends of the Eastern Prom ● Friends of Evergreen Cemetery ● Friends of Heseltine Park ● Friends of Lincoln Park ● Friends of Longfellow Park ● Friends of Payson Park ● Friends of Eastern Cemetery – Spirits Alive ● Friends of

Some of these friends groups are long standing (Friends of the Eastern Prom, Friends of Deering Oaks and Friends of Evergreen Cemetery). Others have been in existence a short period of time (Friends of Congress Square and Friends of Payson Park). These groups provide the Commission with valuable input that helps define the direction the Commission. Friends groups also secure private grant money for park design, improvements, or special events.

Other non-profit groups also work with the city in our parks.

● Portland Trails and the Department of Public Services collaborate to maintain, expand, and improve trail network that runs throughout Portland. These efforts provide connectivity between open spaces and provide access to many unique and interesting places. ● Cultivating Community and the city have teamed up to support the community garden program. This partnership provides effective management of existing gardens and the ability to provide new gardens throughout the city.

The commission is aware that opportunities to collaborate with the private sector would be beneficial to upkeep and improvement of parks and open spaces. There are opportunities for the City to expand its nascent “adopt a spot” program that allows individuals or groups to volunteer to maintain specific places. There has been also been discussion with city staff to try to locate grant funding. At this time resources and staff time to initiate this process are limited.

5.4 Next Year Long-term Goals The Parks Commissioners long-term goals (3-5 years) are the following: 1. Adopt a ranking system for the upcoming CIP and advocate for those issues. 2. Advocate for parks within underserved neighborhoods. 3. Create and advocate for funding for a comprehensive signage project with a consultant.

6. INVENTORY of PORTLAND’S PARKS 6.1 List of Parks and Open Spaces

Adams School Playground Back Cove Trail Barrows Park/Baxters Sundial Baxter Pines Bayside Playground Bayside Trail Bedford Park Bell Buoy Park Belmade Park Bramhall Square Caldwell Square Canco Woods Natural Area Clark Street Park Capisic Pond Park Compass Park Congress Square Park Conservation Area at Evergreen Cemetery Deering High School Deering Oaks Park Dougherty Field East End School and Community Center Eastern Promenade Evergreen Cemetery Fessenden Park Fort Sumner Park Fox Field Hall School Harbor View Memorial Park Heseltine Park Lincoln Park Lobsterman Park Longfellow Elementary School Longfellow Park Longfellow Square Lyseth/Lyman Moore School Grounds Martin Point Park Mayor Baxter Woods Monument Square Munjoy Playground Nason’s Corner Park Oat Nuts Park Ocean Avenue School Payson Park Peppermint Park Pine Grove Park Post Office Park Presumscot School Quarry Run Dog Park Reiche School Riverton School Riverton Trolley Park Stroudwater Park Stroudwater Playground Tate-Tyng Tot Lot Trinity Park Tommy’s Park University Park Western Promenade