A Report on the 2003 Parks Levy Investment

In November 2002, Portland voters approved a five-year Parks Levy to begin in July 2003. Levy dollars restored budget cuts made in FY 2002-03 as well as major services and improvements outlined in the Parks 2020 Vision plan adopted by City Council in July 2001. In order to fulfill our obligation to the voters, we identified four key objectives. This report highlights what we have accomplished to date.

Objective 1: Restore $2.2 million in cuts made in 2002/03 budget

The 2003 Parks Levy restored cuts that were made to balance the FY 2002-03 General Fund budget. These cuts included the closure of some recreational facilities, the discontinuation and reduction of some community partnerships that provide recreational opportunities for youth, and reductions in maintenance of parks and facilities. Below is a detailed list of services restored through levy dollars.

A. Restore programming at six community schools. SUN Community Schools support healthy social and cross-cultural development of all participants, teach and model values of respect and inclusion of all people, and help reduce social disparities and inequities. Currently, over 50% of students enrolled in the program are children of color.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services Proposed projects/services 2005/06

Hired and trained full-time Site Coordinators Total attendance at new sites (Summer Continue to develop programming to serve for 6 new PP&R SUN Community Schools: 2004-Spring 2005): 85,159 the needs of each school’s community and Arleta, Beaumont, Centennial, Clarendon, increase participation in these programs. Faubion, and Grout. Completed community assessments during the summer and began programming in Fall 2003. Total attendance at new sites (Fall 2003-Spring 2004): 72,315

Page 1 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 Commissioner Dan Saltzman • Director Zari Santner B. Restore summer programming at all PP&R community schools. Summer programming at SUN Community School sites allows children to participate in healthy activities within their neighborhoods and to access the Federal Lunch Program at eligible sites.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Summer programming offered at 6 sites. Summer programming offered at 12 sites. Portland Public Schools closed Clarendon, Total attendance: 16,452 Total attendance: 31,945 Gregory Heights, and Mt. Tabor for building renovation. Building hours at remaining PPS Lane SUN Community School offered the Federal Lunch Program meals served at sites were extended to 5pm to allow for Federal Lunch Program: 2,205 meals Lane: 7,479 more summer programming. served. Summer programming offered at 9 sites. Total attendance: 45,168

Seven sites offered the Federal Lunch Program (number of meals served has not been made available to us yet.)

C. Restore programming at MLC and Buckman Pools.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Restored programming to Buckman Pool: Continued programming Buckman Pool. Continue programming MLC Pool. provided lifeguards and swim instructors, Attendance: 22,213 materials, and minor maintenance services. *On October 19, 2005, the City Council Attendance: 21,921 Continued programming MLC Pool. approved up to $400,000 (non-levy dollars) Attendance: 11,466 to repair Buckman Pool. Projected to reopen Restored programming to MLC Pool: in June 2006. provided lifeguards and swim instructors, *Due to significant leakage, which could materials, and maintenance services. have undermined the building structure, Attendance: 7,304 Buckman Pool was closed for evaluation in April 2005.

Page 2 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 D. Restore care to 91 soccer fields at Portland Public Schools. Regular mowing provides for safer conditions by creating an even playing surface.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Restored regular mowing of 91 soccer fields Continued mowing services at 91 soccer Continue mowing services at 91 soccer located at Portland Public Schools. fields at PPS. fields at PPS.

E. Restore regular mowing services to 420 acres of park turf. PP&R is responsible for mowing more than 1,300 acres of grass on a regular basis to keep Portland's parks beautiful and the turf in good health. Budget cuts reduced mowing of 420 acres to once/month.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Restored one crew leader position, plus Continued mowing services. Continue mowing services. seasonal crew hours, to allow for regular mowing of 420 acres of grass (not used as sports fields).

F. Restore basic park maintenance and irrigation projects at more than 200 parks. Restore funding to horticulture services and basic maintenance to facilities such as community centers, pools, and other structures. PP&R maintains more than 200 parks throughout the city. Managing this resource includes picking up and removing litter (1,000 cans are emptied each day), cleaning restrooms (150 total), upkeep and maintenance to drinking fountains (205) and picnic tables (1,080), pulling weeds and raking numerous shrub beds, setting irrigation to keep the grass green and healthy, and inspecting playgrounds and play equipment to maintain safety standards.

PP&R provides horticultural care to 19,700 rose bushes, propagates and plants 70,000 flowering annuals, and grows shrubs, trees, and native plants for use in our parks, gardens, and natural areas.

PP&R operates and maintains 13 community centers, 12 SUN Community Schools, 14 swimming pools, one music center, one arts center, one historic mansion, one cultural center, one race track, four stadiums, two tennis centers, and one dance studio. More than 25,000 programs and activities, tours, and family functions are offered at these sites every year. Keeping these facilities open, clean, safe, and accessible to all requires daily maintenance, including painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and janitorial services.

Page 3 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Restored seven park maintenance Continued basic maintenance of parks and Continue basic maintenance of parks and positions: one supervisor, one horticulturist, facilities. facilities. one park technician, four utility workers, and one maintenance worker, in addition to irrigation services and approximately $10,000 in seasonal maintenance crew funding.

Restored three facility maintenance positions: one painter, one utility worker, and one carpenter. $16,000 per year ($80,000 over five years) Construction should be completed by mid- will be used to develop and construct a well year 2007. Levy dollars will be matched at to resume with CIP to meet total project cost of recreational use of the historic casting pond. $170,000-$200,000. Construction includes drilling a new well and installing a pump to fill casting pond. Once filled, it will function as a reservoir for the park’s irrigation system, saving $22,000 per year in water costs. Funded 0.5 Horticulturist and 0.2 Botanic Continued to provide bedding plants for park Continue to provide bedding plants for park Specialist in order to restore greenhouse flower beds, native plants for habitat flower beds, native plants for habitat production of ornamental, bedding, and restoration, and shrubs for park shrub beds. restoration, and shrubs for park shrub beds. native plants. Developed Oaks Bottom Stewardship Continue to offer stewardship activities to Project with students at Winterhaven Middle youth. School.

Page 4 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 G. Restore maintenance to 150 miles of soft-surface trails in 7,600 acres of natural areas. Trail maintenance includes grading and drainage, surface enhancements, removing fallen trees, cleaning culverts, decommissioning unwanted trails, and bridge and boardwalk repair.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Hired additional seasonal crews to maintain Realigned and rebuilt 1.5 miles of soft- • Create a full-time trail technician position trails at and Forest Park. surface trail at Woods Memorial Natural to work with community volunteers to Area and Dickinson Woods Park. provide improved trail maintenance. • Build .5 mile soft-surface trail at , in partnership with Friends of Marquam Nature Park and OHSU, to connect the nature park with OHSU. • Develop the Stevens Creek Nature Park trail. • Acquire land for a Forest Park trailhead at NW St. Helens Road (US Hwy 30) for future development of parking area, restrooms, maintenance facility, and trails into the park.

H. Restore basic maintenance to tennis courts. Levy dollars restored basic maintenance to Portland's 113 outdoor tennis courts. This includes keeping the courts clean, repainting and striping the surface.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Repainted and striped 10 courts: Gabriel Repainted and striped 10 courts: Repaint and stripe 3 courts at Grant Park. Park (4 courts), (2 courts), Grant Park (3 courts), Washington Portland Heights Park (2 courts), and Mt. Park (1 court), Brooklyn School Park Full court renovation at either Laurelhurst or Tabor Park (2 courts). (2 courts), Glenhaven Park (2 courts), Columbia Park (2 courts each). Renovation and (2 courts). includes resurfacing the court, painting, and striping.

In 2006-08 levy dollars will continue to fund the repainting and striping of five courts each year. Sites will be determined by use and need. In addition, four more courts will undergo complete renovation. These sites are to be determined.

Page 5 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 I. Restore basic care to the urban forest. Tree maintenance includes removing dead wood, structural defects, low limbs, and cross-over limbs and pruning for balance which improves the general health of the tree.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Restored one FTE Utility Worker II and 0.5 Funded 0.5 position to coordinate the Inventory 20 neighborhoods to develop FTE High Climber to provide tree Neighborhood Tree Liaison (NTL) Program replanting plans. maintenance. which resulted in a 12.4% increase in active NTLs. Restored 0.5 FTE Utility Worker II to continue the Diseased Elm Tree program Leveraged matching grant funds for NTLs to which includes monitoring the elm collect tree inventory data needed to population for Dutch Elm Disease. develop replanting plan for canopy-deficient neighborhoods. Inventoried 5 neighborhoods.

J. Restore pass-through grants to youth serving agencies.

2005/06 proposed projects/services 2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services Projected pass-through levy dollars: Pass-through levy dollars: $484,099 Pass-through levy dollars: $400,344 $409,815 Pass-through grant to Self-Enhancement, Continued support. Continued support. Inc. for after-school programs providing recreation, school support, and work training development: 120 middle school youths per year Pass-through grant to TLC-TNT (Portland Continued support. Continued support. Public Schools) for summer camps for at- risk elementary, middle, and high school youth: 140 youths per summer Pass-through grant to Police Activities Continued support. Continued support. League (PAL) to fund athletic, recreation, and enrichment programs for 4th - 12th graders: 450 youths per year Pass-through grant to Office of School and Continued support. Continued support. Community Partnerships (Multnomah Co.)

Page 6 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 which provides general operating funds to SUN Community Schools and School-Aged Policy Framework. Grant supports 46 SUN Community Schools serving 42,000 K-12 youths per year. Pass-through grant to Interstate Firehouse Continued support. Continued support. Cultural Center for general operation of their program which offers diverse arts experiences to artists and audiences alike. Pass-through grant to Aging and Disability Continued support. Continued support. Services (Multnomah Co.) for general operation of Portland Focal Point senior centers. Pass-through grant to Portland, David Continued support. Continued support. Douglas, Parkrose, Centennial, and Reynolds school districts for after-school activities that include clubs, sports, field trips, homework help, and life skills for approximately 10,000 youths per school year.

K. Restore administrative functions that support programs/services.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

• Restored partial funding of Operations Continued funding and services. Continue funding and services. office support specialist to perform MS2000 duties. • Restored funding to strategic planning services. • Restored partial funding of marketing/media liaison position. • Restored bureau-wide computer/hardware replacement funds.

Page 7 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 Objective 2: Provide access to recreational programs for children, families and seniors ($1.5 million per annum)

A. Restore supervised summer playground programs to more neighborhoods. PP&R's supervised summer playground program provides a variety of activities for all kids at sites throughout the city. On average each day about 300 kids participate in the program. An important component of summer playgrounds is the Federal lunch program offered to kids under age 18 in neighborhoods qualifying for Federal aid.

Levy dollars funded Van Go, our second playground program on wheels. Along with our Rec 'n’ Roll bus, Van Go brings summer playground opportunities to more neighborhoods by removing transportation barriers. Van Go sites are selected based on a lack of recreational opportunities in an area, as well as sites that are difficult for the Rec 'N Roll bus to reach. Van Go visits ten sites each week during the summer.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Levy dollars paid for summer playground Summer playground program continued at Summer playground program continued at programs at Wallace, Gabriel, Grant, Knott, Lincoln, Woodlawn, Knott, Creston, Alberta, Lincoln, Woodlawn, Knott, Creston, Alberta, Lincoln, Raymond, and Clinton Parks. and Essex Parks. and Essex Parks.

Total attendance at all summer Total attendance at all summer Total attendance at all summer playgrounds: 178,787 playgrounds: 180,292 playgrounds: 168,349

Total attendance at levy-funded Total attendance at levy-funded Total attendance at levy-funded playgrounds: 23,572 playgrounds: 41,390 playgrounds: 31,959

Purchased van for new Van Go program. Van Go attendance: 2,799 Van Go attendance: 2,930

Page 8 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 B. Provide additional after-school programs and outreach to youth at SUN Community Schools and Community Centers, including clubs and mentoring programs.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

SUN Community Schools: Enhancement Total individuals served in enhancement Provide more of these programs at all PP&R funds provided family/community activities, activities: 24,920 SUN Community Schools. after-school programs and clubs, and Children: 17,092 outreach at twelve PP&R SUN Community Adults: 7,828 Schools. All sites offered homework clubs (attended Example of enhancement activities: by 50-100 students per week). Several sites • Themed family nights offered homework help in targeted • Multi-cultural classes languages, such as Spanish and Somalian. • Homework clubs Multi-cultural offerings included Japanese Examples of outreach activities: and Mexican cultural events, ethnic dance & • After school transportation music activities, and foreign language • Language-specific promotional classes. materials • Multi-cultural events Other services included after-school transportation (Faubion) and hot meal program (Clarendon).

Community activities included St. Johns Art Walk, Community Resource Fair, and Family Nights (sports, music, multi-cultural). Outreach Program: Levy funds provided Latino Outreach Program: Create a Community Advisory Group for for the development of Latino Outreach • Established annual community event for each service group to assist with program Services, Asian Outreach Services, and Mexican Independence Day support and resources. Teen Outreach Services. Three Recreation • Held Dia de Los Muertos event at Coordinators were hired to provide culturally University Park Community Center Continue to broaden outreach efforts to specific outreach programs to youth and • Developed Latina Girls Summer Camp; diverse populations within Portland. families at PP&R facilities, to promote Boys Latino Urban Art Camp; Aventura cultural awareness, and to meet the needs Latina Camp (environmental group); Latina of diverse communities. Girls Club with monthly activities • Held Latino dialog sessions with high Latino Outreach Program: school kids • Established annual community event for • Placed four Latina summer interns to Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – assist with translation and program activities

Page 9 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 held at St. Johns Community Center in 2003 Asian Outreach Program: • Held Asian New Year Celebration at East Asian Outreach Program: Portland Community Center • Established annual Asian New Year • Developed Asian summer tennis camp for Celebration at East Portland Community youth Center • Placed a PSU intern from Korea to assist • Participated in the Asian Youth Leadership with community services Conference • Participated in the Asian Youth Leadership Conference Teen Outreach Program: • Collaborated with APACSA for youth and • Established annual African American family night at Marshall High School Heritage Celebration at Matt Dishman • Participated in the Real World Youth Community Center Leadership conference, Youth Opportunity Center Career Fair, and Youth Employment Career Institute Fair • Provided assistance with the Mayors Youth Anti-Gang Task Force as it related to Asian gangs

Teen Outreach Program: • Held African American Heritage Celebration at Matt Dishman Community Center • Developed Teen Leadership Program (15- member teen council) • Participated in Job Fair

Page 10 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 C. Increase access to recreation programs for all: Improve recreation programming and outreach for seniors. Increase inclusion assistance for disabled citizens participating in recreational activities.

2003/04 projects/services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Senior Recreation: Hired one PTE (75%) Number of van trips: 341 (29.2% increase) Continue to increase number of course Recreation Leader to plan and lead all van offerings and activities to reduce number of trips as well as expand van trip program. By Courses offered: 760 (25.4% increase) people on wait lists. adding this position, other staff people were able to spend more time on volunteer Attendance: 32,325 (17.8% increase) recruitment. Volunteer hours: 3,568 (51.6% increase) Number of van trips: 264 Number of people on program wait lists: 829 Number of courses offered: 605 (10.4% increase)

Total attendance: 27,444

Volunteers hours: 2,354

Number of people on program wait lists: 751 Disabled Citizens Recreation: Hired a full- Continued Inclusion Services for people with People served by Inclusion Services in time Inclusion Assistant (75% paid by levy disabilities of all ages. summer 2005: 229 funds) to meet growing demand for integration into PP&R general programs as People served by Inclusion Services: 408 It is projected that the number of people mandated by ADA. Duties include direct (15.6% increase from previous year) using Inclusion Services will continue to service to participants while in PP&R grow. programs, coordination of staff assisting participants, educating and coordinating Continue Inclusion Services for people with with PP&R facility programmers, and record disabilities of all ages. keeping.

People served by Inclusion Services: 353

Page 11 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 Objective 3: Provide safe places to play ($3.95 million per annum)

A. Play structures at schools and parks: Replace unsafe structures and remove lead-based paint. The Parks Levy provided $783,000 over five years towards playground safety improvements throughout Portland. The priority is to identify and eliminate hazardous play equipment.

Project Start date Finish date

Completed: Fall 2003 Summer 2008 • Washington Park Children's Playground – installed rubber safety surfacing. • Trenton Park – replaced old wooden structure with new playground with path and seating. Continue Received $85,000 grant from Interstate Urban Renewal. replacement of • – installed new play equipment, soft-surfacing, drainage, and accessible painted play route. Received funding match from local daycare facility. equipment with lead levels Under construction: exceeding .5% • Willamette Park – replace old wooden play structure, build accessible play area, accessible safety threshold route, improve drainage. Funding match from Willamette Park Trust Fund. through June 2009. • Burlingame, Custer, Dewitt, Fulton, Hamilton, and Sellwood Parks – removal and replacement of lead-painted play equipment. Refurbish merry-go-round at Custer Park and install new soft-surfacing.

Future construction: • Replace wooden play structures at Overlook, McKenna, and Brooklyn School Parks as well as Clark and Maplewood Schools. • Replace all painted play structures throughout the city with lead levels exceeding .5% safety threshold. Received $250,000 grant dollars to complete this project from the Water Bureau Lead Abatement program. • Replace asphalt pavement around all merry-go-rounds in the park system with rubber safety surfacing.

Page 12 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 B. Sports fields at schools and parks: Improve safety through regular mowing, irrigation, and maintenance. PP&R cares for a total of 220 sports fields of which 91 are soccer fields at Portland Public Schools. Altogether, more than 22,000 youths and adults play sports on these fields: soccer, baseball, lacrosse, football, softball, rugby, and ultimate Frisbee. Maintenance responsibilities include mowing, conditioning the soil, lining the fields and prepping for play, irrigation, maintaining bleachers, backstops, goals and goal posts, setting up dual purpose fields for soccer or football, softball or baseball, maintaining fencing, repair from vandalism, and maintaining lights at stadiums. This level of maintenance ensures that these sports fields remain safe for all players – kids and adults.

Project Start date Finish date

Sports field improvements: Fall 2003 Summer 2008

• Layer topsoil and add soil conditioners to softball, baseball, and stadium fields to improve positive drainage profile and enhance playability during the rainy seasons of early spring and late fall. • 23 fields have been completed to date: (2 fields), Buckman Field (3 fields), Columbia Park (2 fields), Columbia Park Annex (2 fields), (4 fields), Glenhaven Park (2 fields), Irving Park (3 fields), (3 fields), (2 fields) • Four fields are scheduled for future completion: Overlook Park (2 fields) and Sellwood Park (2 fields).

• Install new automated irrigation systems, change current irrigation systems from manual to automatic, and tune up irrigation system of fields that received top soil and drainage enhancements. Improved irrigation systems allow for a more efficient use of water and save on staff time laying hose and setting sprinklers. Proper irrigation controls dust during field prep, provides a healthier turf, and a smoother, safer playing field. The following irrigation projects have been completed to date: • New irrigation systems were installed at Mt. Scott (1 field) and Irving Park (1 field), and major renovations were performed to four fields at Glenhaven Park. Work at Glenhaven included installing a new booster pump, changing all sprinkler heads, and a complete system tune-up. • Irrigation modifications and tune-ups were performed at: Bloomington Park (3 fields), Buckman Field (4 fields), Columbia Park, (2 fields), Irving Park (2 fields), Lents Park (4 fields), Northgate Park (1 field), Overlook Park (1 field), and Sellwood Park (2 fields).

• Improve backstop fencing. Backstop fencing maintenance includes ensuring the poles are straight and safely in the ground, painting as needed, applying fencing fabric along the back and top and down the first and third base sides of the field. Replacing and repairing backstops improves field playability as well as maintains safer conditions for players and spectators alike.

Page 13 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 • Fencing projects have been completed at: Glenhaven Park (2 fields), Buckman Field (3 fields), Northgate Park (1 field), Fernhill Park (1 field), Mt. Scott Park (1 field), and Gabriel Park (1 field). In addition to the backstop enhancements, PP&R crews are refurbishing or replacing sports field amenities such as drinking fountains and trash cans. • Future fencing enhancements will include more backstops in addition to outfield fencing. Field locations are to be determined.

• Install portable goal posts. The ability to move goals serves two functions: it allows for play of two sports on one field during the same season, and the goals can repositioned to take a field out of play at times during the year when turf needs to be repaired and grass can recover for play the following season. • Portable goals have been purchased and positioned at the following parks: (2 fields), Bloomington Park (1 field), Flavel Park (1 field), Clinton Park (1 field), Westmoreland Park (1), (1), April Hill Park (1), Northgate Park (1), Grant/Hollyrood school field (1), and Lewis School field (1). • To be purchased in the next three years: Clinton Park (1), Fernhill Park (1), and Montavilla Park (1). Additional sites still to be determined.

• Install 3-row portable bleachers. Currently, bleachers located at PP&R fields have 5 rows of seats and were installed back in the 1940s and 50s. These old bleachers do not meet current safety requirements – the top rows are too far off the ground, making it easier for accidents to occur by falling. New aluminum 3-row bleachers meet current safety standards and maximum height distance from the ground. Four sets of 3-row bleachers have been purchased and placed at Glenhaven Park. • Currently performing an assessment toward retro-fitting all existing 5-row bleachers to bring them up to safety standards instead of purchasing the 3-row aluminum bleachers. Completion of the assessment may identify a possible cost savings to retro-fit as opposed to purchasing new.

Page 14 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 C. Improve skateboarding opportunities for kids: Build and maintain two neighborhood skateboard areas.

Project Start date Finish date

The Parks Levy provided for the design and construction of two neighborhood skateboard Project public Complete areas. A 22-member advisory committee has completed an 18-month public outreach outreach began July Glenhaven and process. Over 300 properties were evaluated. In the end, the Skatepark Legacy Advisory 8, 2003 Pier skateparks by Team recommended 19 sites be developed for skateboards, free-style BMX riders, in-line Fall 2006 skaters, and roller skaters. Levy dollars will fund two skatepark sites: Pier Park (north Portland) and Glenhaven Park (NE Portland).

D. Wilson Pool: Replace deteriorating infrastructure at Wilson Pool, the City's most popular outdoor pool and the only outdoor pool in west Portland.

Project Start date Finish date

Replaced old pool with a modern pool designed with amenities to attract all ages: 114-foot June 2004 June 2005 slide, 170-foot current channel with 18-foot vortex, frog tot slide, 6-lane lap pool with diving board, family leisure pool, and concession stand.

E. University Park Community Center: Finish renovation. For the part of the building not yet renovated, bring structure into compliance with seismic and other building codes, update plumbing and electrical service, make the multigenerational space more functional and attractive for seniors, and replace gymnasium for youth and adult sports.

Project Start date Finish date

Complete the third phase of renovation at University Park Community Center. This includes early 2006 early 2007 the main lobby, dance studio, fitness room, additional restrooms, and a new double Gym. Thanks to a grant from UPARR, the existing small gym will be renovated to serve as a multi- purpose room. Target budget is $5.2 million

Page 15 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 F. East Portland Community Center: Provide a pool. This will be Portland's only public pool east of 82nd Ave, providing aquatics programs to youth, families, and seniors in this previously neglected area of the city.

Project Start date Finish date

Currently in the public process stage to identify key features needed at the pool. The design Fall 2006 Winter 2007 phase will continue through early 2006. Target budget is $8 million.

G. Park Security: Improve Park Ranger patrols at and other central city parks. Parks Levy funds allocated a total of $656,384 over five years to improve park safety.

Project Start date Finish date

Each year, $100,000 is used to pay the intergovernmental agreement with Multnomah Fall 2003 June 2008 County Animal Services for enforcement of the off-leash laws in Portland's parks. Confusion and complaints about off-leash dog rules have been significantly reduced due to increased enforcement.

Hired two additional seasonal Park Rangers to provide enhanced patrol coverage along Eastbank Esplanade and other central city parks such as Waterfront, Couch, and the South Park Blocks. Increased coverage in the downtown core to 80 hours/week during peak summer season when crime issues are of key concern.

Seasonal patrols by Park Rangers have been extended by eight weeks – beginning earlier in the spring and ending later in the fall.

Page 16 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 Objective 4: Restore, renovate and continue to maintain our parks system ($1.7 million per annum)

A. Basic Park Maintenance: Keep restrooms open and clean, remove litter, maintain shrub beds/grounds, provide safety checks on play equipment, replace bad sprinklers, and maintain off-leash areas. Portland's 200+ parks are not only beautiful places to look at, but they are fun places to play. Our parks offer amenities such as picnic tables, playgrounds, restrooms, basketball courts, sports fields, off-leash areas, and more. Our parks are also well used by Portland citizens and visitors. Keeping our parks clean, green, and safe requires a significant amount of effort in upkeep and maintenance.

2003/04 projects/ services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

• Enhanced soft surfaces (wood chip areas) • Enhanced soft surfaces (wood chip areas) • Install rubber pads under swings and in 35 playgrounds to improve safety and in 75 playgrounds. slides in playgrounds to be determined. fulfill ADA accessibility requirements. • Replaced 8 pieces of vandalized play • Replaced 3 pieces of vandalized play equipment (mostly spring toys). • Major renovation at Irving Park playground equipment. includes partial restoration of drains • Opened restrooms earlier in the spring and underneath play equipment, regarding and closed them later in the fall. relaying the wood chip soft surface. • Conducted daily visual checks and monthly safety inspection of all play equipment throughout the system. Identified key parks needing paving repairs Completed 4,000 sq. ft. of path and road • Additional path repair at Sellwood to paths and roads. restoration: Riverfront Park • Terwilliger Parkway path improvements • Path repair at Mt. Tabor Park, Laurelhurst • Replaced old stair access at Sellwood Park, and other small park sites Riverfront Park • Washington Park road repair in partnership with Water Bureau • Purchased 3 replacement utility vehicles Purchased 6 trailers for moving large Purchase two self-powered leaf blowers for (gators) to aid park crews in intra-park maintenance equipment and materials more more efficient/effective leaf collection. transit and hauling at Duniway, Mt. Tabor, efficiently from park to park. and Laurelhurst Parks. • Purchased 2 hot water power washers for more efficient cleaning of tennis and basketball courts, restrooms, and for use in graffiti removal.

Page 17 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 2003/04 projects/ services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Installed timers on irrigation systems and Enhanced irrigation systems at: • Install Irrigation system at site TBD, prioritized areas needing regular watering • Gabriel Park off-leash area to improve turf possibly Gabriel Park #4 sports field. which resulted in a more efficient use of maintenance and increase public availability • Enhance irrigation at shrub bed at water. to the area year round. Peninsula Park • Shrub beds at Laurelhurst and Washington Enhanced irrigation system at Mt. Scott Parks Park sports field. Increased sweeping and cleaning of parking Continued leaf removal services. Continue leaf removal services. lots at sites throughout the city. Contracted with outside service to keep parking lot drains clean, reduce volume of leaf removal to be done by staff, and improve first impression of park cleanliness. Manufacture and install donation boxes at selected visitor locations. Proposed sites Include , select off-leash areas, and other high visitation sites.

Currently, two donation boxes are located at the International Rose Test Garden that net $12,000 per year. Donation dollars from other high visitation sites can help pay for future park enhancements such as kiosks, gates, and surface maintenance.

Page 18 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 B. Recreational Facility Maintenance: Improve energy efficiency, fix leaks, replace broken fixtures, paint, upgrade mechanical systems, and maintain newly renovated facilities.

2003/04 projects/ services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

• Replaced Bloomington Park sports field • Installed new flat roof at Fulton Park • Install new sports field lights at Buckman lights Community Center Field • Repaired plaza at • Installed new HVAC controls at Matt • Replace roof at Mt. Scott Community • Repaired curbs at Gabriel Park Dishman Community Center Center • Repaired leak in basement of Hillside • Resealed exterior siding at Mt. Scott • Repair shower floors at Columbia Pool Community Center Community Center • Replace pool filters at Mt. Scott Pool • Replaced gym doors at Mt. Scott • Replaced chimney and painted exterior at • Additional projects TBD Community Center Montavilla Community Center • Cleaned and recoated flat roof at • Painted exterior of Overlook House Multnomah Arts Center • Resealed siding at Southwest Community • Made repairs at Pioneer Square Center

C. Urban Forest: Conduct safety checks, remove tree hazards, and replace damaged trees. Restored and increased stump grinding, removal of tree hazards, and preventive tree pruning to ensure public safety in forested parks. Restored and increased removal of diseased elm trees from the public right-of-way to stem the spread of Dutch Elm Disease.

2003/04 projects/ services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Dealt with massive storm-related tree Removed 127 stumps from parks. Continue to maintain trees in forested parks damage and loss in Pier and Chimney and public right-of-ways to ensure public Parks. Removed 39 diseased elm trees from public safety. rights-of-way. Removed 89 stumps from parks.

Removed 27 diseased elm trees from public rights-of-way.

Page 19 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 D. Natural Areas and Trails: Protect wildlife habitat and water quality, control erosion, restore damaged trails, and improve access to trails. PP&R manages 7,600 acres of natural area – urban wild lands that provide important refuge for people and wildlife alike. Currently, 300 acres of natural area are earmarked for habitat restoration using levy funds. Major restoration projects, which include removing invasive species, reintroducing native plantings, blocking unwanted trails, and maintaining soft surface trails, can take up to five years to complete.

2003/04 projects/ services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Began four major restoration projects at Continued restoration projects. Continue restoration projects. Nature Park, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Marquam Nature Park, and Hire a full time caretaker at Powell Butte Terwilliger Parkway. Nature Park to open and close park gates, clean restrooms, remove litter, and provide Began smaller restoration projects at site security. Powers Marine Park, Johnson Lake, Errol Heights Property, and Forest Park. Employed one part-time technician to Continue GIS inventory and mapping provide GIS inventory and mapping of services. existing conditions and ongoing restorations at natural areas. This will allow us to develop a system of record keeping (total investment of time and materials required to restore natural areas) and improve our resource management. Future GIS records will register progress made and indicate resources required when planning future projects.

Page 20 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005 E. O'Bryant Square renovation: Address infrastructure needs, design, and programming of this downtown plaza, currently a major public safety challenge. The renovation of O'Bryant Square is part of a much larger downtown effort which includes the development of one new proposed park currently known as South Park Block 5, as well as future renovation of . Levy dollars will only be used toward the renovation of O'Bryant Square.

2003/04 projects/ services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

Formed Citizen Steering Committee Begin public involvement with a series of comprised of nine individuals who bring orientations, open house meetings and expertise and knowledge of urban design workshops, direct meetings with and planning, and who include business stakeholders and key parties, and meetings representatives, property holders, and with the Citizen Steering Committee. citizens-at-large. Begin construction in early 2006. The Renovation/Reconstruction contract for design, construction, and administration Project renovation completion by mid-2008. should amount to $1.4 million with $900,000 funded by the Parks Levy. The balance of $500,000 will be funded through PDC Urban Renewal Area funds.

F. Maintenance Facilities: Replace or renovate park maintenance facilities by providing safe electrical and plumbing systems, adequate lighting and space, and compliance with building and environmental codes.

2003/04 projects/ services 2004/05 projects/services 2005/06 proposed projects/services

• Secured two park maintenance headquarters Installed security alarm system at Further park maintenance facility because of heavy vandalism and repeated theft: South District headquarters. enhancement projects to be determined • Washington Park – installed security system, based on bureau reorganization and added fencing, and raised height of existing redistricting decisions. fencing. • Southeast District – installed security cameras, exterior lighting, and fencing.

• Repaired sidewalk at NE District headquarters. • Replaced garage doors at West District headquarters.

Page 21 Parks Levy Report / prepared October 2005