Fulton Community Center - Spring/Summer 2015

Commissioner Amanda FritzDirector Mike Abbaté

Spring / Summer 2015Activities in West Portland

FultonCommunity Center

REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 23, 2015Go to PortlandParks.org, click on the Register Now tab.

Portland Parks & Recreation - Spring / Summer 2015

2 Westside Parks 503-823-PLAY

"I'm writing to express my sincere gratitude for the scholarship our family received for our daughters to attend Nature Camp. They were at Forest Park camp and absolutely LOVED it! Every day they came home bursting with stories of their adventures - smudge, treasure hunts, fairy sightings, [pretend] fishing, and hiking 'even farther than the other kids!' I know this will be a highlight of their summer, and it would not have been possible without the scholarship. We feel your program has enormous value and feel so fortunate that our kids have been a part of it. I will continue to rave about it to anyone who will listen!" ~ Parent of campers from SW Portland

Are you looking for a way to connect your child to nature this summer? Nature Day Camp touts a highly-trained, diverse staff who work hard to find the perfect balance of ecology, games, free play and fun! Weekly nature themes drive the focus of the camp but are only a catalyst – many daily activities are chosen by the campers. Our goal is to connect children to nature through hands-on experiences, to model curiosity and wonder, and to be a collection of positive influences toward children of all ages. Scholarships are available for families in need.

From 9am – 3pm each day, children and youth (ages 5-13) explore the wild spaces of Portland’s Parks and Natural Areas. We hire staff who have an affinity for science, ecology, mentoring and playfulness – plus they are trained in CPR & First Aid, child development, large and small group management, teaching methodology, risk management, Leave No Trace principles, benefits of nature connection and natural area stewardship. Additionally, staff spend time honing skills and knowledge about traditional Native American crafts and stories, large and small group games, ethnobotany, science and ecology, wilderness survival, stealth games, and nature art. Come join us!

2015 SUMMER SCHEDULE OF WEST-SIDE CAMPS

• June22-26–HoytArboretum

• June29-July2–WashingtonPark

• July6-10–HoytArboretum


• July20-24–MarshallPark


• Aug3-7–HoytArboretum

• Aug10-14–HoytArboretum

Get on board with Environmental Education’s "Summer Nature Day Camp!"By: Chrissy Larson (a.k.a. Teacher Balsam) Coordinator for Environmental Education – City Nature

"This is better than

lying on the couch.

I feel so alive now!"

~ 2014 participant

TEENS AGES 11-17: Learn about Oregon's plant and animal life with our adventurous naturalists! Staff are experienced in environmental education, outdoor recreation and are certified Wilderness First Responders. More information on our website: www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/teenadventure

• SPRING BREAK ADVENTURES! (MARCH 23-27) ACTIVITY #1020947Spend five days exploring natural areas in and around Portland. Each day we will hike, explore and play!

• SUMMER 2015: “BEST OF CITY NATURE CAMP” (AUG 10-14) ACTIVITY #1023058Visit a different Portland Park each day! Connect to nature and have a great time along the way.

Forthefullscheduleandprogramdetails,pleasecalltheEnvironmentalEducationofficeat503-823-3601orcheckoutourwebsite:www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/ndc

Register On-Line at www.PortlandParks.org 3

Portland Parks & Recreation Westside P

arks

Program starts February 16.See the front desk at SWCC for more information.

• Limited space available • Team training Monday/Wednesday/Friday

from 8:15-9:15 am with John Cunningham• Nutrition class offered Thursday evening

from 7-8 pm with Gail Nelson (no make-up classes provided)

Lind

a

Hit your TARGET and achieve measurable results - in just 6 weeks!

PROGRAM - WHAT YOU WILL DO• Work in a small team with a SWCC Personal Trainer 3 times a week

• Follow a 6-week curriculum customized to your individual needs

• Complete the “homework” exercise sessions assigned by your trainer

• Attend weekly nutrition classes with SWCC’s very own Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

and learn about proper nutrition and how to track your eating plan

• Get Fitness Assessments at the start and end (with checkpoints in the middle) so you can see your progress and achievements

RESULTS - WHAT YOU WILL GAIN• Lower body fat percentage

• A leaner, sculpted and toned look

• Greater flexibility and functional fitness

• More stamina and energy

• A new focus on maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle

• A feeling of accomplishment and pride

• AND MORE!

TARGETBODY MAKEOVER

at Southwest Community Center



2014 parks replacement bond You’ve probably all heard that voters in November approved the parks replacement bond. The money mainly goes to urgent repair projects. Southwest Portland will have two projects on the first project list. At Multnomah Arts Center, the project will address ADA deficiencies at the entrances and restrooms of the cottages, and make structural and seismic repairs to the main building. At Rieke field, workers will renovate the existing synthetic playing field by removing the turf, addressing geotechnical issues, improving drainage systems, and

installing a new synthetic field, curbing, walkway and furnishings. The bond provides $68 million for projects, and $35 to $49 million is allocated to projects on that first project list. In mid-2015, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)

will refine the costs for those projects.

At Couch Park, a Portland loo will replace a built restroom, and the playground removed for structural safety reasons last year will be replaced as well. Other projects in Northwest Portland include replacement of the Maple Trail bridge in Forest Park, repair of two bridges in Macleay Park, significant upgrades to the playground in the North Park Blocks and major ADA improvements in the Washington Park Rose Garden.

In late 2015, PP&R will release a draft list for new projects based on criteria that will allocate the remaining money not earmarked for the first project list. The Parks Bureau’s Budget Advisory Committee will review the list in mid-2016 and will make a recommendation to Commissioner Amanda Fritz, who will make the final decision.

SW Neighborhoods Parks and Community Centers CommitteeBy Leonard Gard, Program Manager, SWNI

SWNI PARKS COMMITTEE WORKAll of the SW Neighborhoods committees have been closely following the process by which the city is writing a new comprehensive plan. Oregon law requires all

cities and counties to have comprehensive plans to address growth and development. The new plan will include goals and policies; a project list; a map that designates places for growth, development, and conservation; and a transportation system plan. Chapter 8 of the plan lists parks & recreation goals and policies. Other parks-related issues like city greenways and urban habitat corridors are in other chapters.

The committee is very engaged in possible recommendations to this planning effort. One committee member called for establishing standards for infrastructure that all parks should have, making sure that that all people have good access to parks, setting directions on how to expand the park system as the population grows, and taking annual measurements to track progress. Committee members also brought up these other ideas for further discussion:

• Creatingalistofusesincompatibleinparks.

• Establishingrulesandpoliciesonsurplusproperty,andconsideringall surplus property for re-zoning as open space.

•Avoidingcontactoftreatedwoodwithwater.

•Taxincentivesfortrailbuilding.

•Developmentofemergencyroutes.

•MaintainingaGISmapandground-truthingit.

•Limitinguserfeesinparks.

• Prohibitingmemorialbenchesthatincludepersonalmessages.

The committee has not fully discussed these ideas or made recommendations yet. They also discussed whether there should be policies on issues like safety, friends groups, and limits on the height of buildings adjacent to parks—to allow more sunlight into parks. The committee will be discussing these and other issues, to make their final recommendations to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, which are due in March of 2015.


Portland Parks & Recreation Westside P

arks

FRIENDS OF GABRIEL PARKLast year, Parks Committee member Gary Miniszewski helped form the Friends of Gabriel Park. Their mission is to learn more about Gabriel Park and the SW Community Center and to help sustain and improve these great SW Portland resources. At three recent meetings, the Friends met with Portland Parks & Recreation representatives to discuss present activities at the SW Community Center and in the park and how planning is done for park natural areas.TheyhadaworkpartylastMay,forEarthDay,toeradicate invasive plant species in the park natural areas, and continued this effort last October on No Ivy Day. Meetings are usually held once a month, on the third Wednesday of the month, at the Southwest Community Center, 7:30 PM in the poolside room. If you have questions about Friends of Gabriel Park or perhaps would like to join, contact Gary by email at [email protected]. The website is friendsofgabrielpark.wordpress.com.

BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEEParks Committee member Steve Mullinax from the Bridlemile neighborhood recently served on the Parks Bureau’s Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) for the 2015-16 budget year. He was one of ten neighborhood coalition

and community members on the BAC. Parks board members and labor partners composed the remainder of the committee. The BAC met five times from November 2014 to January 2015. It looks like the 2015-16 budget year will be “a stabilization year,” meaning there likely won’t be cuts but nor will there be much additional money, although there may be some one-time money for special projects. Issues that came up included services to the underserved, broadening the diversity of Parks Bureau employees, baseline assessments to judge progress, and summer programs.

PARKS COMMITTEE MEETINGSThe committee is one of the standing committees of Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that serves seventeen neighborhood associations in southwest Portland. The committee meets every first Thursday of the month, usually at the Multnomah Arts Center. The public is always invited to attend. For more information, call Leonard at 503-823-4592. And subscribe to SWNI’s monthly newspaper, the SW Neighborhood News, by calling or visiting the website, www.swni.org. It’s free.

In other southwest news, the new playground at Marshall Park just opened as this guide went to press. Watch the SWNI newsletter this spring for information about a ribbon-cutting celebration.

Portland Parks & Recreation - Winter 2015


Kevin Perrine, our newest permanent Park Ranger, who began with PP&R in the summer of 2014, came to Portland with 15 years’ experience.

In that role he was a generalist doing everything from education and enforcement of park laws to maintenance and leading educational programs for school groups and other visitors. He also spent many years with the LA County Fire Department in their forestry division on forest fire prevention efforts, ranging from sampling fuels and determining fire behavior to working with people on how to plant safely around their homes.

Kevin is proud of working in Washington Park and enjoys learning about the different venues and serving as a resource to visitors. When not at work, Kevin’s teenage daughter and almost teen son keep him busy with their many sports.

Vicente Harrison, Washington Park Lead Ranger has served as a PP&R Park Ranger before we started this program. He worked one season in the downtown area before he became permanent. He has an accomplished background – with years of experience in private security, doing after school programming with

Washington Park may not be our biggest park in the system, but by the number of visitors it certainly is the most visited. This is in part thanks to the draw of the many partner venues including Hoyt Arboretum, the Portland Japanese Garden, the Portland Children’s Museum, the World Forestry Center and the Oregon Zoo. In addition, Washington Park is home to the region’s only outdoor archery range, has the world-famous International Rose Test Garden, the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial of Oregon, and offers many miles of trails, all of which brings an estimated 3 million visitors per year.

To make the park more enjoyable and safe for the many visitors and our venue partners, PP&R has assigned three full time and a few part-time/seasonal rangers to support the program. The rangers provide daily presence and ambassadorial services throughout the park, funded by the pay-to-park program. Their primary duties include welcoming visitors, giving directions, answering questions, and keeping an eye out for safety issues. They educate people about park rules and work with them to gain compliance when necessary. Given the large amounts of open space in the park, the rangers also address unauthorized camping, dogs of leash and scoop laws, and nuisance behaviors. The Rangers are the go-to problem solvers when issues arise, from downed trees to car break-ins. (Don’t forget to keep your cars locked and showroom clean to prevent car breaks!) The rangers also help with traffic management responsibilities related to peak visitation days for events such as Zoo Lights and summer concerts.

We feel lucky to have a team of three permanent Rangers from diverse backgrounds joining together with some spectacular seasonal Rangers to provide a positive presence at Washington Park. Take Sofia Chavier, for example. Her impressive background includes working in social services, advising former Mayor Adams on public safety policy, and training with Portland Police and a local Sherriff’s office. “I’m so happy not to be behind a desk anymore,” says Chavier,

who in her past has also worked as an IT professional in the Midwest and with a Portland-local union. She shared that she appreciates being able to do social service work in a new way, as part of her job involves working with folks experiencing homelessness and helping them connect with services they might need. Outside of work, she enjoys spending more time outdoors – hiking. You’ve probably bumped into her on a trail in Forest Park, but you may not recognize her out of uniform.

Updates from Washington Park

Meet the Park Rangers for Washington ParkBy: Bryan Aptekar, West Service Zone Coordinator, PP&R


Portland Parks & Recreationthe Vancouver School District, and working with a Home Owners Association. It was his decade as a coach for the Golden League, a drug-free youth basketball program affiliated with PP&R, which led him to want to join our team of rangers. Vicente shares that he loves working for PP&R. His ranger job gives him an opportunity to make a difference. Ranger Harrison often speaks to groups of kids about his work and enjoys answering some of their “tough” questions like “why is the bug population declining” or “why are some trees taller”. We’re happy to have partners who are such great problem-solvers and with this depth of experience and enthusiasm in our ranger team! And it seems that they are making a difference too. Since January 2014, according to police data the number of reported crimes for Washington Park have declined by approximately 50 percent. More research and information is needed to understand the link between ranger presence and crime statistics, but these early results are encouraging and suggest a positive benefit from our park rangers. If you see them in the park, please take time to get to know them and say hello!

Sitting on nearly 400 acres of forested hillsides and open space, Washington Park is home to some of Portland’s favorite attractions. The Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Portland Children’s Museum, and the World Forestry Center all sit within the Park. On beautiful spring or summer days, local visitors and guests from all over the world traverse the many trails and roads within the park.

In January 2014, Portland Parks implemented a new pay to park system for Washington Park to improve and invest in the transportation system in and around the Park.

WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO: Since inception, Parks staff have delivered on the immediate priorities identified with neighbors

and stakeholders. Three full-time Park Rangers now patrol Washington Park, providing ambassadorship to visitors and providing problem-solving functions for security and livability issues in the park. Since the Park Rangers began in Washington Park, they’ve made contact with over 70 individuals living or camping in the park, connecting them with services and providing resources.

Staff also worked quickly to address some of the trouble spots on many park roadways. Nearly $70,000 was spent on re-paving and filling potholes last summer. Many roads are in extremely poor condition, and more extensive work must be done to ensure roadway investments last for the long-haul.Visitors may also notice new signage has been popping up throughout the park to improve safety and way finding, particularly in the south end of the Park.

On busy days, visitors driving to the Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, and Portland Children’s Museum may have noticed the real-time parking lot conditions posted on Highway 26 via message boards, updated by Park Rangers. These message boards allow visitors to go directly to the overflow parking lots or choose to park in other areas of the park and take the free shuttle. Last summer, the free park wide shuttle provided free trips from the Washington Park MAX Station to other areas of the park — increasing ridership by nearly 70% over the previous year!

Pay-to-Park program completes first yearBy: Victor Sanders, Parking Program Specialist, PP&R

(continued on page 10)

Portland Parks & Recreation - Winter 2015


Updates from Washington Park

WHAT’S NEXT FOR WASHINGTON PARK?Staff has also begun work on the long-term outcomes desired for Washington Park, with the central goal of creating an efficient transportation and parking system that supports connections for all types of travel. This means policies and systems that sustain strong business and tourism for the venues, and establishes an accessible and safe transport system that contributes positively to the park and surrounding neighborhood.

In the next 12 months, Portland Parks & Recreation expects to work on:• Continuingtoimproveroadwayconditionsandprovidelongoverduemaintenancetocrosswalks,signs,andsidewalks.• Installationofreal-timeparkingspacecountersinthesouthparkingareasofthepark.• Debutofaparkingapp,allowingyoutopayforparkingviayourmobilephone.• InitiationoftheplanningprocesstodevelopamasterplanforWashingtonPark.• Continuingtotakefeedbackandimprovethepaytoparksystemsoitiseasytouseandefficientforallusers.

WHEN YOU GO:Driving:Paying to park is easy, just remember your parking space number painted on the pavement and pay at the nearest meter. No need to return to your vehicle with your receipt.$1.60/per hour. You can also purchase an all-day ticket: $6.40/day in the peak season (April 1 - Sept 30) or $4.00 in the off-peak (Oct 1 - March 31).

Taking transit:Hop on a Red or Blue line MAX Train to Washington Park! It’s easy, and you can take the free park wide shuttle from the MAX station to all destinations within the Park (May 1 thru Labor Day).

For more information, visit washingtonparkpdx.org.

Pay-to-Park program completes first year By: Victor Sanders, Parking Program Specialist, PP&R

(continued from page 9)


Portland Parks & Recreation

It’s easy to get lost in Washington Park. It’s easy to get lost in the sunshine that illuminates the leaves, the rain drops that soften the dirt paths, the summer concert melodies, and the special events that mark the seasons. The beauty of Washington Park, set at the footsteps of the City, helps us get lost in our own moments. The Washington Park TMA is a non-profit created to help you find one of the best ways to get lost.

Establishedin2013,theWashingtonParkTMA,whichstands for Transportation Management Association, is working to improve access to and around the park and its attractions, including the World Forestry Center, Portland Children’s Museum, the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, tennis courts, playgrounds, trails, soccer fields and more. It’s been a busy year with even more plans on the horizon.

Here’s a snapshot of what the Washington Park TMA has accomplished in just one year through its partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, the venues of Washington Park, TriMet, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

•PartneredwithTriMettoprovide a free bus service within the park

•Overthesummer of 2014, this free service

saw a 70% increase in weekday ridership from the previous year.

•ProvidedbilingualSeasonal Customer Service staff who, along with Travel Portland volunteers, had over 17,000 conversations with park users and provided over 10,000 Washington Park Maps.

•Planningforpay-by-phoneservicetomake paying for parking easier

•Installedsixtrailcounterstolearnmoreaboutthe usage of the park’s trail system

•PurchasedportabledynamicdisplaysignsforHwy26 that provide up to the minute information on parking availability in the park.

We’re one year old!By: Heather McCarey, Executive Director, Washington Park Transportation Management Association

• Surveyedparkvisitors,volunteers,andemployeesto collect data on current transportation habits

• Workedwithparkvenuestoprovidetraffic management services for events such as Zoo Lights, which saw record breaking attendance this year.

We are not slowing down! There’s a lot more to look forward to in the upcoming year:

•AnewfreeWashingtonParkshuttle

• Vehicle counters in the south end parking lots to provide up-to-the-minute parking availability

information

•AnewWashingtonParkwebsitethatwillprovide information on:

• Current parking availability

• Transit options to the park

• Washington Park shuttle information

• Venue and Park events

• General park information

The Washington Park TMA is funded through the Washington Park pay-to-park program, of which 100% of the funds stay in the park, as well as a grant from Metro. Our new website will go live this summer. Until then, visit us at washingtonparkpdx.org to find your best way to get around.



For information & to register: 503-823-1671 www.leachgarden.org

spring break

Japanese CartooningTuesday through Friday, March 24 - 279:30am-noon Ages 8 - 12 years Manga, Japanese comic strips and animations, have gained international popularity and introduced young people to a new genre of graphic design. This 4-day class is a simple introduction to making manga on your own! All skill levels are welcome & all materials are included. Fee: $75Pre-registration required. ($5 discount for Leach Garden Members)

6704 SE 122nd Ave.

at Leach Garden

The global bike share

All races begin at 9am

May 17: Fernhill Park #1026050

June 14: Lents Park #1026051

July 12: Gabriel Park #1026052

Aug. 16: Laurelhurst Park #1026053

Sept. 13: Westmoreland Park #1026054

Oct. 18: Pier Park #1026055

$5 18 years & older

Kids run for FREE! (17 & under)

Kids Fun Run (8 & under)

Rockwall, Family activities, Vendors

Space is limited, Register Early!

Portla

nd Parks & Recreation 2015

Register online:www.PortlandParks.orgThe global bike share

$55Kcity-wide run/walk series

Portland Parks & Recreation


Southwest C

CFulton Park C

CW

ilson PoolH

illside CC

Director Park

Registration

Fulton Park Community Center68 SW Miles St., 97219

Building Director: Tim Hammock 503-823-3181 Disabled Access: Entrances: Accessible Parking: Accessible Restrooms: Accessible

Fulton Park Community Center offers a range of rental opportunities for birthday parties, community events, weddings and receptions, dances, basketball and volleyball groups.

For additional information call Hillside Community Center at 503-823-3181.

Rates: $65 per hour (2-Hour minimum) $100 refundable Deposit

Fulton Park Community Center currently rents space to the following groups and organizations. For more information on these groups and their events please view the websites listed.

Portland Kinderschule, Cooperative Preschoolwww.Portlandkinderschule.com

L’Etoile French Immersion Schoolletoilefrenchschool.com

Portland Contra DanceSaturday evenings7:30-8pm Beginners Session8-11pm Dancewww.portlandcountrydance.org

Portland Dance EclecticThursday, 7:30-10:30pmportlanddanceeclectic.com

Israeli Folk DancingSunday, 8-11pmportlandisraelidance.com

BremoneSaturday, 12:30-3:30pmwww.bremone.com

Portland MegabandVarious dates in January, February, March and Mayportlandmegaband.com

Ren Ma KendoFriday, 7-9pmwww.oregonkendo.com

Hoshu DojoWednesday, 7-9pmhoshudojo.com

RENT FULTON

GROUPS AT FULTON

Local Bus: 1-Vermont 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd 38-Boones Ferry Rd

INTERESTED IN RENTING FULTON?

Contact Tim Hammock @ 503-823-3181 or [email protected]

Fulton Park Community Center 503-823-3181

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Fulton Community Center - Spring/Summer 2015

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