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City council approves master plan for Portland parks




A master plan was approved by the city council in order to apply for grants to upgrade and expand the city’s parks.FILE

A master plan was approved by the city council in order to apply for grants to upgrade and expand the city’s parks.FILE

The City of Portland Parks and Recreation Master Plan was approved by the city council at the Jan. 9, 2023 meeting.

The 78-page document is a working plan moving forward which includes $40 million in improvements and new amenities. The document was prepared by OHM/Advancing Communities.

Parks Director Jamie White addressed the council, reviewing how the plan was developed. He explained that there was a steering committee, which met four times. An online survey for the public was developed that included 29 park-related questions. According to White, 726 people filled out the survey. The previous survey done in 1998 resulted in only 80 responses. Finally, the parks department held a public open house where interactive boards were presented.

“I would like to thank everyone that participated in the master plan. This plan represents what the residents of Portland want in their parks,” White said. “The parks department is very excited on the future of Portland Parks.”

People responding to the survey indicated that their first choice for amenities to the park was a community center, followed by a splash pad. Other items listed included a miniature golf course, indoor pool and accessibility at athletic fields, passive recreation amenities, such as more seating, more multi-generational options at the park and an entertainment/event space.

Results of the survey indicate that:

73% of respondents go to the parks for their recreational needs

29% or respondents agree that new facilities are the first priority that need to be addressed

85% of respondents visit Richland Park the most of all city parks

43% of respondents say that passive recreation is the main reason for visiting the parks

93% of respondents believe that a community center would benefit the community

The master plan includes an overview of each of the three parks, including actions that need to be made at each park, estimated costs, and order of importance. Dogwood Hills Municipal Golf Course’s total cost was listed at $1,405,950. Meadowbrook Park’s total cost was $2,191,410, and Richland Park total cost was $28,187,500 with additional costs to Richland Park at $11,875,175, which includes such things as a splashpad, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and additions to the playground.

The purpose of a city having a master park plan is to be eligible for grants which are available for city park improvements and amenities. White emphasized that this plan is a working plan and evolves over a period of time. Mayor Mike Callis also emphasized that cities need to have a master plan before they apply for grants.

The master plan is available online on the City of Portland web page.

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