City Invites Comments on the Future of Washington Park

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) seeks community input as the Bureau crafts a new Master Plan to guide the future of iconic Washington Park, 450 acres of beautiful gardens and natural areas. Washington Park is home to many of the City’s key attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum. Portland Parks & Recreation is in the process of planning the vision of this iconic park by updating its 1981 Master Plan.

PP&R is extensively engaging the community in the Master Plan process. The Bureau began work by conducting a public survey both in the park and on-line to see what improvements and services Portlanders most want to see in Washington Park.  Additional parking and food services, improved trail connectivity to popular park attractions, and making paths more suitable for cycling were among the most recurring comments. The project team considered these and other community input and the findings from the technical investigation (a summary of findings on how people use Washington Park) when developing Master Plan concepts for consideration.

Community members can help shape the future of Washington Park by reviewing the Master Plan concepts and providing comments. This is the time for community members to make their mark on the future of Washington Park.

“We are excited to work with the community to refresh the vision for Washington Park for the next 25 years,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “The goal of Portland Parks & Recreation is to enhance the experience for all visitors and to attract new visitors by improving how people access and move through the park, adding needed services, and linking park experiences, while honoring its history and beauty.”

Community members are invited to submit their comments in-person or online to review the concepts and provide input.

Party in the Park!

Saturday, April 8, 2017, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

World Forestry Center, Cheatham Hall, near the MAX stop in Washington Park

Meet the team leading the Washington Park Master Plan project, review the concepts, give us your comments enter a drawing to win various prizes, enjoy refreshments, and explore the park.

Participate Online! 

Can’t come to the party? 

Complete the online survey between April 7 and April 30 for a chance to win prizes

www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/waparkmasterplan

“While Pioneer Courthouse Square is 'Portland’s Living Room,' Washington Park is known as our city’s back yard,” notes PP&R Director Mike Abbaté. “With more than three million visitors each year, Washington Park is a jewel in the Portland Parks & Recreation system. And the input of Portlanders is key in helping us formulate the vision of the park for the coming decades. Much has changed since the original Master Plan was crafted in 1981. We want to make sure that Washington Park is a place for recreation, inspiration, and relaxation for generations to come.”

The updated Master Plan is expected to be completed in Winter 2017. For more information on this project, visit: www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/waparkmasterplan

For additional information, please contact:

Emily Roth

Portland Parks & Recreation Senior Planner and Project Manager

(503) 823-9225

[email protected].