RESTORE OUR HISTORIC SQUARES: PORTLAND PARKS FOUNDATION SETS UP DONATION FUND FOR CHAPMAN AND LOWNSDALE REPAIRS AND RESTORATION
Posted: November 15th, 2011 9:14 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-11/1399/49345/Plaza_Blocks_15.JPG (Chapman Square. Courtesy: Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland, OR)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-11/1399/49345/Plaza_Blocks_Lownsdale_Traffic_4.JPG (Lownsdale Square. Courtesy: Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland, OR)
For Immediate Release
Restore our Historic Squares:
Portland Parks Foundation Sets Up Donation Fund for Chapman and Lownsdale Repairs and Restoration
(Portland, OR) -
Portlanders have expressed interest in supporting the renovation and restoration of Lownsdale and Chapman Squares in downtown Portland.
To this end, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and our valued non-profit partner, the Portland Parks Foundation, have collaborated to create the Fund for Portland's Historic Park Squares.
The Fund will give residents and businesses a chance to contribute to the cost of restoring and invigorating Chapman and Lownsdale Squares, the city's first parks, acquired in the 1850's.
"Over the past week, I've heard from dozens of people who are interested in contributing to the rehabilitation of these historic squares," said Commissioner Nick Fish.
The Commissioner noted that members of Occupy Portland helped with initial park clean up over the weekend and expressed interest in supporting the longer term restoration. "People are united in their desire to see these parks restored," he said.
Information on donating to the Fund for Portland's Historic Park Squares can be found at:
www.portlandparksfoundation.org
Chapman and Lownsdale Squares sustained significant damage to turf, trees, and facilities during the recent Occupy Portland protests.
City arborists, ecologists, engineers, turf professionals and other experts continue to evaluate the damage and plan for necessary repairs and restoration of Chapman and Lownsdale Squares. Their work is expected to continue for about a week, at which time the estimated costs and work will be better known.
"The Portland Parks Foundation hopes that this fund will provide a means for all of Portland's people to come together and express their support of the historic park squares and our remarkable-yet fragile-parks system," says Nick Hardigg, Executive Director of the Portland Parks Foundation.
"Parks are one of the greatest expressions of the ways in which Portland comes together, and cares for its people. The citizens of Portland have a great history of pitching in to help parks in times of need, and this is one of those crucial times to show that you care."
About the Portland Parks Foundation:
www.portlandparksfoundation.org
The nonprofit Portland Parks Foundation was created in 2001 as a result of its citizens' Parks Vision 2020 process. Our mission is to support excellence and access to all of Portland's parks by citizens from all walks of life. Parks are our public commons, our common heritage, and one of the greatest expressions of the ways in which Portland cares for its people.
About Portland Parks and Recreation:
www.portlandparks.org
Portland Parks & Recreation is the recipient of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This award, from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA).
Portland's park system began in 1852, when the city's first parks were acquired from William W. Chapman and Daniel H. Lownsdale, and consisted of what we now call the Plaza Blocks and two of the South Park Blocks. Since that time, Portland residents have planned, protected, and treasured their parks, natural areas, and places of recreation.
More info on Lownsdale Square:
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=243&action=ViewPark
More info on Chapman Square:
For more information, call 503-823-5300 or visit portlandparks.org.
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Mark Ross Public Information Officer
Portland Parks & Recreation
Mark.ross@portlandoregon.gov
Healthy Parks, Healthy Portland
portlandparks.org
Nick Fish, Commissioner | Mike Abbaté, Director
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