News

Portland Urban Forestry Marks 45 Years as Tree City USA

The Arbor Day Foundation has awarded Portland its 45th Tree City USA Award, 25th Growth Award, and 3rd Tree Cities of the World Award. These programs recognize high achievement in municipal tree programs nationally and globally.

April 11, 2022 7:00 am News article

Colwood Golf Center wins National Player Development Award

Colwood Golf Center, part of Portland Parks & Recreation, received the 2022 Player Development Award this week from the National Golf Course Owners of Association (NGCOA).

Updated February 3, 2022 4:21 pm News article

Completion of Better Naito Forever means the return of PP&R’s world-famous Mill Ends Park

The world-famous Mill Ends Park has moved to a new location as the City completes permanent bike, sidewalk improvements nearby. The park is celebrated internationally for its quirky history and existence.

January 19, 2022 3:55 pm News article

Portland Parks & Recreation offers tree care tips for winter

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)’s Urban Forestry division staff say that the approach of winter is an important time to care for trees in your home and adjacent right-of-way.

December 16, 2021 1:20 pm News article

PP&R’s Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC) proposed as a center for Black arts and culture

Feasibility Study for community-led vision moving forward thanks to Parks Local Option Levy.

October 18, 2021 12:00 pm News article

Parks improved employment systems but more work remains

Our 2020 Fraud Hotline investigation found that Portland Parks and Recreation rehired the retired City golf courses director but wasted money and broke City rules in the process. This follow-up looks at the progress Parks and Recreation has made to implement recommended changes.

September 28, 2021 9:00 am News article

Free yard trees for all Portlanders continue mission of PP&R’s Urban Forestry

Five yard tree giveaway events begin September 25, 2021, where Portland neighbors can register in advance for free trees for their yard. This is part of Portland Parks & Recreation's mission to grow, preserve, and protect the city's urban forest.

September 24, 2021 8:11 am News article

Columbia Indoor Pool must remain closed until further notice due to life-safety hazards for building occupants

The structure is nearing the end of its useful life, and PP&R must prioritize public safety while determining the next steps for Columbia Indoor Pool.

August 23, 2021 5:07 pm News article

Lower Macleay Trail Temporarily Closed August 17, 2021 Through December 2021

August 13, 2021 4:00 pm News article

Powell Butte Reservoir 1 Roof Repair Project Update - August 2021

Learn more about anticipated truck traffic and construction at Powell Butte Nature Park in our project e-newsletter.

July 30, 2021 7:00 am News article

Reopening community centers and pools – What to expect in 2021

After summer 2021, when public health guidance allows, PP&R will be excited to fully reopen community centers and pools to the public. For now, the bureau is excited to restore summer programming through the Parks Levy.

Updated June 2, 2021 12:35 pm News article

Barbara Walker Crossing over Burnside, adjacent trails reopened

Barbara Walker Crossing and the adjacent portions of PP&R’s Wildwood Trail closed in January 2021 to address fallen trees that required removal, plus structural evaluation of the bridge and repairs. Barbara Walker Crossing and adjacent trails were reopened on April 30, 2021. 

Updated April 29, 2021 1:30 pm News article

PP&R and Leach Botanical Garden announce the completion of extensive improvements

The East Portland gem fully reopens, moves further toward becoming a regional destination.

April 16, 2021 8:00 am News article

Portland Urban Forestry Program Earns Global Recognition

Portland's volunteers put in more hours (over 7000) than any other US city! Urban Forestry is not the only one that noticed your hard work. The Arbor Day Foundation has awarded Portland its 44th Tree City USA Award, 24th Growth Award, and 2nd Tree Cities of the World Award.

April 10, 2021 6:31 pm News article

Traffic Advisory: West Burnside to close for Barbara Walker Crossing bridge repair April 9 - April 11, 2021

West Burnside to close April 9 - April 11, 2021, so PP&R can continue repairs to Barbara Walker Crossing over the busy thoroughfare.

April 1, 2021 12:52 pm News article

Portland Parks & Recreation begins construction on new, more inclusive Gabriel Park playground

The new, much larger play area will be more accessible to people of all abilities and will have play elements that are unique in the PP&R system.

March 2, 2021 12:45 pm News article

Portland Parks & Recreation is recruiting high school freshmen students for the EAGLE caddie program

Applications being accepted now until May 7; opportunities for summer employment; qualifying participants can apply for a full college scholarship

February 1, 2021 10:28 am News article

Family-friendly winter explorations from Portland Parks & Recreation

During the winter months, some Portlanders may hunker down and move their lives indoors. But Portland Parks & Recreation’s Environmental Education (EE) team teaches outdoors, year-round, and we can tell you - children have a blast on even the coldest and rainiest days!

January 14, 2021 12:57 pm News article

Commissioner Amanda Fritz celebrates many Portland Parks & Recreation projects recently completed or planned for the near future

City Commissioner Amanda Fritz ends her tenure on Council and as the Commissioner-in-Charge of Parks by celebrating more than a dozen Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) park and trail projects citywide.

December 22, 2020 12:19 pm News article

Mae Lin Plummer Takes the Helm at Leach Botanical Garden as new Executive Director

Mae Lin Plummer will be the new Executive Director of the iconic Leach Botanical Garden (pictured), starting in January. Longtime former Executive Director David Porter is retiring, with the City's gratitude.

December 16, 2020 12:47 pm News article