Project Overview and Funding
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) identified a need for more play equipment for park visitors ages 5 and under. This project helps to ensure that the Bureau is providing appropriate play opportunities for more people of all ages and abilities.
After $1.75M in System Development Charges (SDCs) was allocated for this project in 2021, the project went through a robust community engagement to inform the planning and design of the new accessible play area. In the construction phase (Spring 2023-Summer 2024), $455,200 of the General Fund was allocated for the replacement of the old restroom and installation of two Portland Loo Restrooms. In addition to this, major maintenance funds of $800,000 were allocated to replace and resurface the basketball court under the Basketball Courts Revitalization Project.
Project Updates
July 2024
Substantial completion of Farragut Park Playgrounds, basketball court, Portland Loos, and recently constructed park amenities has been issued. The splash pad and most of the park is now open as of July 3rd.
Construction is still under way, pending relocation of utilities, on the sidewalk and ADA ramp construction on N Vancouver. This area will remain fenced and not available for use until construction is complete. Final completion of the project if forecasted by mid-August.
Community Engagement Summary
In spring 2021, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) initiated a comprehensive community engagement process to inform the redesign of Farragut Park's Toddler Play Area. Over the course of the project, which spanned from spring 2021 to summer 2024, various phases were undertaken to ensure broad community involvement and input.
The engagement process included several key activities such as the Virtual Open House #1: Held on December 7, 2021, from 6-7 pm, this session aimed to gather initial community preferences; Community Survey: Open from December 7-19, 2021, the survey sought to collect detailed input from residents and park users; Virtual Open House #2: On February 17, 2022, five design options were shared with the community for feedback; Open House #3 (TBD): Scheduled for summer 2022, this event will present the final design for additional community feedback, with results expected in fall 2022.
Community feedback was gathered through multiple channels including being shared via the Farragut Park project email list, Applegate Head Start families and staff, 24,000 households in 10 North Portland neighborhoods via Nextdoor.com, and PP&R’s Facebook account, which has 31,000 followers.
Survey Results and Feedback:
- Preferred Design Options: Options #1 and #5 were the most favored, with Play Area location #1 being the top choice.
- Community Concerns: Safety, shade, seating, and the need for neutral or earth-tone colors were prominent themes.
- Play Area Preferences: Physical Play was highly preferred, while Cognitive Play was less favored. The need for improved lighting, trash receptacles, and park benches was also highlighted.
The feedback from these engagements has guided the development of the play area design, ensuring it meets community needs and preferences as the project moves forward.
Toddler Play Area - Preferred Design Options and Locations
After feedback from the Farragut Park community in our initial survey, we developed five unique designs for Farragut Park Toddler Play Area. Below are the preferred options.
Design Option 1
DESIGN OPTION 1 - Additional Images
Design Option 5
DESIGN OPTION 5 - Additional Images
Chosen Option - Area 1: Immediately west of the existing playground. This location benefits from its proximity to mature trees (increased shade), the existing playground, and is the closest location option to the splash pad.
Toddler Play Area - Types of Play
The Farragut Park Toddler Play Area combined the five types of play options into the final design. See below for the types of play and their accompanying PDF files for more details.
A) Physical Play has a range of dynamic options with the intent to encourage movement and build strength and coordination through activities such as climbing, sliding, swinging, spinning, and balancing.
View the full "Physical Play" pdf file:
B) Sensory Play features provide experiences that stimulate the senses such and auditory, tactile, visual, and smell, as well as quiet places for refuge from overstimulation.
View the full "Sensory Play" pdf file:
C) Social Play encourages social interaction, group activities, and imaginative play that fosters cooperation, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
View the full "Social Play" pdf file:
D) Emotional Play requires varying levels of challenge and difficulty to help children test their limits of ability and build a sense of self and mastery.
View the full "Emotional Play" pdf file:
E) Cognitive Play features provide learning opportunities of varying complexity that promote intellectual development.
View the full "Cognitive Play" pdf file: