Meet Amourie Downing, who oversees our Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR) and Lifelong Recreation programs. Amourie was born and raised in Portland and has been with Portland Parks & Recreation for 21 years. She was recently promoted from her former role of supervising PP&R’s Matt Dishman Community Center – part of a long line of positions and responsibilities Amourie has held in her long career with Portland Parks & Recreation.
"Growing up I knew I wanted to find work that would allow me to give back to my community. As I started working for PP&R in high school, I didn’t know that I would make a career out of it!"
She said building connections inspire her.
"After graduating from the University of Oregon, I continued to work for Portland Parks & Recreation because it allowed me to build connections and relationships with wonderful employees and community members."
Amourie who is pictured here with her son Kendell Adair, hopes that her journey inspires future generations.
"As an African American woman in a leadership role, I feel like it’s extremely important for young people of color to see someone that looks like them and can relate to their stories. I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, a niece, an aunt, and a friend. I am motivated by the Black women and men that have fought to pave the way for me. I am encouraged by the generations to come after me.”
This series highlights key staff as part of PP&R's commemoration of Black History Month (February).
Portland Parks & Recreation’s Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation program offers community-based recreation activities and leisure services specially designed for children, teens, and adults who have a disability and/or special needs. Our services are designed to assist people in developing and using their leisure time.
For more information on the AIR program, please visit portland.gov/parks/air.
The City's Lifelong Recreation programs are offered throughout Portland and include excursions and van trips, health and wellness, arts and crafts, music and dance, sports and fitness, hiking and walking, and much more!
For more information on Lifelong Recreation, please visit portland.gov/parks/recreation/lifelong
PP&R is looking for more great teammates to work with us, part-time and full-time, in many programs! If you or someone you know could be a great fit in our inclusive, welcoming environment with fantastic colleagues, flexible hours, and great pay, please visit Portland.gov/parks/employment.