Parks Replacement Bond funds are for urgent repairs and other capital costs, not park operations. The measure authorized up to $68 million in general obligation bonds to make repairs and improvements and prevent more closures like we’ve seen at Couch playground and the Maple Trail in Forest Park.
Parks Replacement Bond News
- Introducing Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park: Portland Parks & Recreation and Mayor Ted Wheeler are pleased to announce that the former Lynchview Park (SE 167th Avenue and Market Street in east Portland) has been renamed Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park. This is the first Portland park named after a prominent and beloved Black female leader. The site recently underwent major improvements thanks to the 2014 Parks Replacement Bond and Parks System Development Charges.
- Creston Park playground construction started in mid-April 2020, with anticipated completion in Fall 2020.
- Matt Dishman Community Center's roof replacement is underway and will be completed in late Fall 2020.
- The Bond Oversight Committee presented their Year 4 annual report to City Council in January 2020.
Parks Replacement Bond Annual Reports
Bond Projects Under Construction
Bond Projects Starting Construction in 2020
Completed Bond Projects
- Argay Park Tennis Courts
- Bloomington Park Restrooms
- Colonel Summers Splash Pad and Loo
- Couch Park Playground
- Ed Benedict Park Restrooms and Pathways
- Fernhill Park Playground and Water Line Repairs
- Foley-Balmer Natural Area Bridge
- Forest Park Bridges
- Gilbert Primary Park Playground
- Glenhaven Park Playground
- Glenwood Park Restrooms
- Grant Outdoor Pool
- Kenton Park Playground
- Lents Park Playground
- Marshall Park Bridge
- Matt Dishman Community Center Pool and Spa
- Mt. Tabor Park Summit Restrooms
- Multnomah Arts Center Cottages - ADA Repairs and Seismic Improvements
- North Park Blocks Playground
- Parklane Park Loo
- Peninsula Park Outdoor Pool
- Pier Park Loo
- Pioneer Courthouse Square
- Raymond Park Loo
- Rieke Field
- Sellwood Park Kitchen Roof
- Sellwood Pool Bathhouse Roof
- Springwater Corridor Bridge at SE 45th Avenue
- Springwater Corridor Bridge at SE Circle Avenue
- St. Johns Community Center Roof
- Ventura Park Playground
- Washington Park Rose Garden ADA Accessibility Improvements
- Wilkes Park Loo
Featured Stories from the 2018-2019 Bond Annual Report
Bond Oversight Committee
When voters supported the Parks Replacement Bond, they also approved forming a committee of community members to oversee how their dollars are spent. The purpose and authority of the Oversight Committee is to convene periodically to provide a third-party review of progress on the bond project improvements and report to the City Council and the public.
The Committee will review and provide feedback on program progress; including financial metrics and other assurances contained in voter information. The Committee reports annually to City Council and our community regarding performance and progress toward goals.
The Oversight Committee is composed of five community members appointed to three-year terms by the Portland City Council; members may be re-appointed. Future appointments will be staggered to allow for overlap. Members are to be people with experience in community engagement, equity, finance, public works, auditing, business, construction, public contracting and/or budgeting.
Members of the public are always welcome to attend Oversight Committee meetings. The next Oversight Committee meeting is September 16, 2020 online. Meeting notes and other documents are posted here.
If you have questions, please contact Elizabeth Specht by email or at 503-823-5561.