PlayHaven Park

Habitat Restoration Project 

Park visitors should expect ongoing and long-term habitat restoration work at the park, including the removal of disruptive plants and invasive weeds. Himalayan blackberry, a disruptive plant in this region, is different from the native Trailing blackberry, a low-growing, vining shrub indigenous to the Pacific Northwest.

As part of habitat restoration, this park will soon be home to more native plants and wildflowers, which will contribute to a healthier ecosystem and attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds.

Restoration Project Timeline

• January/February 2026: Removal of invasive Himalayan blackberry and ivy. Weedy meadow mowed. The majority of plants will be removed to prepare the site for new, native, and pollinator-friendly shrubs, flowers, and other plants.
• May 2026 - February 2027: The park will be monitored for invasive plants and managed throughout the year to prevent regrowth. Any needed soil amendments (improvements to the health of the soil) will be added.
• March 2027 - April 2027: Plant installation begins. This is weather-dependent, and the actual installation timeline may vary.
• May 2027 - December 2027: Plants will be in their "establishment" phase, which means they will be establishing healthy root systems that will support long-term growth!

This page will be updated until the project is completed. 

Have questions about habitat restoration? Email the East Developed Parks Coordinator, Kimberléa Ruffu (they/them), at kimberlea.ruffu@portlandoregon.gov. 

View full size image of Close of view of a Kinnikinnick plant showing off the dark green leaves and delicate pink flowers

Ash Tree Removal (Emerald Ash Borer)

The invasive emerald ash borer has been detected in Portland. While this news is unwelcome, it is not unexpected. The City of Portland has been preparing for years and is taking action to slow the spread of this invasive beetle. As part of our emerald ash borer response, Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry will replace unhealthy and small ash trees in City parks with new tree species that are not vulnerable to this pest. PlayHaven Park has ash trees identified for removal. You may see impacts to the park as the ash trees are removed. 

Some ash trees have already been removed. The removal of additional, unhealthy ash trees is expected to happen between February and April of this year (2026). Replacement trees will be replanted in the next planting cycle.

Healthy ash trees continue to provide benefits, including cooling our neighborhoods during summer heat, cleaning our air, and making our city beautiful. Whenever possible, Urban Forestry also treats healthy, mature ash trees to protect them against the emerald ash borer. 

To learn more information about Emerald Ash Borer and our work to stop its spread, visit Portland.gov/eab or contact Urban Forestry at (503)-823-TREE and trees@portlandoregon.gov.