PRK-1.06 - Downtown Park Closures

ARB-PRK-1.06

Effective immediately the following Parks and Park Areas shall be open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

                1.     South Parks between Market Street and Salmon Street

                2.     North Park Blocks

                3.     O’Bryant Square

                4.     Ira Keller Fountain Park

                5.     Hall and 14th

By this rule, the provisions of City Code Section 20.12.210 Subsection, B, 2, shall apply to the above listed parks:

i.e., “Pedestrians crossing” through the park will be allowed at any hour.

This Rule does not apply to persons attending, participating in, going to or coming from an activity either programmed or scheduled by Portland Parks and Recreation or under a permit issued under Chapter 20.08.

Crime and disorder in Downtown parks, has impacted Downtown livability and the level of confidence citizens have in the safety of Downtown parks and Downtown area generally.

Incidents of drug sales and drug use, street drinking, park users being intimidated, littering and damage to park areas, etc. have been chronic problems in some downtown parks. Experience shows that these problems can migrate from one park location to another. Many of those engaging in unlawful behaviors do so in evening hours, rendering these parks less than safe and pleasant for downtown shoppers, visitors, workers, and residential neighbors who use the park in the evening. This measure is one part of a comprehensive strategy to improve public safety and livability in Downtown.