Our Parks, Our Community
Commissioner Ryan served as Portland's Parks Commissioner with a clear commitment to service and community development, prioritizing greater accessibility, sustainability, and enhanced community engagement for Portland's parks. Parks improve all Portlanders' quality of life—parks, arts, and families are what make Portland, Portland.
Read on to learn more about Commissioner Ryan's Portland Parks & Recreation leadership.
Strategic Development through System Development Charges
Park System Development Charges (SDCs) are one-time fees assessed on new development; they are not General Fund tax dollars. SDCs help ensure that, as the city’s population grows, its quality of life keeps pace with its infrastructure needs.
Commissioner Ryan directed the following Portland Parks & Recreation SDC investments—read on to learn more about how we are leveraging these funds for Portland's future.
Commissioner Ryan's Portland Parks & Recreation SDC Investments
North Portland Aquatic Center in Northgate Park—$59M
Location, Location, location. This location will save more lives with 7 elementary schools nearby. Our School for Pools program ensures this $59 million development in North Portland addresses critical needs in underserved neighborhoods. Teaching swim literacy and safety while ensuring every community member has access to lifesaving skills.
Learn More About North Portland Aquatics Center
The Old Town Skatepark—$15M
After decades of conversations at City Hall and across our neighborhoods, the moment for action has arrived. We are investing $15 million in a state-of-the-art skatepark right in Old Town Portland!Skateboarders, gear up! Families, mark your calendars! If the 2024 Rockstar Energy Open taught us anything, it's that Portland will come out for world-class skateboarding.
Learn More About the Old Town Skatepark
Darcelle XV Plaza—$2M
In the heart of downtown, SDC funds are expanding the park and implementing the Green Loop at Darcelle XV Plaza to honor an icon. When legendary Portland entertainer Walter Cole, aka Darcelle XV, passed after a decades-long career redefining drag and winning global hearts, Commissioner Ryan immediately called for a tribute. Darcelle was a downtown queen, and her space will honor diversity, queer culture, and vibrancy downtown.
Learn More About Darcelle XV Plaza
George Park—$3M
Investing $3M in new play equipment and safety features for this small and mighty park on the pathways of Sitton Elementary, James John Elementary, George Middle School, and Roosevelt High School was common sense. The Kidz Outside mobilized community to steward these funds and worked with the Portland Parks Foundation to activate the investment—when support is generated on the ground, government is wise to show up and meet the community where they are
Learn more about Portland Parks' investment in George Park and The Kidz Outside.
North Portland Parks Improvement Projects—$3.6M
Commissioner Dan Ryan has directed Portland Parks & Recreation to make improvements to University Park, Columbia Park, and Columbia Park Annex. The improvements will cost $3.6 million, and will be paid for by system development charges.
Learn more about Commissioner Ryan's North Portland Parks Improvement Projects.
SDCs Supplementing Parks Development
Commissioner Ryan strategically deployed SDCs to supplement appropriate Parks projects—here are notable projects that include SDC funds as well as additional funding streams.
Columbia Slough Trail's $1M Makeover
We have invested $1 million to connect you with nature like never before at Columbia Slough. It's all about green space and stewardship.
Learn More About Columbia Slough's Makeover
Tabor's $20.7M Trail and Maintenance Yard Enhancement
A $20.7 million project adding a multi-use trail to Mt. Tabor, plus a Maintenance Yard upgrade. Get ready for celebrations coming soon!
Learn More About Mt. Tabor's Additions
Empowering Portland’s Youth Through Parks and Recreation
Supported by the Parks Levy, our initiatives focus on providing diverse and enriching experiences for Portland's youth.
- Youth Engagement: Activities range from sports to the arts, fostering inclusive environments for growth and exploration.
- Schools to Pools: Offers vital swim lessons to second graders, promoting water safety and physical health.
Learn more about these initiatives and their impact:
These efforts ensure our parks are dynamic spaces that enhance community well-being and youth development.
