November 12, 2009

Portland Parks & Recreation was among the top-ranked bureaus in the City Auditor's 2009 Resident Survey, released today.

More than three-quarters of respondents felt good or very good about Portland's recreation services, and 86% rated our parks good or very good.

Those results "confirm how much the public values their park system, especially in these tough economic times when more people are taking advantage of free or low-cost activities close to home," said Nick. "They recognize the vital role our parks and natural areas, as well as our community centers and recreation programs, play in the quality of life we enjoy here in Portland." 

Portlanders' satisfaction with Parks services has increased steadily year by year, although results did show that across Portland, certain neighborhoods rate their parks and services they receive more highly than others.

The survey also reinforced the need to focus on certain areas for park development. East Portland, for example, is a priority area for Nick and the Parks team - compared to 11% citywide, 26% of East Portland residents report having never visiting a park near their home.

Earlier this year, Council approved three master plans for East Portland parks- Parklane, Beech, and Clatsop Butte - and this week Parks announced the acquisition of property to make these plans a reality. The Parks 2020 Vision includes the goal of ensuring a park within half a mile of every Portlander, and these three parks will help make bring this Vision to life.

Congratulations to Director Zari Santner and the incredible team at the Parks Bureau for this recognition of all the great work they're doing!