August 17, 2011

Story by Sophia Kecskes

UPDATE: Frazer Park needs volunteers! Join us at NE 52nd at Hassalo Saturday at 8:45 - don't forget, lunch is on the house!

Last summer, Nick was thrilled to work with Depave to remove 7,200 square feet of pavement at the Vermont Hills Church, allowing the church to greatly expand its existing community garden. Depave is an organization that works to inspire and promote the removal of unnecessary pavement in urban areas and create new green spaces in Portland. Increasing access to green spaces in Portland is one of Nick’s top priorities as Parks Commissioner, and Depave is an invaluable partner in this effort.

This weekend, Nick is excited to be a part of two additional depaving events (only one involving Depave, though!) On Friday, August 19, Nick will be attending a groundbreaking event at Disjecta Interdisciplinary Art Center and will help to transform Disjecta's 8,000-square foot asphalt parking lot into a green space which will serve as an outdoor performance and gathering space. Disjecta provides space and resources for artists to work, and this new green space will allow the center to increase its programming and incorporate more community participation in its center through exhibitions, outdoor events and increased volunteer opportunities.

On Saturday, Nick will be at Frazer Park to join Portland Community Gardens and Depave to remove 10,000 square feet of asphalt to make way for a new community garden. This project aligns perfectly with Nick’s 1,000 Gardens initiative; we’re all excited to be one step closer to achieving our goal of adding 1,000 new community garden plots in Portland by the end of 2012!