Neighbors around North Portland’s Peninsula Park Rose Garden
are concerned that a large private donation—$50,000 from the Neil
Kelly Company and Rejuvenation—has the city’s parks department
fast tracking a project to replace some of the old garden’s brick
stairs with ramps.
The Piedmont Neighborhood Association (PNA) first heard details of
the project on July 25—though Portland Parks and Recreation has
been working with the donors for months.
“Opportunity knocked on our door a few months ago,” parks architect
Richard Bosch explained at a second neighborhood meeting on August 9.
“Working with the donors, we discovered in February that the people had
an event. They wanted [the project] done by a certain time.” Indeed,
the donors are planning a company picnic on October 26, and want to
announce details of the project then. Parks staff hopes to start
looking for a contractor soon, so construction can start later this
year.
But neighbors—who are on board with the basic idea of making
the garden handicap accessible—want Portland Parks and Recreation
to slow down and make sure the project is done right: “Given the impact
of your project and the alteration to this historic site, I’m certain
that you will agree that a cautious, patient approach will prevent any
future regrets,” PNA land use chair Brian Borrello wrote to city
officials on August 6. Neighbors plan to meet with parks staff again
later this month to discuss the project.
Parks Marketing and Business Development Manager Bob Schulz calls
the project “a long overdue renovation” that’s been on the neighborhood
wish list for 10 years. Though the parks department has “a commitment
to try and do this as soon as possible,” plans aren’t finalized, he
adds. “We’re happy for [neighbors] to be involved as we move
forward.”