Parks Replacement Bond News

Introducing Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park: Portland Parks & Recreation and Mayor Ted Wheeler are pleased to announce that the former Lynchview Park (SE 167 th Avenue and Market Street in east Portland) has been renamed Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park. This is the first Portland park named after a prominent and beloved Black female leader. The site recently underwent major improvements thanks to the 2014 Parks Replacement Bond and Parks System Development Charges.

Avenue and Market Street in east Portland) has been renamed Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park. This is the first Portland park named after a prominent and beloved Black female leader. The site recently underwent major improvements thanks to the 2014 Parks Replacement Bond and Parks System Development Charges. Creston Park playground construction started in mid-April 2020, with anticipated completion in Fall 2020.

Matt Dishman Community Center's roof replacement is underway and will be completed in late Fall 2020.

The Bond Oversight Committee presented their Year 4 annual report to City Council in January 2020.

Parks Replacement Bond Annual Reports

Bond Projects Under Construction

Bond Projects Starting Construction in 2020

Completed Bond Projects

Bond Oversight Committee

When voters supported the Parks Replacement Bond, they also approved forming a committee of community members to oversee how their dollars are spent. The purpose and authority of the Oversight Committee is to convene periodically to provide a third-party review of progress on the bond project improvements and report to the City Council and the public.

The Committee will review and provide feedback on program progress; including financial metrics and other assurances contained in voter information. The Committee reports annually to City Council and our community regarding performance and progress toward goals.

The Oversight Committee is composed of five community members appointed to three-year terms by the Portland City Council; members may be re-appointed. Future appointments will be staggered to allow for overlap. Members are to be people with experience in community engagement, equity, finance, public works, auditing, business, construction, public contracting and/or budgeting.

Members (L-R): (back row) Jonath Colón, Karen Loper Tracy, Ken Richardson, (front row) Zari Santner, Jan Mason

Members of the public are always welcome to attend Oversight Committee meetings. The next Oversight Committee meeting is September 16, 2020 online. Meeting notes and other documents are posted here.

If you have questions, please contact Elizabeth Specht by email or at 503-823-5561.