Parks & Recreation
Waterfront Park Master PlanPortland, Oregon
Client: Portland Bureau of Parks & Recreation
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is one of the jewels of Portland planning, but after 23 years it was in need of a facelift. A major goal of the new Waterfront Park master plan was to identify opportunities for better pedestrian connections to the park, new park activity centers, and dedicated spaces for festivals and other special events. JLA developed a public involvement plan in conjunction with Parks staff that included identifying key stakeholders, scheduling outreach opportunities and formulating unique outreach venues and opportunities to provide input. We organized and facilitated a series of alternative design focus groups, moderated a public forum and panel discussion, and conducted a visual preference survey. We also assisted with the development of fact sheet mailers and a project web page. The results were reported to a citizen advisory committee that made recommendations to the Parks Bureau on the final Waterfront Park master plan. The plan was adopted by City Council in May 2003.
Mt. Tabor Neighborhoods Mediation and Master Plan UpdatePortland, Oregon
Client: Portland Bureau of Parks & Recreation
JLA co-mediated a discussion between staff from the City of Portland Parks department, including the director, the leadership of Mt. Tabor and S. Tabor neighborhoods, and adjacent neighborhoods regarding the process to determine the future of the Mt. Tabor Maintenance Yard and Nursery. The 30+ member group came together to develop an approach for updating the Mt. Tabor Park Master Plan.
Portland Skate ParksPortland, Oregon
Client: Portland Bureau of Parks & Recreation
When Portland’s Parks Bureau was charged with siting skateboarding parks throughout the city and needed help to educate and involve the public, they tapped JLA to provide public involvement strategy and facilitate the development of a new skate park system. The vision for the system includes several neighborhood “skate spots,” a few district skate parks, and one larger facility that would be a regional skateboarding destination. JLA is facilitating the Skate Park Advisory Leadership Team (SPLAT), which has developed a draft set of criteria that will be used for site selection. In addition, JLA has provided strategy and facilitation services for public workshops and open houses.