List of Unthank Park improvements discussed, "finalized" at meetings

Numerous meetings and neighborhood surveys over the last several months have resulted in a preliminary list of Unthank Park improvements eligible for urban renewal funding. The list, which will be updated over the length of the 20-year Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area, includes:

• Explore whether multi-age play equipment can be added to play area;
• Repair poor drainage in and around the sports field;
• Improve lighting around the softball field;
• Add a trash can near the corner of N Shaver and N Haight;
• Add picnic tables and benches;
• Evaluate condition of restroom to determine what, if any, repairs are needed;
• Explore adding a community gathering area, perhaps a covered one, somewhere in the park

These projects were assembled through outreach surveys, including youth queried by Self Enhancement Inc. and Albina Community Development Corporation, and community meetings dating back to last December. The current list was reviewed by attendees at the April 14 BNA meeting. Although it will be submitted to the Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area Citizens Advisory Committee for Parks as a final list, it will be reviewed annually and updated as needed in the next two decades.

The Portland Development Commission is using Urban Renewal as a tool to fund community-improvement projects in nine neighborhoods in North and Northeast Portland in close proximity to the new Interstate MAX line. By prioritizing desired improvements at Unthank Park, the neighborhood is one step closer to receiving urban renewal money to pay for some of the improvements.

Items that were raised by the community but not placed on the priority list for urban renewal funding included:

• Discourage guns/drug activity by putting signage up;
• Working with neighbors to address the problem of unleashed dogs;
• Add dog waste bag dispenser;
• Add historic Dr. Denorval Unthank plaque;
• Improve landscaping in the park and around SEI;
• Cover for basketball court;
• Explore collaborations between SEI and Portland Parks Bureau;
• Provide portable equipment for community activities;
• Provide staff with an increase in park activities and reduce fees for activities;
• Increase monitoring during high activities times; and
• Consider noise impacts with existing and potential activities.

Boise residents are currently working on some of these issues, and Portland Parks Bureau and other local organizations are aware of others. To get involved in issues surrounding Unthank Park, contact Marcine Kment, BNA co-chair, at 503-280-0694.