To Whom lt May Concern:
As Commissioner of Portland Parks
& Recreation (PP&R), I strongly support the
goals of the Cleveland Community Field Project (Project).
PP&R recognizes in the 2020 Vision that there
is a tremendous shortage of playing fields throughout
the city. One strategy called for to address this
issue is increased utilization of school facilities.
Therefore, I am delighted to see the committed efforts
of the Project organizers to not only benefit the
local need, but also forwards PP&R's mission.
The Project serves an important
purpose, providing safe and accessible recreation
space within inner-southeast Portland. The synthetic
turf field called for in the plans will allow increased
usage equal to three fields, dramatically increasing
the ability to serve a wide range of uses, including
youth and adult football, soccer and lacrosse. The
track is currently the only one open to the public
within a ten square mile area, serving over 70,000
residents. By accommodating more school and local
league athletic activities within the community, park
space is opened up elsewhere in the city for additional
use, and travel between fields is reduced.
This effort is consistent with
the City of Portland's tradition and expectation of
urban livability. Community efforts such as this,
allow for an improved quality of life during challenging
fiscal times. The Project provides an excellent example,
by maximizing efficiency of existing public resources
to ensure recreation and fitness opportunities and
options to all residents.
I encourage you to support the
Cleveland Community Field Project in anyway that you
are able, understanding that a contribution to this
Project will be felt throughout Portland's park system.
Sincerely
Dan Saltzman, Commissioner
1221 SW Fourth Ave., Room 230
Portland, Oregon 97204
dsaltzman@ci.portland.or.us
