To Whom lt May Concern:
On behalf of the Portland Parks
Foundation (PPF), we wholeheartedly support the goals
of the Cleveland Community Field Project (Project).
The shortage of playing fields throughout the city
was identified in the "2020 Vision Plan".
One strategy to address this issue is to increase
utilization of school facilities. PPF is pleased to
see the committed efforts of the Project organizers
to benefit not only the local need, but to also align
with the Portland Parks Foundation's goal of providing
all youth with access to recreation.
Public/private partnerships such
as this enable the continues improvement of quality
of life in Portland, even during the most challenging
times for public funding. The Project provides an
excellent example of maximizing existing public resources
to ensure recreation opportunities and choices are
available for all of the city's residents. PPF believes
that this effort is consistent with the city of Portland's
tradition and expectation of urban livability.
The Cleveland Community Field Project
will provide safe and accessible recreation space
in inner-southeast Portland. The Project would include
the addition of synthetic turf, which allows for increased
usage equal to three fields. This would increase the
ability to serve a wide range of uses, including both
youth and adult football, soccer and lacrosse. Currently,
the Cleveland Field track is the only one open to
the public within a ten square mile area, and it serves
over 70,000 residents.
We encourage you to support eh Cleveland
Community Field Project in anyway that you are able,
understanding that a contribution to this Project
will reap benefits for the park system and also for
the residents of Portland.
Sincerely
|
David Fuks
Chair
|
Linda G. Laviolette
Executive Director |
