Making Use of Open Space
12/17/2008

Make your own happy place with open space.  At least, that’s what two people are doing in North Portland’s Overlook neighborhood.  About a year ago Marci Macfarlane and Chris Radcliffe took advantage of unused space in their neighborhood.

Typically, The Pittman Addition space was used for overflow parking, the article says that, “Macfarlane and Radcliffe took it upon themselves to adopt the site, picking up garbage and trying to chase away the seedier elements by informally installing public works of art.”

Originally, their application to create a park was rejected by Portland Metro.  However, because the site includes a large underground water vault that serves Swan Island and the nearby Denver Tank, the Portland Water Bureau felt that this space could be great as a HydroPark, which turns water infrastructure sites into public open spaces.  

One local organization that focuses on rebuilding urban spaces is the The City Repair Project.  They’ve been influential around Portland in creating community areas in neighborhoods.  

Portland has a lot of parks says of all places, Mens Fitness magazine.  They rated the fittest and fattest cities in America.  They write, “Portland has 294 municipal parks, among the most of any city on a per capita basis.”  They also claim that “Portland has the 2nd lowest cheerleading participation rate of any city, 80 percent lower than average.”  What?!  C’mon Portland, fire it up!  Give me a P!  Give me a…sorry, I guess I’m excited for the new park.

To cheer on the Pittman Addition HydroPark, their next public meeting is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Overlook House, 3839 N. Melrose Ave.
 

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