PP&R Restores Summer Programming

In February, City Council unanimously approved Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) Fiscal Year 2020-21 Supplemental Budget. 

They also approved an interfund loan to allow access to resources from the Parks Local Option Levy (approved by voters in November 2020), resources that would typically not become available until November 2021. 

The Levy resources will allow PP&R’s recreation program to transition from a model that depended heavily on charging fees to a service-driven model focusing on racial equity and eliminating costs as a barrier for Portlanders who need programming the most.

PP&R’s primary goal is to keep the community healthy and to protect the public from the spread of COVID-19. 

Their summer programming is designed to meet public health guidance and to be flexible as conditions change. Some sites and programs may need to operate at reduced or restricted capacity due to COVID-19 guidelines. 

All summer programming, participant capacity limits and locations are subject to change based on the most current health guidance. PP&R’s summer 2021 programming include:

Free Lunch + Play will serve over 100,000 meals to enjoy in parks or take home. Families will also receive free art and music at Free Lunch + Play sites.

Summer camps in the form of outdoor day camps, sports and art camps will be available at 20 locations across the city.

Environmental education nature day camps for ages 5-12, guided Ladybug Nature Walks and family programs will connect youngsters to the natural environment.

Environmental education jobs and volunteer offerings will provide the next generation of environmental leaders opportunities like the Teen Nature Team for middle school students and the Youth Conservation Crew for 14-19 year-olds.

Fitness in the Park will provide an expansion of outdoor fitness programs including yoga, exercise and Zumba classes.

Outdoor swimming pools will open for life-saving swim lessons, water fitness classes, lap swims and swim team activities. Indoor pools will only open if public health conditions allow.

Community centers will provide staging for outdoor events, prioritized to protect public health, and access will be limited.

Outdoor camps and classes from The Multnomah Arts Center and the Community Music Center.

Art and cultural activities will be hosted all summer long at East Portland’s Gateway Discovery Park.

Interactive fountains and park splash pads are anticipated to re-open.

Senior Recreation, now called Lifelong Recreation, will offer virtual programs and outdoor activities for older Portland residents.

Teen Force outdoor, drop-in programs for young adults will be provided in coordination with Free Lunch + Play events.

Live virtual programming from the Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR), Lifelong Recreation, Portland Parks Preschool and Arts & Culture programs.

SUN Community Schools, a collaboration between Multnomah County and PP&R, will offer outdoor summer camps.

For more see portland.gov/parks/news.

PP&R Restores Summer Programming

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top