Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) has announced a new financial assistance program, designed to reduce cost as a barrier and allow for easier access to participate in PP&R offerings. The new Access Pass builds on prior pilot discount efforts, such as the Pay What You Can Option, and can be used for activities, programs and passes for programs beginning October 3, 2022.
The Access Pass is made possible by the Parks Levy, which voters approved in November 2022, and allows all City of Portland residents, regardless of their financial means, to receive reduced pricing up to 90 percent on PP&R programs and admissions by the Recreation and Environmental Education departments. These include all PP&R community center and pool passes, drop-in admissions, registered activities, personal training, educational preschool and after school programs.
“With resources from the Parks Levy, we can offer significant discounts for Portland residents and their families to take part in everything PP&R offers,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long. “The need for parks and recreation to enhance people’s lives and health has never been more clear and we’re removing cost as a barrier to participation.”
The Access Pass is valid for 12 months from the date of enrollment. PP&R offers income guidelines to help determine if the pass is right for individuals or families, however, no proof of income is required.
Registration and more information is available at portland.gov/parks/discount. Registration can also be done over the phone by calling 503.823.2525 (phone interpretation available) or in person at any PP&R facility. Once registration is complete, people can sign up for any PP&R activity or purchase an admission pass at a reduced cost.Â
The Access Pass will automatically apply to all eligible activities for 12 months. For drop-in admission, just mention the Access Pass for staff to look up or have a pass printed.
