Overlook Neighborhood Update (March 18)

1) Paul Bunyan needs your help
2) City athletic fields remain closed
3) Food donations in North Portland


1) Paul Bunyan needs your help

PaintPaulThe Paul Bunyan statue in Kenton has welcomed visitors for nearly 50 years. Paul is showing his age, though, and needs a fresh coat of paint.

The Kenton Neighborhood Association and Kenton Business Association are asking residents throughout North Portland for help. Learn more about this Portland landmark at paintpaulpdx.org.


2) City athletic fields remain closed

Due to the continued effects of recent heavy rains, all Portland Parks & Recreation grass athletic fields and ball fields will remain closed through at least Friday, March 25, 2016.

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) originally closed all city-owned grass athletic and ball fields for one week, and re-evaluated conditions today.  The bureau must now extend the closure until at least Friday, March 25, 2016, due to safety concerns and saturated conditions related to recent heavy rain.

This closure impacts grass fields at Portland Parks & Recreation sites, and events which PP&R had permitted at Portland Public Schools facilities.  On Thursday, March 24, 2016, PP&R will re-evaluate the grass fields and make a determination on if the closures need to be extended, with user safety in mind.  The citywide closure does not impact synthetic turf fields, which are designed for all-weather play.


3) Food donations in North Portland

Tuesday’s Overlook Neighborhood Association general meeting featured presentations from several North Portland social service agencies about how residents can get involved and support their efforts. The Portland Food Project was one of the presenters, and several residents had questions about how much food they receive from the neighborhood. They’ve sent answers:

In Overlook, about 30 donors give an average of 450-500 pounds of food every two months. Three neighborhood coordinators help make it happen.

Throughout North Portland, about 60 donors, with 4 neighborhood coordinators, give an average of 900-1,000 pounds of food per month.

Pantries in the North/Northeast Portland area are: Hereford House, Sharon Community Services, Bethel Community Care, Home Forward Dekum Court, Casa Trinidad, NE Emergency Food Program and St. Johns Food Share.

Visit their website to learn more.