3) Support Patton Square Park Playground
4) Take your studded tires off this week
1) New trees in Madrona Park
Several Overlook neighbors have asked OKNA about recently planted trees in the open space of Madrona Park next to the multi-use path. They shared concerns that the trees will disrupt use of the space that had been a popular place for kids to throw balls around and people to run their dogs.
We checked with the city’s Parks & Recreation Department’s Urban Forestry Department for more information.
The trees were planted as replacements for some trees in the park that had recently fallen. The new trees are giant dogwoods. The city will water them regularly for three years to ensure that they establish themselves.
The forestry department did not consider alternative planting locations such as the unused park greenspace across N Greeley Avenue nor were they aware that residents frequently recreate in the open space. Forestry staff chose not to consult with the neighborhood in advance.
There are no plans to remove the trees now that they are planted. Urban forestry is optimistic that they will not be too disruptive to active uses in what was one of the only park open spaces in that part of Overlook.
2) Beach School Bash
Beach Elementary, Overlook’s neighborhood school, will hold its annual fundraiser on Saturday April 27, organized by the PTA. The evening of fun, food and fundraising will feature an auction, food, drinks and live music. 
The event will take place at Urban Studios in Northwest.
All funds raised help our neighborhood school support key supplemental programs, expand technology and provide teacher classroom grants. Join your neighbors for a fun-filled night of brews, bites and bids. Find out more about attending or becoming a sponsor online. Early bird ticket sales end April 2.
3) Support Patton Square Park Playground
Overlook neighbors and other supporters of Patton Square Park have contributed more than $1,200 for improving the park so that it can serve all kids in the neighborhood. Thank you to everyone who has contributed already.
Friends of Patton Square Park needs more support, though. Hundreds of apartments are going up on and around N Interstate Avenue. Many of those apartments will be home to families with kids who will need a safe place to play. Friends of Patton Square Park will leverage your contribution to work with Portland Parks & Recreation on much-needed improvements.
Please join your neighbors in supporting this important project to make sure Overlook has the infrastructure it needs for all residents. Friends of Patton Square Park is a committee of the Overlook Neighborhood Association, a registered non-profit.
4) Take your studded tires off this week
Oregon drivers are reminded to remove studded tires by midnight Sunday, March 31.
“Drivers are encouraged to not wait until the March 31 deadline to remove their studded tires especially if they aren’t driving in the mountain passes between now and then” said Luci Moore, State Maintenance and Operations Engineer.
While studded tires are allowed in Oregon by law from November 1 through March 31, the Oregon Department of Transportation encourages drivers to consider using other types of traction tires or to use chains to help minimize roadway damage caused by studded tires. A 2014 study concluded studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage each year to state highways.
Drivers with studded tires on their vehicles after the March 31 deadline can be charged by law enforcement with a Class C traffic violation.