Mt Tabor Master Plan Update: Reservoirs, joggers, bikes, soap box derby, sunsets, and picnics – these are a few of the images that come to most people's minds when thinking about Mt Tabor Park. Did you know that Portland Parks and Recreation's central maintenance and plant growing facilities are based at Mt Tabor and serve parks, natural areas, and community centers across Portland? Most likely not - as we heard from many at our Open Yard & Nursery Day on May 31st. This event was held to invite the community to tour this site, and learn about the plans to restore and improve the yard and nursery for the long-term future needs of our parks system. The Mt Tabor Central Yard and Nursery Planning Group, a partnership between the community and Portland Parks, is currently at work on an update to the 1999 Mt Tabor Park Master Plan. The original plan's scope did not include the area that houses Parks’ yard and nursery at the southern edge of the park at 6437 SE Division. The yard and nursery covers approximately 13 acres and has been in its present location for nearly 100 years. The site includes equipment storage, welding and carpentry shops, greenhouses, and other work spaces. Over 100 Parks workers start their day at this site, and then fan across the city to mow lawns, repair pools, and all the other tasks needed daily to serve the public. Impact on SE Residents:
In the next few months, the Planning Group will be considering many issues of interest to Southeast residents and regular users of Mt Tabor Park, including future use of green space, historical use of the site, and possible increased access to the Park through either a bike/pededstrian path or road connection at SE 64th, between Lincoln and Division.
No decisions have been made yet about SE 64th. Neighbors south of Division are particularly concerned about the traffic impacts of a full road. Past plans, including the Mt Tabor Park Master Plan and the South Tabor Neighborhood Plan (1996), suggested adding additional access to the Park from the south. A bike/pedstrian path would give this access, as well as connect the bike boulevards of SE Clinton and Lincoln. An additional driveway into the yard may be desirable, as a way to reduce traffic congestion within the yard; this could be combined with a bike path or a road. Another option is no-build, which would mean no change in the current access. Possible connections will be part of the draft designs that come out in July and August. Planning Process:
On June 16th, the Planning Group set goals for the design with Opsis Architecture, a local firm who is also providing services to the Tabor Common project. Goals were selected for the following four areas: Connection to the Park & Neighborhood, Honor the History of the Site, Provide a Safe and Efficient Work Environment, and Use Sustainable Practices and Green Buildings.
Neighbors on the Planning Group were would like to preserve green space, especially where it overlaps with Mt Tabor Park. Employees on the committee would like an improved work space that allows to them to do their jobs more effectively, while reducing accidents. Final goals and objectives will be posted online.
On July 23rd, Opsis will present three draft options to the Planning Group for feedback and discussion. Opsis will then spend the next month adding further detail to these designs, and bring back the three options on August 28th. At this meeting, the Planning Group will select one option to move forward for refinement. These options also will be shared with City Council and the public, with opportunities for input. The top option will be produced as a "schematic design" which will be taken to City Council for final approval in December. Parks plans to seek funding for this project through a bond measure in 2010. Community Input:
All Planning Group meetings are open to the public. Meetings are generally held at 6:30pm at Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church's basement room, 5441 SE Belmont St (enter on SE 54th). Please check the web or call to confirm. We welcome the community's input throughout this proces. In additon, look out for announcements about a community meeting in early September to review the designs and give input on the Planning Group's top selection.
For more information, please visit www.portlandparks.org (under Projects, select "Mt Tabor Master Plan Update"). The website includes a roster of Planning Group members. The group also maintains a blog at protectportlandparks.wordpress.com, with links to related media coverage. Questions and concerns can also be directed to Maija Spencer, Assistant Project Manager, at 823-7720 or maija.spencer@ci.portland.or.us. |