COUCH PARK REDESIGN:

Over the last 5 months, meetings were held to plan the redesign of the plaza and playground at Couch Park in Northwest Portland.  The process was a collaboration between Portland Parks and Recreation and the Couch Park Project Advisory Committee consisting of members from Metropolitan Learning Center (Friends of Couch Park), Harper’s Playground, and Temple Beth Israel.  A representative from NW Neighborhood Association and Friendly House also provided limited input.  I was the sole person on the committee who is a resident of the neighborhood and not associated with any of these groups.  

THE PLAN:

The committee worked very hard on advising the plan for an inclusive play ground/plaza and came up with a great design. Harper’s Playground is partnering with Portland Park and Rec to provide support funds for the construction of a wonderful inclusive design that accounts for people of all abilities. The final park redesign plan was approved by the Advisory Committee on February 11. An open house is scheduled for 6pm on Thursday February 25 at Legacy Good Samaritan Building 2 Auditorium 1040 NW 22nd Ave.

THE TREES:

During the design process the trees currently existing at the park and plaza came into question.  It was decided to remove two of the cherry trees on the south end of the plaza and keep the other two on the north end.  Special effort on the part of the Advisory Committee was dedicated to the preservation of the large horse chestnut tree on the playground and it will be kept.

There are two large elm trees on the playground just to the north of the horse chestnut tree. At this point in time, the final plan approves the removal of these large elm trees though they were determined not to be sick. The removal of the elm trees was never explicitly mentioned or put to a vote as part of the survey that was handed out to the public in the planning process. The subject was also not thoroughly discussed at the Committee meetings.  

 SAVE THE ELM TREES:

The trees of Northwest Portland are fundamental to the character and feel of the neighborhood. As a 15+ year resident of Northwest who has lived within one block of Couch Park and as frequent user of the playground (I’m a mother of two young girls), I believe that the elm trees should not be cut down. They provide shade to the playground, a habitat for wildlife, and contribute to the natural beauty of the park. The new playground design calls for the extensive use of artificial turf to account for inclusive access and the preservation of the large trees would enhance the natural feel of the park.

Please sign this petition to let Portland Parks and Recreation know that you would like to keep the Elm trees at Couch Park!