Hello Lents Dog Park Advocates,
Parks & Rec may move forward with redesign plans without hearing from us, despite their promise to listen first. This is our chance to speak up and demand real community engagement before design begins, and it couldn't be easier:
✅ Take 30 Seconds to Send This Email
Let’s flood their inboxes and remind them who they work for: us.
📧 Send to:
Anna.Brown@portlandoregon.gov, Max.Katz@portlandoregon.gov
📌 Subject:
Urgent: Community Feedback Must Precede Design Work at Lents DOLA
📝 Copy & Paste This Message (or write your own):
Dear Project Management Team,
You committed, publicly and clearly, to hearing from the Lents Dog Off-Leash Area community before moving forward with any redesign. Many of us, myself included, have been waiting for the promised listening session to share our perspectives and needs. That opportunity has not yet happened.
The recent public session notice gives every impression that you're proceeding with the project regardless of that promise. If that’s the case, it is a serious breach of public trust.
Community members deserve a genuine opportunity to weigh in on the design of a public space we use daily, especially when our tax dollars are funding it. There is absolutely no justification to rush or sideline community input on a non-emergency project like this. Doing so undermines faith in the Parks and Recreation system and in your leadership.
Honor your word. Hit pause on design development until after you’ve conducted meaningful community engagement, not after-the-fact box-checking.
We are watching. We expect accountability.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
💥 Every single email matters. Let’s make sure they hear us loud and clear.
📅 Next Step: Show Up and Be Heard
They may still hold the public session. Let’s turn it into a real listening session with our presence:
🗓 Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
🕡 Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Location: Holgate Library, Room 2A
Add it to your calendar and bring a neighbor! The more of us show up, the harder we are to ignore.
What We’re Doing
I (Laura Loy) have a meeting next Tuesday with Anna Brown and Max Katz to press for accountability, clarity, and a true opportunity for community engagement.
If Parks & Rec continues to sidestep its duty to the people it serves, we may need to involve media or city officials. We are the stakeholders here—and our voices matter.
Here is the Official Session Email from Parks and Recreation:
"Hello Lents Park DOLA Advocates,
My name is Anna Brown with Portland Parks & Recreation Community Engagement. We’ve received valuable input from community members about the proposed project to fence the Lents Park Dog Off Leash Area (DOLA), and heard the request to provide more information about the DOLA improvement decisions.
We will host a presentation and listening session where the project team will present on an updated design, PP&R Staff will discuss park safety and equitable access, and there will be a chance to answer questions about design and maintenance decisions.
- Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
- Time: 6:30-7:30pm
- Location: Holgate Library, Room 2A
If you cannot make it, the presentation, project updates, and Q&A will be shared on the website and by email.
We hope to see you there!
Anna Brown (they/them)"
Here is the contact info from the Parks and Rec email:
- Anna Brown (they/them) Community Engagement Coordinator
Public Works Business Services - (971) 413-5511 (cell)
- Anna.Brown@portlandoregon.gov
- 1120 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 858 | Portland, Oregon 97204
Stay Informed & Connected
If you learn anything new or have updates to share, please reach out through our contact form at SaveLentsDogPark.org.
Our community is strong. We love this space. And together, we absolutely can make a difference.
With determination,
Laura and the Dog Park Crew