Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) & Harper’s Playground will break ground on construction of the new, universally-accessible playground at PP&R’s Arbor Lodge Park on Friday, June 8. The north Portland playground is the first in Portland ’s park system to provide disabled access on every play feature.
The play area is the result of a remarkable public-private partnership between PP&R and the Goldberg family. It will be named Harper’s Playground after Harper Goldberg, who turns seven on the day of the event, and whose family spearheaded the extraordinary fundraising efforts for the playground.
Construction is expected to take about 2½ months. Portland Parks & Recreation views Harper’s Playground as a neighborhood destination and gathering space for all.
WHAT: Groundbreaking and Celebration for Harper’s Playground
WHEN: Friday, June 8, 10am
WHERE: Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park , N. Bryant & Delaware Ave
Harper’s Playground will have all-inclusive play structures, featuring wheelchair- and walker-friendly elements integrated into play equipment. It will be the first 100% accessible play area in PP&R’s system. ( Washington Park ’s impressive playground is 70% accessible.)
“Just two years ago, dedicated parents Cody and April Goldberg envisioned a playground where their child, Harper, could play alongside other neighborhood kids,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “They’ve shared their compelling vision, generated incredible community support, and have developed an innovative park design concept that will serve as a model for park improvements across the country.”
PP&R is able to undertake construction on the project thanks to the funds that the Goldberg family and valued partners were able to raise.
Notables at the groundbreaking include
- Glen & Tiffany Boyd speaking on behalf of foundation contributions
- Bob Speltz, representing the Portland business sector
- Rabbi Ariel Stone for communities of faith
- Taylor Brooke representing volunteers & University of Portland women’s soccer
- Felicia Chapman of the Harper’s Playground Board and Timbers Army
- Dean Westwood, Inclusion & Universal Design Advocate
- Mauricio Villarreal, Project Team / Design & Project Management
- City Parks Commissioner Nick Fish representing Portland Parks & Recreation and the City of Portland
- Jennifer Yocom, Chief of Staff to Mayor Sam Adams
The Goldbergs say they have been delighted by the support they have received from Portland Parks & Recreation and the community for their efforts.
