Portland Parks & Recreation acquires three new properties, including an expansion of

Leach Botanical Garden, in outer east and northeast Portland

(Portland, OR) – Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) has recently acquired three new properties, all located adjacent to existing park properties, including nearly a half acre that will provide Leach Botanical Garden with much-needed expansion space. The other acquisitions are adjacent to Knott Park in northeast Portland and Gates Park, a park property in outer east Portland which, though yet undeveloped, recently underwent significant enhancements to expand its recreational use.

“We are steadily moving forward with our commitment to acquire park properties east of I-205,” notes Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “These new acquisitions will add to our existing parks, including the beautiful Leach Botanical Garden, and enable us to offer more recreational opportunities to residents in this part of our city.”

Leach Botanical Garden

Leach Botanical Garden is located in a woodland hollow carved by Johnson Creek in southeast Portland. This botanical garden specializes in preserving the original John and Lilla Leach collection, as well as introducing northwest native plants through educational programs, conservation, and community involvement.

At less than 16 acres, the Garden has not had the room needed to expand its collection or its education programs. The acquisition of an immediately adjacent .45 acre parcel, located at 6604 SE 122nd Avenue, will provide much-needed additional space. It has not yet been determined how the new property, particularly a house situated on the lot, will be used. PP&R will work with the Leach Garden Friends to determine the best use of the house.

The purchase price for the property was $175,000, funded by a partnership which combined Park SDC (System Development Charge) acquisition funds and Portland’s share of Metro’s voter-approved 2006 natural areas bond measure funds.

Knott Park

Located at NE 117th Avenue and Knott Street, Knott Park is currently a 12.4 acre park with several features, including ball fields and disabled access play areas. To expand the park, PP&R has purchased an immediately adjacent .46 acre property at 11510 NE Knott Street. The purchase price was $170,000, funded by Parks SDC acquisition funds.

Gates Park

Gates Park is currently a 7.5-acre site, located on SE 136 Avenue between Holgate Boulevard and Mall Street, which was acquired over a period of several years in order to provide a future park in the Powellhurst Gilbert neighborhood. Starting in December 2008, several enhancements were made on the property, including the removal of invasive plants, site grading, and the installation of basic features such as soft paths, open lawn, signage, and seating areas, has made the park much more accessible for the neighborhood.

The purchase of an immediately adjacent 1.5 acre property at 13915 SE Holgate Blvd. will enable PP&R to eventually enlarge the park. There are currently two houses on the property that may be rented out in the short term, but which may need to be demolished at such time as Gates Park is more fully developed. The adjacent property was purchased for $379,000, funded by Parks SDC acquisition funds.

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Beth Sorensen | Public Information Officer

Portland Parks & Recreation

503.823.5300 (office); 503.823.6634 (cell)

beth.sorensen@ci.portland.or.us

Healthy Parks, Healthy Portland

portlandparks.org

Nick Fish, Commissioner | Zari Santner, Director