photos by Victor von Salza
The completed level play area.
In Fall of 1999 the PYSA, Bridlemile Soccer Club, and Vista Soccer Club proposed to create and together with Portland Parks pay for the development of Level Play Areas at Albert Kelly Park and Thomas Parks. Wendy Kent and other neighbors of the park formed a committee, which resulted in much review of the proposed project, a letter from the BNA Board about the proposal
BnaAHLpLt.pdf, 8 KB 8 KB / 3 pages
and ended in a LUBA appeal. In the Fall of 2001, the LUBA decision affirmed the City's determination that no conditional use process was required before creating the level play area at Albert Kelly Park. But in order to make sure that the city's promises regarding the type of use of the are would be honored a Good Neighbor Agreement was developed:
BnaAHLpGNAv2.pdf, 17 KB 17 KB/ 3 pages
In October of 2001 construction began, and after making some corrections to the drainage swale in April 2002 (one neighbors house had flooding in its basement) the level play area opened for use in September of 2002.
The Story in Pictures
The lay of the land before construction began.
Erosion control barrier in place.
The play area takes shape.
Grading completed.
More water than expected came in this direction.
One house had basement flooding.
Cutting a swale to direct runoff west towards the creek.
The completed swale, which solved the runoff problems.
The completed level play area.
The completed level play area and drainage swale.
If you have questions or concerns, or need to report any problems with the play area, please contact Nancy H. Gronowski, pknancy@ci.portland.or.us, 503-823-6005
Portland Parks and Recreation Senior Planner