Parklandians Unite Celebration Draws History and Park Lovers

Portland, June 9th, 2014. Over 120 leaders from various park-supporting organizations joined together for the first-ever “Parklandians Unite” event, held at the Oregon Historical Society and co-hosted by the nonprofit Portland Parks Foundation and parks bureau. These groups volunteer nearly a half million hours for parks each year, and raise over $150,000 annually for free park concerts and movies. According to Parks Foundation director, Nick Hardigg, “We wanted to bring these generous people together, at the Historical Society, to thank them not only for what they do each year, but to recognize their historic impact on parks. After all, this group has been the impetus behind every dollar ever spent on parks—every purchase of park land, every playground ever built. That’s worth celebrating.”

Supporters gathered at the Oregon Historical Society.

The room was decorated with historic postcard reproductions, which we’re sharing here:

Breakside Brewing donated a commemorative “Parke Diem Pale Ale” in honor of those assembled. Singing was provided by The Rose City Singers. Financial sponsorship provided by Bank of America.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.