2026 Portland City Councilor, District 3 election questionnaire responses
Questions:
The City Councilor, District 3 primary is just around the corner, & Skaters for Portland Skateparks would like to see where you stand on some issues important to the skateboarding community.
In 2005, Portland Parks put together a plan for a skatepark system -19 skateparks distributed throughout the city. To date, we're approximately halfway completed, 20 years into the process. How do you envision yourself contributing to fund these skatepark projects?
https://www.portland.gov/sites/default/files/2020/skatepark-system-plan-2008.pdf
We're currently working on the Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town, which will be the crown jewel of the 19 park plan. There has been a significant budget allocated towards this project, with an anticipated completion date in 2029. We will need help pushing this project over the finish line, what would your support look like?
https://www.portland.gov/parks/construction/steel-bridge-skatepark-project-old-town
Portland is the birthplace of the DIY Skatepark: The Burnside Project. There are several other engaging DIY skatespots currently thriving in various parts of town. Will you commit to supporting these projects, if found to be beneficial to the neighborhoods they're a part of? What would that commitment entail?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnside_Skatepark
We look forward to your responses to these issues that hit close to home for our constituency.
Thank you for your time.
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There is very little that needs to be done to convince me of the importance of skateboarding here in Portland, its ties to our identity, and opportunity it presents. Last week I was able to see Margaux Mennesson present during one of Oregon Active Transportation events Skate Urbanism from BDX to PDX. I'm also now acquainted with Ryan Hashagen from Icicle Tricycle who has let me know a bit about the Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town.
A compelling recent example of skateboarding’s positive impact is the Portland Dream Plaza, a project by Dream Big City, founded by Alex Murrell, which transforms underused streets into vibrant community plazas that include space for skateboarders, with a strong focus on youth programming and community stewardship.
The real kicker, as we face continuous budget shortfalls, is how to get creative in how these projects maintain funding.