Director Park Grand Re-Opening! Welcome Families, Friends And Neighbors Once Again To Downtown Director Park. -07/06/23
For Immediate Release
[Downtown Portland, July 6, 2023] - Together, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, Portland Metro Chamber, and Portland Parks & Recreation are bringing back Director Park. The plaza is located in the heart of downtown Portland at 815 SW Park Avenue and has a rich history in the city. Named after Simon and Helen Director, immigrants who arrived in Portland in the early 1900s and helped make the city of Portland what it is today.
Commissioner of Culture and Livability Dan Ryan, “Director Park holds a special place in the hearts of Portlanders and visitors alike, and its revival brings a renewed sense of joy and vibrancy to our beloved city. Downtown spaces play a pivotal role in shaping the character and identity of a city, serving as gathering spots where communities come together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. As we embrace the reopening of Director Park, let us come together to celebrate the spirit of summer and the resiliency of our community.”
Portland Philanthropist and the Grandson of Simon and Helen Director Jordan Schnitzer, “After several years of neglect during tough times for downtown city parks, I am delighted Downtown Clean & Safe, who we have supported for many years, has been awarded the responsibility of managing this jewel of a park in Downtown Portland. On behalf of all of us who work, live, or visit downtown, we look forward to the park being an active place once again!”
Join us for a community/press event Friday July 7th from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM to celebrate this exciting collaboration. Hours of work by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe employees have gone into the revitalization of the park just in time for summer.
WHO: City of Portland Commissioner of Culture and Livability Dan Ryan, and Mark Wells, Executive Director of Downtown Portland Clean and Safe.
WHAT: Ribbon Cutting, Grand Re-opening of Director Park. Free Pinolo Gelato from Pinolo’s Vintage inspired Gelato Cart, music and solar stage provided by SoundTruck NW. The Game Library will be open to the public!
WHERE: 815 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR
WHEN: Friday, July 7th @ 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Commissioner Ryan to speak at about noon
This partnership aims to enhance the vibrancy and vitality of downtown by activating the park with engaging projects and events that benefit the community and support local businesses.
Summer Activations:
Glass Kiosk Retail Incubator Project: Downtown Portland Clean & Safe is excited to announce a year-long series of pop-ups in the beautiful Glass Kiosk in Director Park. Our First retailer, Gallery Go-Go, has established an Art Gallery in Residency in the Park for the Summer. Their grand opening features geometric artist Jeff Sander’s beautiful and surprising LEGO® sculptures. His work has been viewed more than 100 million times across online platforms in every corner of the world. Jeff's work sits at the nexus of art, engineering, mathematics, ancient traditions, and popular culture--exploring the patterns inherent in LEGO® bricks and pushing the limits of what can be created with the ubiquitous construction toy.
Party In the Plaza: Downtown Portland Clean & Safe’s popular Sidewalk Ambassadors will be hosting a five-day-a-week "Party in the Plaza" throughout the Summer. Wednesday – Sunday from noon – 5 p.m., there will be a game library open to check out games and a whole host of fun events and activations throughout the summer. Office workers, families, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and games, including chess sets, cornhole, and other classic favorites. These events will create a lively atmosphere in the park, providing opportunities for community members to connect, have fun, and create lasting memories. Watch the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe Website and the Director’s Park Calendar for special events and activities.
Director Park Transformation – Downtown Portland Clean & Safe
Local retail businesses interested in exploring retail opportunities in the downtown Portland area are invited to apply to be a part of the Glass Kiosk project. This initiative aims to increase the diversity of business owners in the downtown and Old Town areas, with a special focus on encouraging minority and woman-owned businesses to apply. Selected businesses will benefit from the cost of leasing the space, coverage of utility expenses, exterior signage, and use of interior tables and racks.
Applications are available online at Downtown Portland Clean & Safe.
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Portland Metro Chamber
The Portland Metro Chamber was founded in 1870 and represents the largest, most diverse business network in the region. The Chamber brings together more than 2,200 members represented by dynamic and varied employers from around the region. Grounded in its mission to create opportunity and advance well-being for all who live and work in the greater Portland and SW Washington region, the Chamber envisions a healthy and resilient business ecosystem where we work together to increase collaboration in governance; engage community; increase civic leadership; and, advocate for a vibrant, livable place for all. Learn more at PortlandMetroChamber.com.
Downtown Portland Clean & Safe
The Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District was established in 1988 to support enhanced cleaning and security in a 213 block-area of Portland’s Central City. In addition to these important services, the district supports market research, retail recruitment and retention for Downtown Portland. The district is managed by the Portland Business Alliance under the direction of the district’s board of directors. Learn more at cleanandsafepdx.com.
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For More Information or to Schedule Interviews:
Contact: Tina Sillers
Director of Media Relations
Portland Metro Chamber, Downtown Clean &Safe
916-220-3897
Tina@portlandmetrochamber.com