Summer activities in local parks may not be back to pre-pandemic days, but Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) has plans for an increase from last year’s activities and events.
“PP&R designed summer programming to meet public health guidance and to be flexible as conditions change,” explained Mark Ross, PP&R spokesman. “Precautions to protect public health include employees and participants maintaining physical distancing, and limited capacities in groups and programs.
“At this time we anticipate that all PP&R employees will wear face coverings when conducting summer 2021 programs, inside or outside,” he added in early May. “The same requirements will be in effect for all participants in the age ranges stipulated by public health guidance.”
For updated details on these abbreviated descriptions of activities and events, visit Portland.gov/parks/summer.
Concerts in Fernhill Park are off the table again this year, while Multnomah County navigates the levels of COVID-19 risk.
Lunch & Play returns this summer to continue meals when schools are closed. Details on days, times and parks weren’t available by press time, so keep an eye on Portland.gov/parks/free-lunchplay. Unannounced events – pop-up arts, music and culture – are being planned to surprise participants.
Day camps for children at Fernhill and Khunamowkst parks are also on tap this summer, with plans in the completion stage at press time. Find details for summer camps and nature day camp .
Splash pad hours and operations – depending on risk levels determined by public health guidance – are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily June 11 through Sept. 6. Local splash pads are at Fernhill, Khunamokwst and Woodlawn parks.
Pools are planned to open June 22 at seven outdoor venues and – if COVID-19 restrictions and staffing allow – five indoor pools. Registration opened May 24 for June and July programs, including swim lessons. View details here.
Safety measures at the pools will include limited capacity, one-way traffic flow, increased cleaning protocols and additional hand sanitizing stations, according to the spokesman. “Public health guidance informs our face covering policy. All visitors ages 5 and up must wear one when not in the water, face coverings are strongly encouraged for everyone over age 2 as long as they can remove it themselves and all visitors must remain six feet apart at all times throughout the facility. Restrooms will be open, but locker rooms and showers will be closed.”
Fitness in the Park – group exercise classes – are expanded this summer, with the venues closest to Concordia at Irving and Columbia parks. View details here.