I n the November issue of CNews, we invited our readers to chime in on possible community uses for the new University of Oregon campus, located on the former Concordia University campus. Here’s what they had to say.
Mike Henjum
“Thanks for organizing everyone’s ideas! Here’s a few quick ones that I’d like to see: Lectures or public discussions available to the general community, community access to the athletic facilities, including the indoor gym and outdoor track and field. Restoration of the old tennis courts for community use. Timing restrictions and fees would be reasonable. Community access to the library space could be nice, if there’s excess space above and beyond what is needed for the students and staff. Establishing a community membership rate and timing restrictions may be reasonable.”
Tom Huminski
“What about the sports field? It’s such an amazing facility, and I hope it will be made available—regularly—to the community. I remember when Concordia moved homes to build their field, and they promised to open it to the neighborhood. I don’t remember any times the field was open to the neighborhood. Thanks for passing this on.”
Soham Darwish
“I would like to see the library continue to host art exhibits and summer music on the lawn. Also, have the library be open to the neighborhood and reinstate the community room in the library for events such as tax preparation assistance and other meetings. Allowing the stadium to be used for local sports events would be great too.”
Ben McLeod
“A simple, indoor community play space for babies and toddlers would be such a nice addition to this neighborhood. When the rain sets in, it’s tough to find walkable or bikeable places for young children and their parents to socialize, learn and grow together. Can we build that together?”
CNews invitation
Our invitation came in response to UO Portland Provost Jane Gordon’s remarks at a public forum in October, during which she said neighbors will be welcome to use the campus in a variety of ways.
“We want to be a community-centered campus,” Gordon said. “We will do events that people will be invited to, whether they’re a lecture, conference, music or things the community puts on. We’re open to various ideas.”
To share your ideas, contact UO by emailing pdxinfo@uoregon.edu.
For more information, visit pdx.UOregon.edu/northeast-pdx-campus.
Story compiled by Leigh Shelton, CNews Advertising Representative, and Rob Cullivan, CNews Editor.