About
Why Friends of Brooklyn Park Exists
Friends of Brooklyn Parked formed in June 2017 when the Portland Parks and Recreation (PPR) eliminated the funding for our 50 year-old summer youth program. We knew if we wanted the heart of Brooklyn’s summer to continue and service the next generation of youth we needed to organize and fund our own program. We coordinate with PPR to use the city park and the summer program is community funded.
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We are a community centered 501(c)3 non-profit.
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I've had many people come up to me with tears of joy in their eyes. They tell me, "I used to take my child to this program and now I get to enjoy taking my grandchild." - Ben T, Chair
Our Mission
The mission of Friends of Brooklyn Park is to:
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Provide the Brooklyn neighborhood and Portland community opportunities to engage, learn, and explore Brooklyn Park.
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Fund and operate a summer program serving youth.
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Create a welcoming and safe park for the Brooklyn neighborhood and the greater community.
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Build a working relationship with Portland Parks and Recreation and the Portland Parks Foundation.
Summer Program Purpose
The Brooklyn City Park Summer Youth Program purpose:
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Is to engage youth in healthy games, activities, and crafts.
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To provide guidance and a safe place for children to learn and explore their own interests.
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To teach them the value of community.
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Take responsible care of community resources, including the park.
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To have fun and be respectful to each other.
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All are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Meet our Board
Board
Our board is composed of volunteers from the Brooklyn neighborhood. Please reach out to us if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, or if you want to get involved. We have several open positions to fill.
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Board meetings are held monthly January-June, with additional meetings in September, October and December.
Benjamin Tarne
Secretary
Katie Leonard
Vice-Chair
April Dewees
Treasurer
Debbie Dicks
Volunteer Coordinator
Jim Houser
Business Liaison
Melaney Dittler
Staff
Program Director
Craig Montag
Meet our Staff
Assistant Director
Alicia Estes
Friends of Brooklyn Park is staffed by an enthusiastic group of amazing people. Our team is lead by Program Director Craig Montag who has been directing our summer program for over 40 years. Our assistant directors are program alumni with a strong passion for supporting the next generation of Portland youth.