Our very own chair Ben Tarne was one of two individuals/teams to receive the 2021 Portland Parks Foundation U.S. Bank Parks Champion award. The U.S. Bank Parks Champion Award recognizes an individual who provided outstanding volunteer service to a park, community center, natural area or community garden.There were 48 nominees from all over Portland. The winners were announced at the Portland Parks Foundation Friends & Allies Summit held as a virtual event on May 27th with Portland Parks & Recreation Commissioner Carmen Rubio and many park advocates in attendance.
As a Parks Champion award recipient, PPF will make a grant of $1,500 on the recommendation of the honorees to a community organization that aligns with PPF’s vision to help Portland communities create more equitable access to nature, play, health, and places of connection. Nominations were made through an online form open to everyone and promoted through the foundation’s email newsletter and social media accounts and direct outreach. They were accepted between February 2021 through March 19, 2021.
Ben was given a few minutes to share with the attendees the efforts of the Friends of Brooklyn Park organization and summer park program. "I am grateful to the Brooklyn community, local businesses, and the BAC for this continued support of our program and youth. What makes Friends of Brooklyn Park work is the focus of bringing our community together. Because together we can grow, play, and discover."
Congratulations Ben and Brooklyn for your work on making our park and summer youth program a success.
