Commissioner Amanda Fritz Announces Millions for Errol Heights Park

There are nearly 1,500 homes within a half-mile walking distance of Errol Heights Park - the 14 acre park that's located between Southeast 45th and Southeast 52nd Avenue and from Southeast Harney Street and Southeast Tenino Street. For those families, the park is nice but not great.

That's about to change.

On Friday, Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz announced $5.3 million in funding to transform the park into what she says will be a "hybrid natural area and developed park" that will significantly enhance park services to the neighborhoods around it.

"I'm excited that Errol Heights Park will now have even more opportunities for recreation and relaxation," Fritz says. "The park has a unique combination of assets, including a Portland community garden and a natural area.

"Moving forward on transforming a portion of the site into its long-desired developed park will enhance the neighborhood and the livability of our city."

Fritz says that improvements in Phase 1 of the project may include:

* Additional and improved paths

* Enhancements to the natural area portion of the park

* A grass lawn and new plantings

* Street improvements

* Amenities for play and/or sports

* A picnic and/or gathering area

* A Portland Loo or other restroom facility

Fritz says that money from the project will come from System Development Charges, one-time fees assessed on new development.

Photos courtesy Portland Parks & Recreation