In a concerted effort to reflect its mission of making nature accessible to all, Metro’s Parks and Nature department has announced various initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their 2024 agenda. This includes enhancing accessibility to the vast range of parks and venues they manage, located throughout the Portland metro area. These efforts are aimed at engaging underrepresented communities and fostering a deeper connection to nature among all residents.
Expanding Access to Parks and Recreation
Metro, the regional government serving the greater Portland area, offers a selection of regional and nature parks that are well-equipped for multiple recreational activities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, and disc golf. Notable parks include Oxbow Regional Park and Blue Lake Regional Park. By prioritizing equity, Metro is working on making these natural spaces more inclusive for people from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
Gina Hennings, Director of the Parks and Nature department, shared, “Our mission is to ensure everyone feels welcomed and valued in our natural spaces. By fostering an inclusive environment, we aim to remove barriers and enhance accessibility, making our parks places where all community members can thrive and enjoy nature.”
Commitment to Racial Equity
This year’s Parks and Nature agenda is deeply rooted in Metro’s broader Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, established in 2016. According to Metro officials, the 2019 bond measure, overwhelmingly supported by voters, underscored the community’s commitment to diversity. This bond allocation enables Metro to invest in projects designed to break down systemic barriers and support communities of color.
“Equity isn’t just a goal; it is the lens through which Metro views all of its work,” said Maria Gonzales, Metro Council member. “This means expanding our workforce diversity, partnering with minority-owned businesses, and ensuring our park facilities are accessible to those with disabilities. We want everyone, regardless of their background, to benefit from the incredible natural resources our region has to offer.”
Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses
One of the key initiatives undertaken by Parks and Nature is to build strong community partnerships, particularly with minority-owned businesses. Through contracts and outreach programs, Metro aims to bring economic empowerment to historically marginalized groups and ensure that their communities are represented in Metro’s projects and services.
Local entrepreneur Jamal Wright, who owns a landscaping business, praised the initiative. “As someone who’s been in the industry for decades, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges minority businesses face. Metro’s inclusive contracting policies open doors for many small business owners like myself, fostering growth and providing opportunities that might not have existed before.”
Improving Facilities for Accessibility
Accessibility improvements are also a significant focus of Metro’s 2024 plan. With enhancements designed to exceed ADA requirements, Metro aims to create more accessible trails and amenities that cater to individuals with mobility challenges. By doing so, Metro ensures that all community members can participate in outdoor activities without limitations.
“Adaptive trails will provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to experience nature in ways they previously couldn’t,” according to Tom Nguyen, a community advocate for disability rights. “These improvements show Metro’s dedication to making sure that inclusivity isn’t just a slogan but a practice.”
The Redesigned Ranger Badge
In a symbolic yet impactful move, Metro recently unveiled a redesign of its park ranger badge. The new badge prominently features natural elements such as mountains and rivers, reinforcing the connection between rangers and the public. Park rangers welcomed these changes as a step forward in fostering positive community interactions while maintaining the authority needed for their roles.
Ariella Thompson, a park ranger with Metro, commented, “The redesigned badge represents our commitment to engaging with the community and ensuring nature feels inclusive to everyone. It’s a reminder of our role as stewards of the environment and protectors of public safety.”
The Broader Community Impact
Metro’s comprehensive efforts in parks and nature significantly impact local residents, enhancing their quality of life and promoting a sense of belonging. By prioritizing racial equity, ensuring better accessibility, and fostering economic opportunities, these initiatives represent a model of community engagement and resource accessibility.
As these programs roll out, community members are encouraged to participate in Metro’s open forums and advisory committees to contribute their perspectives and feedback. Residents can also stay informed on upcoming projects and updates by subscribing to Metro News.
In conclusion, Metro’s 2024 diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are more than just policy statements; they are a roadmap towards a cohesive community where every resident’s connection to nature is cherished and accessible. Through these efforts, Metro aims to uphold its promise of creating equitable spaces, ensuring that Portland’s parks and nature areas can be enjoyed by everyone.
