Support Portland's Parks!
Greetings parks friends,
This is Jack Phillips, new Executive Director of the Portland Parks Conservancy. I am fortunate to be succeeding the deeply talented Nan Cumming, who is retiring following three and a half decades of service to Portland nonprofits. Just five years after its creation, the Conservancy is in great shape due to Nan’s time at the helm as founding Executive Director. Thank you, Nan!
Because of Nan’s leadership, plus invaluable contributions from the Conservancy board, the City of Portland, partners, and donors like you, I am grateful to arrive in this role with a full slate of exciting programs and projects to strengthen our local parks. Despite the transition, there will be no slowing down on the Conservancy’s current priorities.
With your support, the Conservancy will be hard at work on these key initiatives in 2024:
- In its fourth year, the Portland Youth Corps will plan to enroll close to 60 Portland teens across four sessions from April through October. Like previous years, Corps members will undertake a range of stewardship projects in Portland parks while also learning essential job skills, participating in unforgettable outdoor adventures, and earning a modest stipend.
- Following the successful collaboration between the Conservancy and Trust for Public Land to preserve North Deering Park, we will use the results of our public survey to create improved trails, parking, signage, and other amenities.
- This coming year, the Conservancy will organize hundreds of volunteers on behalf of Portland’s parks. Beginning on Earth Day, volunteers will dedicate countless hours to removing trash, clearing invasives, and planting native species, providing a big boost to the City’s hardworking staff.
- One of the Conservancy’s signature initiatives has been the revitalization of Riverton Trolley Park, an often overlooked gem on the Presumpscot River. After successfully securing $535,000, we will break ground on several projects in the park in 2024, including new interpretive signage, ballfield upgrades, a native pollinator meadow, and a bike park with a flow trail.
- The Conservancy was awarded $2,145,000 through a Congressional Directed Funding request sponsored by Senator Angus King to create Portland Harbor Common on the eastern waterfront. With final designs nearing completion, the City plans to break ground in the fall. Meanwhile, the Conservancy will be raising funds for benches, lighting, a picnic shade structure, and interpretive signage.
- The Conservancy is working with the City to create an Urban Forestry Management Plan that will improve residents’ health, enhance the social fabric of neighborhoods, and help the City achieve its climate goals. Look for an opportunity to participate in the creation of the plan in 2024!
With great appreciation for all you do for Portland’s parks, I hope you will consider a year-end gift to the Portland Parks Conservancy to help bring these projects to fruition. You can make your secure tax-deductible donation online at portlandparksconservancy.org/donate or mail a check to the address below. Thank you.
I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Best,
Jack Phillips
Executive Director
Portland Parks Conservancy
jack@portlandparksconservancy.org
212 Canco Rd, Suite A
Portland, ME 04103
Nonprofit Tax ID: 89 141 7957
