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The Friends of Deering Oaks is a non-profit citizen organization committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the physical condition of Portland's historic Deering Oaks Park and promoting its use by residents and visitors.  The 1994 Deering Oasks Master Plan will guide the activities fo the Friends of Deering Oaks.

DEERING OAKS PARK TRUSTEES

Anne B. Pringle, President
Retired Bank Executive, Former Mayor of Portland
Board member since 1997
​
Derek Markgren, Treasurer
​
Barbara Hager, Secrertary
Retired Director of Portland's Downtown District
board member since 1997
​
Troy Moon (ex officio)
City of Portland



Carol Hutchins

​
Sue Cabot

Robert Giovannini
CEO, M&D Media LLC
 



Accomplishments

1994

Deering Oaks Master Plan adopted

1997

Friends of Deering Oaks incorporated

1998

Provide wagons for Farmers Market patrons

1999

Ravine rehabilitation - wading pool for children Raised $328,000, two-thirds of cost “The place where the community comes together around the joy of its children…

2002

Initiate Annual Lighting Display around the pond

2005

Initiate lighting display in the Candelabra Tree

2006

Castle Restoration - Raised $310,000, 40% of the project cost Year-round use, staffed bathrooms

2007

Fountain replacement and return of duck house to the pond - Chair steering committee - Additional water spray tier, improve aeration of water to retard algae growth

2009

Playground replacement - Chair steering committee Develop natural play elements, e.g. in-ground slide, adventure trail

2010

Bridge repair - Identified need for bridge repairs before condition became worse Advocated for installation of appropriate light fixtures, long gone from the bridge

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Ongoing

Focus on maintenance

 

  • Mulching

  • Pruning

  • Paint flagpole

  • Plant and maintain Castle garden

  • Remove graffiti

  • etc.

 

Focus on problem behaviors, working with Police, Preble Street

  • Camping at park perimeter, under bridge

  • Public drinking, intoxication

  • Drug Use

  • Public Urination

  • Littering

 

Continue to prioritize Master Plan projects

 

  • Now estimated at 2/3 complete!

 

Projects Underway

Pond rehabilitation

 

  • Improve water quality, retard algae growth

  • Lobbied for federal funds - secured in 2009

  • Lobbied for City match – 2012

  • Serve on Steering Committee

 

State/High Street Two-Way

 

  • Initiated advocacy for policy change in 2002

  • Doggedly pursued it over the years, advocated for funds for detailed engineering analysis in City FY’ 14 operating budget

  • Change Deering Oaks traffic pattern in Phase II of change

 

Advocate for replacement of inappropriate and inefficient lighting fixtures

 

  • Anticipate quick pay-back period, seek analysis, prioritization for City capital funds

 

Redesign of the historic Rose Circle to lower maintenance effort, promote more earth-friendly practices (no pesticides, fertilizers)

 

  • Will raise funds for explanatory signs.

 

Restore historic Bowling Green for Bocce and Croquet

 

  • Will raise funds to restore designed edge of Bowling Green

 

About Friends of Deering Oaks

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