Our pool. Our community. Our voices!

Sign up to get involved and/or join the mailing list!

The city of Portland has proposed closing a vital community resource and historic neighborhood treasure in the summer of 2020. Without any input from the community, they aim to unceremoniously shutter a year-round resource for wellness and community congregation. Let’s make some noise to save Columbia Pool!

The City Council special work session on the Parks Budget has been scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 26, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at City Hall.

Find more information here on the City’s website about the work session they are calling, “PP&R: A Sustainable Future.”

Public testimony won’t be heard, but you will make a difference by visibly showing City Council that we’re paying attention and we’ll bring community support to solutions that enable continuous access to year-round indoor swimming on the peninsula.

Note that the City of Portland has an RSVP form for the work session.

Space is limited at City Hall and it’s unknown if RSVP’ing guarantees entry. It seems unlikely, so showing up early may be advisable. Wear blue and orange, and a Save Columbia Pool button. If you can attend and want to coordinate with other pool supporters, email savecolumbiapool@gmail.com.

If you can’t make it to the meeting, you can watch online.

We originally reported the date as Tuesday, Nov. 19th because that’s what was originally shared out with us. Thank you for your patience as we all navigate the City’s dynamic budget processes!

Get educated about Portland’s budget process

The City of Portland’s Budget office is offering a free budget training on Saturday, December 7th, 10:00-11:30 am at the Charles Jordan Community Center.

The decision whether or not to close the pool will be the result of the City’s budget process, which can be hard to understand. We will be more effective and empowered advocates if we are educated about the budget process.

The Save Columbia Pool Coalition invited the Budget Office to offer this training, but it should also be useful and relevant to people interested in issues other than Columbia Pool. It is free and open to the public, but space is limited.

The training will be followed by a Save Columbia Pool general meeting at noon.

For more information, email portsmouthchair@gmail.com

Your voice makes a big difference! Take action today—here’s how:
Call • Email • Submit comments • Show up • Spread the word • Join

Call your representatives

It takes just a few minutes to call and tell the city you oppose this unfair proposal. Please call the below officials. Not sure what to say? This sample call script can help.

Ted Wheeler, Mayor: 503-823-4127
Nick Fish, Commissioner: 503-823-3589
Chloe Eudaly, Commissioner: 503-823-4682
Amanda Fritz, Commissioner: 503-823-3008
Jo Ann Hardesty, Commissioner: 503-823-4151

Email your representatives

Let the mayor and commissioners know what the pool means to you—and why you demand that the city keep it open. Unsure what to write? This sample email template can get you started.

Ted Wheeler – Mayor, mayorwheeler@portlandoregon.gov
Chloe Eudaly – Commissioner, chloe@PortlandOregon.gov
Nick Fish – Commissioner (oversees Portland Parks and Recreation), nick@portlandoregon.gov
Amanda Fritz – Commissioner, amanda@portlandoregon.gov
Jo Ann Hardesty – Commissioner, joann@portlandoregon.gov
Official contact email for Portland Parks and Recreation, ParksBudget@portlandoregon.gov

Submit a comment on the budget

Use the city’s online form to voice your dissent on this proposed budget cut.

Show up

As we find opportunities to make our voices heard in person, we’ll update this webpage and post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram—follow us for updates!

Spread the word

This proposed closure would be a massive blow to North Portland, as well as negatively impact Portlanders across the city. Spread awareness and ask your neighbors and friends to speak out!

Spread the word on social media with #SaveColumbiaPool—we’ll signal-boost your posts!
Join our Facebook group, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram—share and like posts to get the word out
If you’re able to hand out flyers, hang posters at local businesses, or distribute yard signs, fill out this form and we’ll get you print materials
If you’re able to come by the pool on an evening or weekend to distribute flyers to pool-goers, sign up here for a tabling shift

Join

Consider joining Friends of Columbia Park and becoming a Friend to show your support for our park and pool. You can also choose to contribute as a member. Your membership contribution will help support working with a coalition to Save Columbia Pool.

Historic Kenton

SaveColumbiaPool.com

Deck the Paul