PBOT pilot program creates community events in neighborhoods

The Portland Bureau of Transportation is helping shut down streets in residential neighborhoods. The reason isn’t for road repairs or filling in potholes, but to allow kids to safely play and create community. The Play Streets program is a current pilot that allows nonprofits in Portland to create community centered pop-up events. PBOT provides a trailer at no cost that is filled with furniture, canopies, games and other supplies to be used at events, as well a grant to help groups purchase materials they might need such as barricade rentals. Sahar Wilson is the marketing and communications coordinator for the Pacific Refugee Support Group. Kate Sechrist is the building coordinator at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church. They both have been holding events through the pilot and join us to share more.