Harnessing Growth & Natural Spaces
Portland recognizes the importance of controlling its growth to stay green. To do so it has enacted an Urban Growth Boundary. This limits the size of the city to a defined edge. This edge can be increased under certain circumstances, but for the most part the city stays within this boundary. This boundary not only defines the area that the city can grow, it also limits urban sprawl into the pristine natural land that surrounds the city.
Vital to the city's beauty, livability and its sustainable character are its natural areas. Portland claims 10,000acres of parkland within its boundaries, along with the largest forested area within city limits in the nation. Known as Forest Park this expanse of public and privately owned land provides habitat for the flora and fauna of the area, fresh air, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and adds to the character of the city.
Portland recognizes the importance of controlling its growth to stay green. To do so it has enacted an Urban Growth Boundary. This limits the size of the city to a defined edge. This edge can be increased under certain circumstances, but for the most part the city stays within this boundary. This boundary not only defines the area that the city can grow, it also limits urban sprawl into the pristine natural land that surrounds the city.
Vital to the city's beauty, livability and its sustainable character are its natural areas. Portland claims 10,000acres of parkland within its boundaries, along with the largest forested area within city limits in the nation. Known as Forest Park this expanse of public and privately owned land provides habitat for the flora and fauna of the area, fresh air, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and adds to the character of the city.
Urban Growth Boundary
This graphic represent the history of the urban growth boundary. The deepest green depicts the original boundary, with the brightest reds and oranges depicting the most recent expansions to the boundary to accommodate large increases in immigration housing needs.
This graphic represent the history of the urban growth boundary. The deepest green depicts the original boundary, with the brightest reds and oranges depicting the most recent expansions to the boundary to accommodate large increases in immigration housing needs.
Green Space
Portland's Green Space is expansive throughout the city. In Portland you can take a hike without leaving the town. The Metro supported hundreds of community projects pertaining to green space. These projects culminate in the formation of parks throughout the city and a network of trails that connect them. The network that results is a key part of the city's identify and uniqueness. This perpetual stewardship helps secure the future of the city for the enjoyment of future generations.
Portland's Green Space is expansive throughout the city. In Portland you can take a hike without leaving the town. The Metro supported hundreds of community projects pertaining to green space. These projects culminate in the formation of parks throughout the city and a network of trails that connect them. The network that results is a key part of the city's identify and uniqueness. This perpetual stewardship helps secure the future of the city for the enjoyment of future generations.