The real Park Place

In recent years, Southeast Portland's Mt. Scott-Arleta neighborhood has seen a rampant increase in crime, speeding, and shootings. 

One intersection, in particular, was a hub for these violent acts. 

• Made up of a right-turn lane that allowed cars to bypass the light, the intersection "went from two or three shootings a year, to daily [shootings] for two or three months," Matchu Williams, the neighborhood's Association Chair, told the Portland Mercury.

🤔 Getting creative ... Local residents and the neighborhood association knew that something had to change, and fast. Not wanting to see an influx of police officers in the area, residents began to brainstorm solutions to these dangerous problems.

Thanks to the help of City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, basic measures such as increased lighting, traffic signage, and roped-off parking lots were added in October 2021. 

• Though most people doubted the effectiveness of these simple solutions against something as severe as gun violence, the area saw a 64% decrease in shootings during the first three months of the pilot program.🤯
• Residents soon realized their ideas were working and began to dream bigger – and more colorful.🌈

☀️ To the park!... The once dangerous intersection has now been transformed into "Arleta Triangle Square," a public area that hosts community events and gatherings. Complete with a grassy area for picnics, a small amphitheater, and a colorful sidewalk, the space is a sight for sore eyes around the neighborhood. 

And while the Square was initially created to help combat violence, it's also given residents a stronger sense of community and purpose.

• “You can see the smiles of the community," shared Jo Ann Hardesty. "And what they will always remember is that they were heard and we tried to help!”