SW Neighborhoods, Inc. Empowering Citizens since 1978

Welcome to the website for Friends of Marshall and Maricara Parks.    These lovely parks are located in Southwest Portland.   They are mostly natural habitat ideal for enjoying a peaceful stroll.    The Friends is a group of park lovers who work with Portland Parks dept to help keep these parks in good natural condition.    There are occasional work parties to pull invasive species, or to plant native species.  For more information or to get on the e-mailing list: friendsom2p@gmail.com
Link to Marshall Park brochure: swni.org/CMS-Uploads/Marshall_Park_Brochure.jpg
Link to Marshall Park MAP:  swni.org/CMS-Uploads/Marshall_Park_Map.jpg

Marshall Park Work Party - Saturday, Dec 17th, 9:30 am - 12 noon

Marshall Park Playground Survey - Nov 2011

We want your input on what you'd like to see in the park, to replace the old playset that was removed in December 2010.   Here is a 5 minute survey that will help us provide feedback and direction to the park plans.    Please click this link:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFJKeGluSXhtSlBsb3NWTWczQjAtNmc6MQ

Park news - Oct 2011
Some residents are working with Portland Parks on ideas for a new playground in Marshall Park, to replace the one removed last year.   The team is spearheaded by John DeLance, Chair, Friends of Marshall & Maricara Parks.    And Amy Steingrebe, Marshall Park NA representative to SWNI Parks Committee.   This playground will need a community effort, so stand ready to step up when the opportunity arises.  More information will follow, from John and Amy. 

Marshall Park photo from 1953

Here's an interesting look back at Marshall Park's past, circa 1953.  This photo was taken by the father of Ancil Nance, resident of Sellwood.  It was submitted by Mike Duffield, Historian for Marshall Park Neighborhood Association. 

Park news - Aug 2011

Portland Parks held Summer Day Camps in Marshall Park for the first time.    The camps were a big success, and a great way to introduce children to the natural beauty of the park.   

Park news - March 2011

1. The new Marshall Park brochures all vanished from the box on the bulletin board.    Even the laminated map was removed from the bulletin board.   I put a fresh supply of brochures in the box, and I am trying to get a new laminated map from PPR.   Meanwhile I have replaced it our old smaller trail map. 
2. There is a new "Dogs must be on a leash" sign at the entrance to the Foley Balmer section.   This is a reminder to absent-minded dogs who forget to put their owners on a leash.   I know it's ruff, but please be reminded to do this, for the benefit of all park users. 
3.. WORK PARTY coming up - mark your calendars --- Marshall Park -Saturday, April 30, 10:00 AM-noon.     As part of the Tryon Creek Watershed Wide event, PP&R, the Tryon Creek Watershed Council and the Friends of Marshall & Maricara Park would love your help to remove invasive species in Marshall Park. Work gloves, tools, refreshments and guidance will be provided. Prior to the work party, celebration and morning refreshments at Tryon Creek State Park- www.tcwc.tryonfriends.org for more info.  Please wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and bring a water bottle if you have one. Meet at SW 12th Drive entrance to Marshall Park; served by Tri-met bus #43, stops 5711 and 5712.  For more info, e-mail Rachel at  rachel.felice@portlandoregon.gov

NEW MARSHALL PARK BROCHURE (February 2011).

A new Marshall Park brochure and trail map has been published.   Thanks to the combined efforts of Portland Parks, Friends Of Marshall and Maricara Parks, and Marshall Park Neighborhood Association.    The brochure is very nice, with photos, a map, and brief history of the park.  Pick one up the next time you are in the park.   The picture below shows the brochure container, and also a second box containing bags for dog owners who forget to bring their own.  Portland Parks also provided a large laminated trail map, which is on the right side of the notice board.  Thanks to all who helped make this brochure, including Peggy, Karen, Rachel, David, Neil, and others.

SWINGSET REMOVED FROM MARSHALL PARK   (27-Dec-2010)

Portland Parks Dept has removed the play structure from Marshall Park.  This was done because of lead paint and also safety concerns due to the age of the structure.   Portland Parks has no plans or funds to replace it.   They suggest families use the play structures at other Southwest Portland sites:  Burlingame Park, Caiptol Hill School, Custer Park, Fulton Park.     Representatives from Portland Parks will answer questions from the community at the next Marshall Park Neighborhood meeting, 6:00pm on 13-Jan-2011 at Capitol Hill School.
 

PARK EVENTS:

• Ivy Pull in Marshall Park, Saturday 18-Dec-2010, 9:00am to Noon.

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT TO BE REMOVED FROM MARSHALL PARK:  (article date 16-Dec-2010)

• Portland Parks has examined the Marshall Park play structure and decided it must be removed for safety reasons.  
• There are no funds to replace it at this time.   
• More information can be found at this link:  http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=47198&a=329620

MARSHALL PARK BUCK - photo from Anne Dobson . . .
 

Marshall Park Bridge Opening & Work Party 20-Feb-2010:   

Over two dozen neighbors and volunteers met on a glorious spring-like day to celebrate the new bridge.    We enjoyed several speakers - Emily from Portland Parks, Margot from FOMMP, and Mike D from MPNA.   Then came the official ribbon cutting.  And we all grabbed shovels and planted native species around the bridge, serenaded by Betsy on her fiddle.   Finally we all enjoyed the free hot drinks and donuts.   Thanks to all who helped put this together.   More details and more pictures at this link: swni.org/marshallparkbridge/workparty  .
 

THE NEW FOOTBRIDGE IS COMPLETE.   1-Jan-2010

Portland Parks has finished the replacement footbridge in Marshall Park.  The old bridge has been removed and replaced by a beautiful new bridge.  They did a very nice job on this bridge, which park users will enjoy for years to come.  Here is a picture of the new bridge.  More pictures can be seen at:  http://swni.org/FOMP/Bridge

FROZEN STREAM IN MARSHALL PARK - December 2009:   

More pictures at  http://swni.org/FOMP/MarshallPark/Winter0910

 

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 NEW NOTICE BOARD IN MARSHALL PARK - SPRING 2009:

http://swni.org/mpna/notice_board_work_party

FOMP Information:

• Friends of Marshall and Maricara Parks - Chair:   friendsom2p@gmail.com
• Marshall Park Neighborhood Association:   marshallparkna@yahoo.com
• FOMMP webmaster: mpna-webmaster@swni.org 
• Nature News: http://swni.org/page/marshall_park_nature
• Bird checklist: http://swni.org/page/marshall_park_bird_checklist