Use of Portland Parks

The Rule

Teams must request a permit through PBEM in order to use any Portland Parks facility for NET exercises.

Why?

• This is not a punishment, nor is it a result of a team doing anything wrong!
• This is an opportunity for us to better integrate your volunteer operations with the City’s routine processes.
• Elevate the visibility of your work to key partner bureaus by following park rules.
• Avoid the disappointment of having to scuttle your plans at the last minute because someone else reserved the part of the park you wish to use. (Ask Jeremy about the Grievous Disc Golf Incident sometime.)
• We are lucky to have a fantastic parks system in our city, so let’s be cooperative users of it and set a good example.
• Avoid surprises for front-line staff: PBEM will notify Park Rangers, BOEC/911 dispatchers, and 311 call-takers about your activity in advance. If you see Rangers in the field, say hi!
• The usual fee for a basic permit is $254, but it’s free for NET exercises! Special shout-out to Portland Parks/Vibrant Communities Emergency Manager Tony Zanetti (also a NET!) who created this arrangement for us, and to the Permitting staff who process our requests.

Examples of situations when you need a permit

• When you will conduct an exercise that could cause public alarm or concern. A bunch of people chattering on radios while wearing reflective vests is not normal. :-)
• During busy usage times, especially weekends and holidays.
• When your instincts tell you it's a good idea.

Examples of situations when you do not need a permit

• For a routine team meeting in a small area of a park, when you are not conducting an emergency response exercise.
• When you might wear your vests, but will not be engaged in any potentially concerning activity.

If you do not have a permit, please defer to other members of the public and move to a different area of the park. But first, try to get them to sign up for Basic NET Training, right?!

How do I get a permit?

• At least three weeks in advance of your exercise, simply send an email to net@portlandoregon.gov
• Include:
  • the official name of the park, which you can look up here
  • exactly where you will operate within the park, e.g. 'on the east playground', or 'near the entrance of the park at SE 167th and Market'
  • what you will be doing, e.g. 'conducting a radio drill', or 'practicing MegaMover patient carries'
  • approximately how many people you expect to participate

During your exercise

• Always wear your NET vests and ID cards, if reasonable
• Expect curiosity from the public. It seems normal to us, but what you are doing is rather unusual.
• Seize the opportunity for outreach and recruitment! Carry some 24-week shopping lists (request here), or a page with the NET & BEECN recruitment QR codes.