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.
• 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.