Use of Portland Parks

• Use of Portland Parks for NET Exercises Effectively immediately, Teams must request a permit through PBEM in order to use any Portland Parks facility for NET exercises. o This is not a punishment, nor is it a result of a team doing anything wrong. It is an opportunity for us to better integrate your volunteer operations with the City’s routine processes. It also will elevate visibility of your work to key partner bureaus. We are lucky to have a fantastic parks system in our city, so let’s be cooperative users of it. o Simply send an email to net@portlandoregon.gov at least three weeks in advance of your planned exercise, including 1) the official name of the park, 2) where you will be in the park, and 3) how many people will participate. o Situations when you need a permit:  When you will conduct an exercise that could cause public alarm or concern. For example, a bunch of orange-vest-wearing people chattering on radios. :-)  Or during busy park times, especially weekends and holidays.  If your instincts tell you it’s a good idea. o Situations when you do not need a permit:  A routine meeting in a small area of a park, for a very small group where you might wear your vests, but will not be engaged in any potentially alarming activity.  If you do not have a permit, please be prepared to move to a different area of the park if, for example, other people want to use the picnic tables. o The permits will help you avoid conflicts with members of the public who have reserved park areas for parties and other activities. PBEM will notify Park Rangers, BOEC/911 operators, and 311 staff of your activity, to avoid surprises or concern. 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 for the Permitting staff who process our requests.