Community members aim to reclaim Dawson Park after waves of gun violence
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Community members are uniting to reclaim Dawson Park as it has dealt with waves of gun violence.
The City of Portland’s Safe Blocks Program and Cascadia Health hosted a gathering in the North Portland park Tuesday in an attempt to strengthen the community after dozens of shots were fired in the area last month.
During a press conference last month, Mayor Ted Wheeler said part of the city’s effort for gun violence mitigation would include making the permit process easier by reducing fees for hosting community events at the park.
The goal of Tuesday’s gathering was “to just kind of bring people together to help reduce gun violence in the park,” said Mary Tompkins, the project manager for the Safe Blocks Program for North Portland.
“Our folks have come to us asking, can they just be here without being in danger?” said Kim James, the outreach director for the City of Portland.
The event included live music, free hot meals and offered recovery and housing resources for low-income families. It also provided a safe space for North Portlanders to heal and connect as community members gathered with members of the Portland Police Bureau and Portland Fire and Rescue.
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“Oh, I feel really safe,” said a neighbor named Frankie.
“People need to feel comfortable, they need to feel safe,” said Pastor Robin Wisner. “What we don’t need is gunshots.”
PPB Sunshine Division Liaison Ofc. Rashida Saunders (left) embraces a community member during a gathering at Dawson Park to combat gun violence. August 6, 2024 (KOIN). Community members gather at Dawson Park for an event to help combat gun violence. August 6, 2024 (KOIN). From left: Portland Commissioners Carmen Rubio, Rene Gonzalez, Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee and Mayor Ted Wheeler address the community at Dawson Park in response to recent gun violence. July 24, 2024 (KOIN). Evidence markers count dozens of used shells at Dawson Park after a shooting. July 19, 2024 (KOIN). Portland police at the scene of a shooting at Dawson Park. (KOIN)
The family-friendly event was a far cry from the city’s press conference held in the park on July 24 to address ongoing violent crime, which took on a more somber tone including a moment of silence for the two people who were injured in the July 19 shooting.
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KOIN 6 News asked community members what changes they want to see moving forward.
“A stepped-up presence of the park rangers, encouraging people to do faith walks in the park,” said Rev. Dr. J.W. Mat Hennessee with Vancouver First Baptist Church. “And we’ve really talked about a police balance.”
“Follow up,” added Sam Sachs, a Portland City Council candidate and founder of the No Hate Zone. “We had a press conference. I’d like to hear in the next two or three weeks what came out of that press conference.”
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Portland Parks and Recreation told KOIN 6 News rangers visit Dawson Park, which is located across from a preschool, twice daily. However, the rangers and Portland police have increased their presence at the park since the shooting that left 80 shell casings on the ground in its wake.
“I grew up in Northeast Portland. This is home to me. So to be able to come back here in uniform and interact with community members. It’s amazing,” said Rashida Saunders, the Sunshine Division liaison officer for PPB.
During the event, Saunders embraced a community member tearfully expressing what it means to her to see a Black woman in uniform.
“This is a hard job right? So it feels nice when people recognize you and they show appreciation. To have that interaction was amazing. I’m like, ‘don’t cry,'” Saunders said.
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For these types of gatherings to continue, faith leaders said they are hoping Mayor Wheeler will keep his promise to reduce the barrier of pricey permits.
When asked if he’s heard an update from the mayor, Pastor Hennessee said, “I’m taking him at his word because I’ve known him for a long time and I believe if he said it, that’s what he’ll do.”
Preschool parents also asked city leaders for traffic calming measures in the area. Commissioner Carmen Rubio’s office said they are continuing to collaborate with the mayor’s team to make that happen.
Mayor Wheeler’s team said they are finalizing a plan in the next few days to reduce permit fees. However, they did not answer KOIN 6’s inquiry about permitting for Tuesday’s event. The mayor’s office and Pastor Hennessee confirmed they would hold a virtual meeting Tuesday night to further discuss solutions.
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