Fernando Fantroy of Portland Parks and Recreation shows off his fine work, the sign for the Charles Jordan Community Center.
Charles Jordan, a former Portland Parks and Recreation Director and City Commissioner, was honored Sunday when the University Park Community Center in north Portland was officially renamed in his honor.
The Portland City Council voted unanimously on June 6 to rename the facility for Jordan, a nationally-renowned African-American leader.
“Charles Jordan is a champion who’s connected generations of children and families to their parks. One of his most memorable sayings is, ‘We’re more than fun and games’ – reminding us all of the importance that recreation programs play in building good citizens and thriving communities,” said City Commissioner Nick Fish.
Decades ago, Jordan won voter approval to turn the run-down building – which had been built to house shipyard workers in the former Vanport in the 1940s – into a thriving center for community life. Today, the center bears his name as one of the best and most-visited community centers in Portland.
“I draw great inspiration from this amazing man,” says current Parks and Recreation Director Mike Abbaté. “I am humbled to follow in his footsteps.”
