Expertise Brought to Organization
The City Parks Alliance (CPA) elected Portland Parks & Recreation Director, Adena Long, to its Board of Directors at the board’s June 21 meeting in Seattle, WA. The City Parks Alliance board brings expertise from the public, private, and non-profit sectors to support the CPA’s vision that everyone in urban communities will have access to high-quality parks and green spaces that are clean, safe, and vibrant.
“I am honored to be selected to serve on the Board, says Director Long.
“And excited to contribute to the advocacy efforts and vital resources the City Parks Alliance brings to urban park systems across the country.”
“City Parks Alliance’s Board of Directors represents the diverse perspectives of the organizations and individuals working to create sustainable, equitable, healthy parks in our cities. We are thrilled to add Director Long to our Board of Directors and for bringing their expertise and leadership to our organization,” said City Parks Alliance Executive Director Catherine Nagel.
City Parks Alliance is the only independent, nationwide membership organization solely dedicated to urban parks. The organization supports the role of parks in making cities more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant.
Photo of PP&R Director Adena Long is courtesy of PP&R
Based in Washington, DC, the Alliance works with organizations involved in the design, development, operation, programming, funding, and stewardship of parks across the US and globally. The Alliance’s Board of Directors includes leaders from these sectors.
Adena Long serves as the Director of Portland Parks & Recreation, where she leads one of the nation’s most comprehensive and diverse park systems. Appointed in February 2019, she oversees 154 developed parks, 8,000 acres of natural areas, four million trees, 160 miles of trails, 12 community and art centers, 11 indoor and outdoor pools, six golf courses, 60 community gardens, a motor raceway, the world’s smallest park, and much more. Under her leadership, the bureau employs nearly 3,000 staff in peak season and operates with an annual budget of $550 million.
Director Long has been instrumental in advancing recreation, environmental stewardship, youth workforce development, and community engagement. Her tenure is marked by a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility, exemplified by the successful passage and implementation of the Parks Local Option Levy in 2020, which secured essential funding and is moving Portland Parks & Recreation toward a sustainable future.
Her career in public service began in New York City in 1997 as a seasonal Urban Park Ranger. She quickly rose through the ranks to become the first woman of color and youngest individual to serve as Parks Borough Commissioner, later holding roles as Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Urban Park Service and Public Programs.