The two-acre North Portland park has a history of gun violence and drug problems, neighbors testified to the city council.
PORTLAND, Oregon — Portland City Council passed a resolution on Wednesday to reaffirm their support for safety improvements in Dawson Park. The park in North Portland has had ongoing problems with gun violence, drug dealing and other safety concerns, according to residents that live nearby.
Many of those residents voiced their concerns during Wednesday’s council meeting.
“Dawson Park is a fixture of this community, but sadly one that myself and many of my neighbors are not able to enjoy because of the murders, gunshots, open drug use and dealing and prostitution that occur in the park,” said Julie Allen, who lives nearby.
Other neighbors said they don’t feel comfortable visiting the park, which has a playground, or even walking their pets in the neighborhood.
Gun violence has been an ongoing concern in the …