Let's take a closer look

Sometimes, it makes sense to say, "Whoa."

That's the case with the Portland Park Board's hasty decision earlier this month to accept the donation of a lot on the city's southwest side to become a new city park.

A park in that location may or may not make sense, but before accepting the gift the board should have conducted a serious review of the issues involved.

How does the proposed park fit with the city's long-range park plans?

How do neighbors and adjoining property owners feel about the concept?

With large challenges already facing the city in developing Hudson Park, is Portland ready to take on an additional project at this time?

What precedents will be set by quick acceptance of the gift without further study?

The donors involved are good, civic-minded individuals. And we suspect that the park board didn't want to offend anyone in the middle of an act of generosity.

But sometimes, the wisest course of action is to table a matter in order to allow for community feedback and more consideration.

We hope that when the matter goes to the Portland City Council, which we assume is required, it will receive the type of thoughtful scrutiny it deserves. - J.R.

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