Public spaces are integral to a vibrant, thriving community.

As America experiences an exciting urban renaissance, investing in our parks will help Portland remain competitive in attracting urbanites to our city.

Voting “yes” on Question 1 would grant citizens the right to vote on the sale of parks, providing additional protections to 60 public spaces in Portland.

Economic investment doesn’t always equate to building.

More than 50 years ago, the demolition of Union Station to make way for Union Plaza and the creation of the Spring Street Arterial galvanized a historic preservation movement.

Looking back, it’s easy to see the opportunities lost with these projects.

While the city touts that it has added park land in recent years, it has often done so only after protest. Canco Woods, for example, was slated for sale to a developer. The land was saved from development only after neighbors organized and raised $350,000 to purchase the land.

Opponents say the initiative undermines the City Council’s previous vote to sell the park.

Citizen initiatives do bypass elected representation to enact statutes. Examples include Portland’s recent initiative to legalize marijuana and statewide efforts to protect same-day voter registration and legalize same-sex marriage.

Ironically, the clock from Union Station now resides in Congress Square Plaza.

Question 1 doesn’t “save the park,” but it does give voters a voice in its sale, and the sale of 59 other public parks – a right we should, but don’t currently have.

Please join me in protecting Portland’s parks by voting “yes” on Question 1 on June 10.

Tracie Reed

Portland