Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.95
Liaison Daryl Pierson
Submission Date June 30, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Portland State University
IN-3: Innovation 3

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Molly Bressers
Program & Outreach Coordinator
Campus Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Public Mini Park/Parklet Design and Construction

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:

Student designed and constructed with sustainable materials, the parklett on SW 4th converted 2 public parking spaces into an attractive gathering place and seating area near a group of popular food carts near campus, encouraging students, faculty and workers from the surrounding offices to enjoy their lunches outside with colleagues and friends rather than racing back to their desks to eat.

The project required collaboration from community members, city planners, and university staff and faculty, who all stood firmly behind the project through all stages of the project. When raising funds to purchase the building materials for the parklet proved challenging, students and PSU employees launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to close the funding gap. The project also received contributions and in-kind donations from local businesses.


A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):

22 architecture students were able to design and build Portland's first public parklet/mini park. Lost parking revenue from two public parking spaces was covered by the owner of the adjacent property, allowing the spaces to be transformed to create a community gathering space and enhanced place-making for the EcoDistrict.

The parklet was made possible by the financial support of 141 donors, who contributed a total of $15,640 in cash and in-kind donations through a crowdfunding campaign earlier this year, an amount that helped to cover the cost of materials and other expenses.

The Fourth Avenue Parklet, designed with sustainability and stormwater management in mind, is composed of the following:

768 linear feet of sustainably harvested juniper
3,475 pounds of steel
250 linear feet of repurposed escalator handrail
Drought-resistant native plants


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
Yes or No
Curriculum Yes
Research ---
Campus Engagement Yes
Public Engagement Yes
Air & Climate ---
Buildings ---
Dining Services ---
Energy ---
Grounds Yes
Purchasing ---
Transportation ---
Waste ---
Water ---
Coordination, Planning & Governance ---
Diversity & Affordability ---
Health, Wellbeing & Work Yes
Investment ---

Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.