Creating a Community Center in
The River District

  Through a culmination of community research studies, forums and conversations captured over the past years the voices of residents, families, workers, students, and teens, who live and work here, were asked what would make a difference to this growing and changing neighborhood in the River District?

   Since our successful community-wide, Family Forum that took place in May 2006, The Zimmerman Community Center (ZCC) has held focus groups, commissioned a market study on child care, a Portland State population study of families living in the River District, and developed a conceptual design and cost analysis for a sliding scale community center model for the River District.

   ZCC has also contributed input to the North Pearl Development Plan and raised public awareness of the needs of families across the socio-economic spectrum for support and services in the River District. ZCC is supporting the work of Central Portland Families providing interactive support with children and parents.

   A cost effective center open to people from all economic backgrounds in the River District requires public support as well as nonprofit partners and private donations.  Public funds have not yet been committed to the River District for such a community center.  ZCC thinks that raising awareness of the needs and supporting family groups like Central Portland amilies is critical to this community.

   ZCC continues to have a dream of a physical facility.  If you are interested in becoming a part of this dream or knowanyone who is interested in this visionary project, please call (503) 224-4636.