Pay For Damage Caused By 'Occupy'?

There's a fund to help pay for the damage to Lownsdale and Chapman Squares after protesters camped out for over a month and destroyed the land.  Parks Commissioner Nick Fish estimates the damage between $50,000 and $100,000.  A better estimate will be known in about one week after a full evaluation.  There's significant damage to trees, grass and facilities within.  Some of the replanting may have to wait until spring.

The city says the public has expressed interest in donating money to help with the restoration of the downtown parks, which were acquired in the 1850's.  Thus, the Fund for Portland's Historic Park Squares was created.  Other people have volunteered their time.  Some members of 'Occupy Portland' appear to want to get involved.

"People are united in their desire to see these parks restored," said Fish. 

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"Parks are one of the greatest expressions of the ways in which Portland comes together, and cares for its people," says Nick Hardigg, Executive Director of the Portland Parks Foundation.