Concordia Learning Landscape Arboretum User Survey
The Concordia Learning Landscape Arboretum (CLLA) is located on the grounds of the former Meek Elementary School at 4029 NE Alberta Ct in Portland OR. The CLLA is a nationally-certified Level 1 arboretum with Arbnet as of September 2024. The arboretum was initially established in 2011 through the efforts of the Concordia Tree Team (CTT) with support from the Portland Public School District (PPS) and Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry division. It is maintained by the Concordia Tree Team using water and mulch provided by PPS.
The Tree Team installed new CLLA signs in August 2026
Why did we create a survey?
CTT volunteers frequently see and chat with visitors to the CLLA. As part of planning the long-term future of the CLLA, the CTT leadership was interested in knowing more about how community members use the arboretum and what they value about it.
This survey was developed and then conducted between July 25 and August 25, 2026 via an online Google form. The QR code link was posted at the main entrances to the CLLA. Though emails were collected, names were not. The Concordia Tree Team will not use those emails except to share the results of this survey unless otherwise directed by the respondent.
The survey asked users questions about frequency and seasonal timing of their visits, purpose(s) of their visit, what they value about the space and their hopes/ideas for its future.
Survey highlights
Click on the figure above for the full set of infographics.
A total of 56 unique respondents answered the survey.
Forty-four percent of respondents visit the CLLA two or more times per week, 45% visit bi-weekly or weekly, the remaining 10% visit monthly or less.
Seventy-five percent of users visit year-round.
The three top uses of the CLLA are to use the playground, run dogs and use the sports field for practice. A close fourth is using it for social interaction and relaxation.
Regarding what users most value, enjoy/appreciate about the grounds, the 45 respondents highlighted the value of open space, the variety of features offered (covered asphalt courts, playing fields, tree variety and shade, play structures) and the sense of community.
“We value the beautiful trees and natural grounds, as well as the way the space brings people together. It feels like an inclusive place where people from throughout the neighborhood and surrounding area can meet, connect, and enjoy being outdoors.”
Several respondents also highlighted their appreciation of tree care/grounds maintenance done by CTT volunteers and how they value it as a safe space for children and dogs alike to recreate outdoors.
“Kids are in a safe enclosed space where they freely run around with friends. Meet up with neighbors to have picnics under shade of the trees.”
When asked about their hopes for the future of the space, two-thirds of the 32 comments were supportive of maintaining the space as is with improvements to the play structures, sports field, maintaining/expanding tree canopy and formalizing dog run areas. Several mentioned hopes that the school building would be re-opened as a school and/or community center space in future.
Ninety percent of 56 respondents supported establishing some form of ongoing protection for the arboretum and public grounds.
Click on the graphic to see infographic representations of the survey results carefully conceived and prepared by Leora DuBrock on the eve of their departure to start college. The CTT wishes Leora well and is grateful for the time spent on our behalf.
What’s next?
The Concordia Tree Team is deeply grateful to all survey respondents for their time and for sharing their values and hopes for the CLLA and the building. We are equally thrilled to learn that the trees are appreciated and enjoyed by the community. It is worth noting that a few respondents are volunteers who water trees all summer long and will be happy to know that the community recognizes and values their efforts.
This Executive Summary and results are available at our website at concordiatrees.org. The results will be shared with PPS school board members and relevant PPS staff as part of ongoing efforts to secure a healthy future for this community resource we call an arboretum.
