The Design Thinking class (BUS495) is engaged in a semester-long project where students will continue to document the challenges and hopes regarding the new North Portland Aquatic Center (NPAC) construction. In the first portion of this multi-stage research project, we are inviting former Columbia Pool users and North Portland community members to participate in an interview. We seek to articulate the North Portland Community’s needs to maintain and support their individual and community health and well-being (determinants of health) throughout the timeline for the construction of NPAC.
If you are interested in participating in the interviews, contact assistant Professor Beatriz Itzel Cruz Megchun, megchun@up.edu, 503.943.8721. Your participation would include speaking with University of Portland students about your use of the pool. According to your preference, it would take place in a public space with social distancing, online (Zoom), or by telephone. The interview will last about 45 minutes and take place between September 19-25, 2023.
If you are not interested in participating in the interviews but want to join the conversation, we will invite you to participate in a co-creating (idea storm) session where we will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the community members. We will generate ideas about how we might imagine thriving communities around spaces such as the Columbia Swimming Pool and why this type of space is essential.
The session will require a time commitment of approximately 2 hours and take place during the week of October 23-27, 2023.
Please respond by September 15, 2023.