Vandalism and Theft Plague Portland Soccer Complex, Threatening Community Outreach

Eastside Timbers, a soccer complex located in southeast Portland, has been grappling with a persistent problem of vandalism and theft for years, according to the club's president, Butch Pollard. The complex's mission to provide affordable soccer opportunities for local youth has been severely hampered by these ongoing security challenges, forcing the facility to shut down games and practices and diverting valuable resources away from community outreach programs.

Safeguarding the Future of Community-Driven Soccer

Constant Battles with Vandalism and Theft

Eastside Timbers has been plagued by a relentless cycle of vandalism and theft since its inception, according to Pollard. The complex has had to deal with break-ins, damage to property, and the theft of valuable equipment, all of which have taken a significant toll on the club's operations and finances. "We have been fighting the vandalism and theft and break-ins since virtually we open the doors," Pollard stated, highlighting the persistent nature of the problem.The impact of these security breaches has been far-reaching, forcing the complex to shut down games and practices due to safety concerns. Parents have expressed growing unease about the well-being of their children, with Pollard noting that players are no longer allowed to retrieve balls that go over the fence, as the area outside the complex is deemed too dangerous.

Tackling the Homeless Presence

Pollard believes that many of the unwanted visitors to the Eastside Timbers complex are homeless individuals, further exacerbating the security challenges. The club has attempted to address this issue by working with Multnomah County, but the problem persists. "They'll chase them out and two, three days later a different group is in," Pollard lamented, underscoring the difficulty in finding a lasting solution.The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has acknowledged the complex's safety concerns and stated that they are collaborating with Eastside Timbers to address the situation. However, the enforcement of camping bans on public and private property is a complex issue, requiring the property owner to make a formal request for service and schedule a cleaning date before any action can be taken.

Prioritizing Community Outreach and Accessibility

Despite the ongoing security challenges, Eastside Timbers remains committed to its mission of providing affordable soccer opportunities for local youth. The club offers scholarship and grant programs to ensure that children from all backgrounds can participate in the sport at a competitive level. Pollard emphasized the importance of this community-driven approach, stating, "This is for the community, for the kids that can't afford it."Unfortunately, the financial resources that could be directed towards these outreach programs have been diverted to address the vandalism and theft incidents, which have cost the club more than ,000. Pollard lamented the fact that these funds could have been better utilized to support the local community and help more children access the sport they love.

Envisioning a Brighter Future

In the face of these challenges, Eastside Timbers is looking to the future with a plan to build a new, 40,000-square-foot sports facility adjacent to the current complex. This ambitious project, however, is contingent on securing the necessary funding and overcoming the persistent security issues that have plagued the club.Pollard remains hopeful that with the support of the community and local authorities, Eastside Timbers can continue to fulfill its mission of empowering local youth through the sport of soccer. The club's dedication to providing accessible and inclusive opportunities is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives, even in the face of daunting obstacles.