Each year, leaders and professionals from across the parks and recreation field come together for the Special Park Districts Forum (SPDF)—a one-of-a-kind event that fosters the exchange of best practices, exploration of emerging trends, and meaningful connections among peers throughout the country.
In 2026, SPDF will take place in Portland, Oregon, co-hosted by two agencies: Metro and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Unlike traditional conferences, SPDF takes participants directly into the field—touring facilities, experiencing operations firsthand, and engaging in interactive site-based learning. This format creates deeper opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and relationship building that extend far beyond the meeting room.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Special Park Districts Forum
Where: Portland, OR
When: June 1-4, 2026
Who Attends the Special Park Districts Forum?
The Forum welcomes a broad range of leaders and changemakers—including executive directors, planners, operations professionals, board members, commissioners, and other decision-makers committed to elevating public spaces.
Special park districts are distinct from traditional agencies: they function as independent government entities with their own governing boards, often managing expansive acreage, larger teams, and initiatives that serve a broader regional audience. These districts lead the charge in parks, recreation, natural resource stewardship, and open space preservation.