A visionary architect and city commissioner, Ormond Bean (October 21, 1886 – February 14, 1975) was active in Portland politics and civic life for four decades. His eye for planning led to the development of the city's signature parks.
A Portland City commissioner for 14 years (1932-39 and 1949-56), Ormond Bean showed his expertise in city planning and a leader in acquiring land for Portland’s city parks. He played a major role in creating Normandale and Farragut Parks and in acquiring the land for developing West Delta Golf Course, now known as Heron Lakes.
Bean saw the growth of the city and changing modes of transportation. He was concerned with maintaining the culture of neighborhoods, even as they become more interconnected.
Bean’s foresight and initiative to enhance the livability of the City of Roses are major reasons why Portland developed one of the finest city park systems in the United States. His work earned him the title of “Father of the Portland Park System”.