PORTLAND, OR – A park that was once a dangerous eyesore in downtown Portland has turned into the city’s newest food cart destination, called Grubbin’.

Back in April, the parks department issued a challenge: Come up with a great idea to activate Ankeny Square and bring back positivity. The person with the best idea could rent the square for $1 a year, for up to two years.

Portland State business student Jamal Gardner was the winner.

“To activate it, to do things, to have a community. So I get to be the guy who gets to bring a new view to a very old idea!” Gardner said as he showed off the new space.

The city is helping him put the final touches on his business plan for Ankeny Square, located on West Burnside and Southwest Ankeny Street. A food cart pod full of interesting stories of their immigrant owners trying to make it in America, a stage for live music and performances, and a large seating area.

Find the entire article at kgw.com