PP&R Celebrates Mill Park Improvements; Hosts FREE Community Event Sept. 25

News Article

Outer East Portland neighborhood park features a new splash pad, art, playground, and more

(Portland, OR) -

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) welcomes neighbors and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the revitalized Mill Park, located at 1949 SE 122nd Avenue in East Portland's District 1.

The new Mill Park playground on a sunny summer day.

The celebration is on Thursday, September 25, 3pm to 6pm, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30pm. Join Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal, PP&R Interim Director Sonia Schmanski, District 1 Councilor Candace Avalos, Mill Park Elementary staff, the Division Midway Alliance, the Mill Park Neighborhood Association, and other city and community partners for family-friendly activities all afternoon.

"Mill Park is a testament to what's possible when we center community voices in city planning," says Dhanapal. "These improvements reflect our commitment to equity in East Portland and our vision for vibrant, inclusive public spaces that serve everyone for generations to come."

Portland's first Chin Lone court celebrates Southeast Asian cultures, where players pass a wicker ball using only their heads and feet.

PP&R has transformed the six-acre space into a vibrant community hub featuring a state-of-the-art playground, splash pad, new Portland Community Garden, picnic shelter and tables, Chin Lone* court, Portland Loo restroom, fitness area, paved paths, a central promenade/gathering area, public art, and other amenities.

"The new Mill Park will be a lively gathering space for neighbors, Mill Park Elementary students and families, and visitors to the neighborhood," says Portland Parks & Recreation Interim Director Sonia Schmanski. "From the splash pad to the playground and gardens, it is a neighborhood gem with plenty of space to play, exercise, and reflect."

Mill Park's lush greenery also received an upgrade. PP&R planted 78 new trees to complement the mature trees already thriving at the site. The trees dramatically enhance East Portland's much-needed tree canopy.

Celebrate the opening of your new Mill Park!

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 3 pm- 6pm, ribbon cutting at 3:30
Location: Mill Park - 1949 SE 122nd Ave

• Ribbon cutting
• Free family-friendly activities and food
• Fun!

Access Info:

• Bus 73 and Street Parking
• Accessible bathroom

PP&R has transformed the six-acre space into a vibrant community hub featuring a state-of-the-art playground, splash pad, new Portland Community Garden, picnic shelter and tables, Chin Lone court, Portland Loo restroom, fitness area, paved paths, a central promenade/gathering area, public art, and other amenities.

A Park Designed for the Community

Mill Park's redesign was shaped by community feedback, and reflects the needs of its surrounding neighborhoods, which are some of the city's most diverse. For example, Mill Park Elementary - which is adjacent to Mill Park - serves 508 students. Of those roughly 500 students, 78% identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Meanwhile, 44% of students at the school speak a language other than English as their primary language.

A New Portland Community Garden in the Program's 50th Year!

In 2025, Portland Parks & Recreation's Community Gardens program is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the opening of two new community gardens in East Portland. The community gardens at Mill Park and Parklane Park mark the 61st and 62nd gardens in a growingportfolio (pun intended) which provides Portlanders with space to grow healthy food for themselves and their families. Community members and neighbors interested in gardening can request a plot in any garden. Plot availability is not guaranteed.

Public Art that Reflects the Neighborhood

Alex Chiu is a Portland-based muralist and Mill Park neighborhood resident. His lenticular installation at Mill Park, Faces of the Future: Hopes and Dreams Through a Parent's Eyes, features portraits of six Mill Park Elementary School students. As part of the process, Chiu interviewed families to shed light on their histories, as well as their hopes and dreams for their children. This piece, which is part of Portland's public art collection, was commissioned by the City's Percent for Art program. Percent for Art is managed by the nonprofit Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) through a contract with the City of Portland's Office of Arts & Culture.

Improved Public Transportation, Bicycle Safety and Pedestrian Access - a new "front door" to Mill Park

Funding from the Portland Bureau of Transportation supported moving an existing TriMet bus stop on SE 122nd Avenue north to create a new pedestrian and bicycle friendly bus stop at Mill Park's entrance. New improvements on the SE 122nd Avenue right of way were part of the recommended projects identified in the Transportation Bureau's recently completed 122nd Avenue Plan. Additional funding from the bureau's Safe Routes to School program completed a new sidewalk connection on SE Mill Court connecting the north Mill Park entrance and Mill Park Elementary School to SE 122nd Avenue.

Project Background and Funding

Park System Development Charges (SDCs), one-time fees from new developments that support Portland's growing infrastructure, funded the redevelopment of Mill Park guided by the park's 2017 Plan. Community engagement through events led by PP&R in partnership with the Division Midway Allianceplayed a vital role in helping the public shape the park's final design.

*Portland's first Chin Lone court celebrates Southeast Asian cultures, where players pass a wicker ball using only their heads and feet.

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