Following years of planning and construction, Mill Park has officially reopened with a host of new features designed to serve the East Portland community. According to a recent announcement by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), the six-acre site at 1949 SE 122nd Avenue now includes a modern playground, splash pad, community garden, and more.
The update aims to meet the diverse needs of the local neighborhood, highlighted by the adjacent Mill Park Elementary, where a significant number of students come from communities of color or are English-as-second-language learners. PP&R Director Adena Long told the Portland government's news portal, "The new Mill Park will be a centerpiece of a lively community... It will also be a beloved destination for Mill Park Elementary students and families."
With an eye towards cultural inclusivity, the park now features Portland's first Chin Lone court, honoring Southeast Asian cultures through the introduction of a traditional wicker ball game. Accessibility enhancements to quickly extend bus stops and sidewalks have also been implemented to improve connections between the park, the school, and SE 122nd Avenue.
The project was informed by feedback from community members and the Parks Accessibility Advisory Committee. It reflects a community-driven vision that has been brought to life through a collaborative effort between PP&R, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and TriMet. The park's redesign project was led by Portland-based firm Mayer/Reed, while the construction was headed by Raimore Construction, a local minority-owned business.
Adding to the vibrancy of the space, local artist Alex Chiu has created public artwork that captures the spirit and stories of the Mill Park neighborhood. Chiu's work can be viewed on his Instagram page, @millparkstories, offering a peek into the people and places that inspired his art in the community space.
Further details on the park's offerings reveal that additional amenities such as a picnic shelter are set for completion in the upcoming spring, and a grand opening celebration is planned to officially usher in the community to their revamped green space. For those interested in cultivating their own slice of nature, the new Mill Park Community Garden plots are now available for registration.
The revamp of Mill Park was primarily funded by Park System Development Charges (SDCs), which are one-time fees collected from new developments to support Portland's growing infrastructure. Community engagement, according to PP&R and the Division Midway Alliance, played a crucial role in shaping the final design that now stands ready to welcome visitors and enrich the neighborhood.
