Construction for a new playground at Raymond Park in Portland is slated to begin this spring, as confirmed by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) alongside the Portland Parks Foundation (PPF). Aimed at offering inclusive and accessible options for younger residents, the renovations are part of the Everybody Plays Campaign, which has been gaining traction across the city's parks.
The playground is designed to cater to kids between 2 to 12 years of age and will introduce a mix of group and solo play equipment. In a statement obtained by Portland.gov, PP&R Director Adena Long expressed that the new features will not only enhance fun for the park's youth but will also improve accessibility—efforts to tether the fabric of community tighter, in areas that have historically been park-poor.
The construction process is expected to take between two to four months, during which the current playground, splash pad, and Loo will be closed to the public. The loop walking path and basketball court, among other amenities, will remain open. Staging for construction will affect the entrance at SE Leibe and SE 118th, however, the overall park space will remain operative for regular activities.
Highlights of the new design include a blend of adventurous towers geared towards older kids, and a smaller structure that caters to the little ones—a demand that sprung from the heart of the community itself. Jessica Green, PPF Executive Director, told Portland.gov that inclusive playgrounds are essential for a thriving parks system and that the campaign leverages partnerships with the city and its people to achieve these goals.
Community feedback played a critical role in the design of the new playground. Events and surveys have paved the way for features that prioritize both inclusivity and accessibility. According to the project page, the play area will boast smooth rubber tiles, sensory elements like hand drums, and a rain panel. The popular group rocker and a communication board for non-verbal children also made the cut, ensuring a playground that builds bridges between varied experiences.
A deeper dive into the Community Engagement section on the project's webpage showcases the importance placed on user input, demonstrating the city's commitment to catering to the needs of all its patrons.
Carrying a legacy of over two decades, the PPF has been a critical ally in reimagining the city's greenspaces. Their latest venture, the Everybody Plays Playground Campaign, promises modern accessible structures and improved facilities that would benefit over 4,500 households, spanning all corners of Portland.
For more information on the ongoing projects and the foundation's broader vision, those interested can read up at the PPF website, available via a link on the project announcement page.
