Mill Park Project Enhances Community with Inclusive Urban Amenities

January 31, 2025
Mill Park Project Enhances Community with Inclusive Urban Amenities

The transformation of Mill Park located at 1949 S.E. 122nd Ave. in Portland stands out as a remarkable example of thoughtful urban development, designed to address the diverse needs of a multifaceted community. Set over a span of six acres, this ambitious project is spearheaded by Portland Parks & Recreation and constructed by Raimore Construction, with work commencing in August 2023 and anticipated to reach completion by January 2025. With a substantial budget of $9.4 million, the project includes state-of-the-art facilities and community-driven features, aligning with the principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability.

Community-Centric Amenities

Mill Park is set to feature an impressive array of amenities, purposefully designed to cater to the community’s varying needs and preferences. Residents will benefit from a state-of-the-art playground offering a safe and engaging environment for children to explore and play. For those seeking moments of respite during Portland’s warmer months, a modern splash pad will provide a refreshing outdoor experience. In addition, the park will boast a community garden, allowing locals to come together to grow their own produce, fostering a sense of collaboration and sustainability among neighbors.

Further enhancing the park’s appeal is a dedicated fitness area, equipped with contemporary outdoor exercise equipment to promote an active lifestyle. Wide, paved paths will ensure easy navigation throughout the park, accommodating both pedestrians and cyclists. Public art installations, including Portland’s first chinlone court, enrich the cultural tapestry of the park while providing unique recreational opportunities. The trees’ leafy canopies create serene shaded areas, inviting visitors to linger and enjoy impromptu gatherings or quiet moments of reflection.

Enhanced Accessibility and Safety

One of the standout features of the Mill Park project is its emphasis on improving accessibility and safety for all residents. A continuous network of sidewalks will connect the park to the nearby Mill Park Elementary School and Southeast 122nd Avenue, significantly enhancing pedestrian access. This ensures that students, families, and other community members can safely and easily walk to and from the park, contributing to a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. The inclusion of a Portland Loo restroom ensures that visitors have access to clean and reliable facilities throughout their time in the park.

The central promenade and gathering area will serve as focal points for community events and activities, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging among residents. Safety improvements, as part of the “Building a Safer 122nd Avenue” initiative by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), further enhance the park by addressing traffic-related concerns and promoting a safer environment for all.

Inclusivity and Community Engagement

The design and development of Mill Park have been deeply informed by extensive community feedback, reflecting the needs of a diverse population. With 78% of residents identifying as people of color or Native/Indigenous and 44% being English-as-second-language learners, the park’s features have been meticulously tailored to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. The Parks Accessibility Advisory Committee played a pivotal role in shaping the park’s design, ensuring that the space is welcoming and accessible to individuals with varying abilities.

Mill Park Elementary School, located adjacent to the park, serves 508 students—85% of whom qualify for free or reduced-price lunch—highlighting the socioeconomic diversity within the neighborhood. The development of the park aligns with the broader goals of creating equitable and inclusive spaces that cater to the community’s diverse needs. A soft opening held on January 22 saw over 100 community members come together to celebrate the park’s meaningful connection to their lives, underscoring the project’s successful integration with the local community.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Impact

The transformation of Mill Park at 1949 S.E. 122nd Ave. in Portland serves as a shining example of deliberate urban development, thoughtfully catering to the diverse needs of its multifaceted community. This expansive six-acre project is being undertaken by Portland Parks & Recreation and constructed by Raimore Construction. The development began in August 2023 and is expected to be completed by January 2025. With a significant budget of $9.4 million, the project will feature state-of-the-art amenities and community-focused elements, all designed to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Mill Park’s renovation aims to create a welcoming space for all residents, providing a venue where people can connect, participate in recreational activities, and enjoy a natural refuge within the city. Improvements will include new play areas, updated sports fields, walking paths, and modern landscaping. This effort reflects Portland’s commitment to fostering a better quality of life through thoughtful park design and investment in public spaces.

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