Fresh Upgrades Bring New Life to Mill Park

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 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.”

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.

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.

Celebrate the opening of your new Mill Park on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 1949 SE 122nd Ave. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m., along with free family-friendly activities, delicious food, and plenty of fun for everyone.