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Project Updates
January 2025
The George Park Community Gathering on February 27 has been rescheduled for a later date. More details to come.
February 2024
Vibrant Communities Commissioner Dan Ryan announces improvements coming to North Portland’s George Park. Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is partnering with the Portland Parks Foundation (PPF) and well-known North Portland advocacy group, The Kidz Outside, to develop a concept plan for the park’s redevelopment. George Park is located at the intersection of N. Burr Avenue and N. Fessenden Street. Learn more in this PP&R press release.
Project Overview
George Park is a 2.6-acre (115,200 square feet) developed park in North Portland's St Johns neighborhood on the site of the original George Grade School. The park is located along N Fessenden between N Calhoun and N Burr. It includes an existing playground, walking path, lighting, a picnic table, drinking fountain, and a turf lawn.
This project will develop a park plan, construction documents, and construction for George Park improvements.
Partnerships, Funding, and Advocacy
During this project, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) will collaborate with North Portland advocacy group, The Kidz Outside (TKO), and citywide parks capacity builders, Portland Parks Foundation (PPF).
Since 2019, TKO has mobilized past, present, and future St. Johns residents to support improvements to George Park that reflect community values. They've hosted TKO Fest, a popular live music and back-to-school event, at the park. Their continued advocacy helped secure funding for this project.
PPF has committed to raising funds to support the replacement of the existing play structure and the installation of a rubberized playground surface to improve accessibility. George Park is one of three playgrounds a part of the Everybody Plays Campaign.
PP&R is investing $3 million from system development charges (SDCs) to upgrade George Park.
Improvements and Amenities
Improvements will include an updated play area for users of varying ages and abilities. As well as pathway improvements, lighting, and accessibility updates. Other possible improvements could include a loop pathway, a basketball court, or other park features. A finalized list of amenities will be based on community input and available funds.
Results of the Project
- The Park Plan will inform the complete community vision for George Park now and into the future.
- Design and construction of improvements will begin immediately. It will include an expanded playground with rubberized playground surfacing to improve accessibility, updates to existing park amenities (picnic table, benches, drinking fountain, trash cans, walking paths, lighting, and landscaping), and the development of additional amenities based on community needs and available funds.
- This project will result in George Park being more accessible to and better connected with the surrounding neighborhood through updated curb ramps and sidewalk connections.
Anticipated Project Schedule
- 2024: Project start-up and scoping
- 2024-2025: Park plan, schematic design, and community engagement
- 2025-2026: Construction documents, permitting, and bidding
- 2026-2027: Construction and close-out
Project Advisory Committee
The Project Advisory Committee (PAC) will provide valuable input throughout the development of the George Park Plan.
Role overview
- Committee members will also help realize the goal for a welcoming and inclusive process to identify the community's priorities and to ensure creation of a plan that addresses community needs.
- A stipend of up to $500 will be offered to committee members for their time.
- The Committee will meet 4-5 times from Winter 2024 - Summer 2025.
- PAC members are also encouraged to attend the 3 Community Engagement (CE) Events as advocates for the guiding principles of the project.
George Park Project Advisory Commitee Members
Egbevado Ananouko, Sadie Atwell, Shannon Ayuyu, Lisa Erényi, Jessica Fletcher, Andre McCowan, David Rodriguez, Courtney Savoie, Neal Spinler, Kelly Tadlock, Glenn Waco, Courtney Wilson.