Stay Informed and Involved
George Park project updates will be provided on the this page.
Add your email to the George Park Project contact list
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.
System Development Charges (SDCs) are one-time fees on new development and are not funded by General Fund tax dollars. These fees help make sure that the city can keep up with the needs of parks and recreation users. They can only be used for projects that expand park space, not for maintenance or repairs of existing assets.
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
- 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
- Project Start-up: Conceptual Design and Analysis: Spring 2024 to Spring 2025
- Construction Documentation: Fall 2025 to Winter 2026
- Permitting and Bidding: Winter 2025 to Spring 2026
- Construction: Summer 2026 to Summer 2027
- Grand Opening: Late Summer 2027
Community Engagement Timeline
- Project Advisory Committee: Fall 2024 to Winter 2025 - Recruitment, onboarding and project review meetings ahead of community engagements.
- Community Engagement 1: TKO FEST - August 23, 2025, at Geroge Park - Review initial concept design options and discuss Geore Park Project.
- Community Survey: August 23 through September 14, 2025 - Solicit community feedback on concept designs, amenities, and playground style themes.
- Community Engagement 2: Winter 2025 - Refinements to designs we heard via community feedback and review of design options for expanded playground.
- Community Survey: Winter 2025/2026 - Solicit community feedback on overall park design and detail design options for expanded playground.
Current Engagement
Survey Results and Feedback:
Thank you to everyone who shared their time and input on the George Park survey! We heard from more than 117 community members through the online survey and in-person activities. Your feedback is helping shape the playground design, style themes, and park amenities. Here is what we heard:
Preferred Design Concept: The Three Loops concept emerged as the strong community favorite, and the design team will be moving forward with refining this option in the next stage of design.
Playground Style Preferences: Survey participants showed the most support for a blend of Natural and Sculptural play styles. The community asked for play features that feel unique yet timeless, engaging children in creative and active play they can return to again and again. Traditional playground elements were ranked lowest.
Community Priorities: Feedback emphasized the importance of accessibility, shade, and preserving trees, along with the addition of gathering spaces and amenities. A restroom was one of the most frequent requests, especially given the expanded playground and new basketball court.
View the full Community Survey Summary linked below.
Previous Engagement
Community Survey - Open August 23 through September 14, 2025
The Community survey sought feedback to help guide the design of George Park. Top-ranked options will move forward into detailed designs, which we will share with the community this winter for more in-depth feedback.
George Park Project at TKO Fest 4 - Saturday, August 23 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Thank you to all who were able to join us at TKO Fest Saturday, August 23, at George Park!
The PP&R project team, alongside project partners, introduced three park design concepts, site amenities and playground style options.
Despite the heat, there was a great turn out at TKO Fest, and it was a great evening connecting with community to share project materials and hear feedback.
Come see new park design concepts and share your input at TKO Fest 4 at George Park!
This summer we’re joining the celebration with our project partners at the fourth annual summer event to connect with neighbors where they’ll already be gathering.
At the project table you can:
- View concept designs for the George Park redesign
- Share your ideas and feedback with the project team
- Learn more about next steps in the project
Click on this link to see project materials shared at TKO FEST
About TKO Fest 4: Summer Free For All event features live music, kids’ activities, food, back-to-school supply giveaways, and performances. Learn more about Summer Free for All - Cultural Events | Portland.gov
Access Information:
- George Park has limited ADA Accessible pathways. The event will primarily take place on a grass lawn without pathways.
- Located along bus line 4, which run frequently every day of the week.
- Street parking available nearby
Request an ADA accommodation or call 503-823-4000, Relay Service: 711.
Project Advisory Committee
The Project Advisory Committee (PAC) will provide valuable input throughout the development of the George Park 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.
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 - 2025.
- PAC members are also encouraged to attend the 3 Community Engagement (CE) Events as advocates for the guiding principles of the project.
Project Advisory Committee Meetings
George Park PAC Onboarding: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
George Park PAC Meeting One: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
George Park PAC Meeting Two: Thursday, February 6, 2025
George Park PAC Meeting Three: Wednesday, August 13, 2025