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Label:
Park
This page contains information about Gateway Discovery Park in Portland, Oregon's Hazelwood neighborhood.
Description
Gateway Discovery Park is a lively 3-acre park in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood in East Portland. With places to play, cool off, relax, gather, and enjoy community events, the park offers something for many ages and abilities.
The large play area is one of the park's main attractions. It includes universally accessible play equipment, swings, slides, climbing features, sensory play elements, and sand and water play. Kids can also explore a nature discovery area. During warmer months, the splash pad offers another fun way to play and cool off.
Beyond the playground, you'll find a large open lawn, picnic areas, a small skate spot, and plenty of places to sit. A paved path connects the different parts of the park. Ginkgo trees provide shade near the plaza, while native and naturalized plants help support pollinators and other urban wildlife.
Gateway Discovery Park is also designed as a gathering place. The plaza and outdoor performance area host free activities and events throughout the summer, including Free Lunch + Play, family-friendly performances, music, arts activities, and other Summer Free For All events. Visitors may also find games and activities such as ping pong and oversized board games.
Near the park entrance, look for The Fifth Wind, a colorful public art piece by Horatio Hung-Yan Law. Its five butterfly wings celebrate migration, change, and the many communities that call Portland home.
Whether you come for the playground, splash pad, a picnic, or a summer event, Gateway Discovery Park is a welcoming place to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.
Summer fun at Gateway Discovery Park
Gateway Discovery Park holds free events and activities during the summer, including Free Lunch + Play, Wednesday lunchtime family-friendly performances, arts in the park, and more. For more information and schedules, visit our Free Lunch + Play and the Summer Free For All pages.
Weekly summer events at Gateway Discovery Park
| Event Name | Date/Times |
|---|---|
Free Lunch + Play Join us for free lunches (11 - 11:45am) plus free arts and crafts, games, and special events on the plaza. Free lunches are for youth 18 and under. | Monday - Friday June 22 - August 21 9am - 2pm *no program July 3 |
Tennis on the Go Drop in and play with foam balls and youth racquets on our portable nets. | Mondays June 22 - August 17 9am - 2pm |
DJ Time with DJ George Enjoy family-friendly music while you play in the plaza and splash pad! | Mondays and Fridays June 22 - August 21 11am - 1pm |
Performances for Youth and Families See details below for special events. | Wednesdays July 1 - August 19 11:30am - 12:30pm |
Sing Along with Teacher Brittany Make new friends with Teacher Brittany and her guitar as we sing in English and Spanish. | Thursdays June 25 - August 20 11:30am - 12:30pm |
Special events and Wednesday concert series
| Event | Date/Times |
|---|---|
Original Practice Shakespeare Experience a delightful performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." | Tuesday, August 11 11:30am - 12:30pm |
Friends of Noise Showcase Explore amazing young artists who are sure to bring joy to fans of all ages. | Wednesday, August 12 and 19 11:30am - 12:30pm |
Movie in the Park: Hoppers (2026) PG Event starts at 7:30pm with free popcorn. Movie starts at dusk. | Friday, August 14 7:30pm |
Aaron Nigel Smith & Friends Bring everyone to this family dance party. | Saturday, August 22 3 - 7pm |
Free Lunch + Play
Come play with us and grab a free lunch this summer at Gateway Discovery Park! Hands-on games, crafts, and play will be held on the plaza. This is a drop-in program.
- June 22 - August 21, Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm
- Free lunch held from 11 to 11:45am, first come, first served
- More information about this program is available on the Free Lunch + Play webpage
Rent space at Gateway Discovery Park
Plaza and lawn rentals
Gateway Discovery Park has a beautiful and popular plaza with on-site staff during events and rentals to ensure the park is fun, safe, and welcoming!
The plaza and lawn areas are available for public and private rentals and events. Our staff are actively involved in the coordination, education, and day-of-event site management to:
- Help your event run smoothly
- Familiarize you with the site
- Ensure rental policies and guidelines are followed
We will work with you to customize your rental to our unique outdoor spaces and will do event meetings, site walk-throughs, and provide advice about the space. Applications are accepted up to 12 months in advance and require an application processing fee of $75.
| Rental Area | Sq. Feet | Capacity | RATE A1 | RATE B1 | RATE B2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plaza (Includes: porch and performance plaza *Performance plaza only available to rent mid-September to mid-May) | 7,474 (Performance Plaza Included) 4,834 (Performance Plaza not included) | 550 | $160 | $320 | $480 |
| Lawn | 34,648 | 2,500 | $125 | $250 | $375 |
For plaza and lawn rental information, questions, availability, or to book a tour, contact Stephanie Madrid at (971) 275-3081 or Stephanie.Madrid@PortlandOregon.gov.
Picnic area reservations
Gateway Discovery Park is available for picnic rentals and more!
To reserve a picnic area at Gateway Discovery Park, call our Reservations and Payments team at (503) 823-2525 or make a reservation online.
- View our picnic brochure
- View our picnic rental information
Map
Year acquired
2009
Size in acres
3.01
History
In 2008, the Portland Development Commission (PDC) and Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) purchased three adjacent properties totaling 4.2 acres. PDC and PP&R currently share joint title of the parcels. Based on community input and previous planning efforts, it was determined that the then-vacant site should become a 3.2 acre neighborhood park, and 1 acre of complementary mixed-use development. The park was constructed in part with funding from Prosper Portland (formerly the Portland Development Commission.) Harper's Playground participated in the design process and contributed funding to the universally accessible play area.
Accessibility notes
Parking
- Street parking with designated ADA spaces
- Paved pathway to play area
- 50 feet to play area
Play Area
- Universally accessible unitary play surfacing
Play Equipment
- Universally accessible play equipment and play features
- Universally accessible adaptive swings and spin
- Accessible sand and water play table
- Nature discovery area
- Sensory play elements
- Accessible climbing structure
Other Amenities
- Accessible restrooms
- Accessible drinking fountains
- Accessible picnic tables