Raymond Park’s New Playground Moves Toward Construction

(Portland, OR) –

As part of the Everybody Plays Campaign, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and the Portland Parks Foundation (PPF) are pleased to announce that Raymond Park's playground is moving toward construction with a final community-informed design. Construction is expected to start this spring, bringing new accessible play equipment for kids ages 2 to 12, rubber safety tiles, and improved drainage to keep the splash pad and Loo open. 

The work will take two to four months, with the playground, Loo, and splash pad closed during this time. A construction entrance and equipment staging will impact the entrance at SE Leibe and SE 118^th. The loop walking path, basketball court, and other areas will remain open. Construction is expected to wrap up in the summer of 2025.

“The improvements will make the play area more fun and more accessible,” says PP&R Director Adena Long. “This partnership with the nonprofit Portland Parks Foundation leverages funding to go farther, and to advance positive change in an area of town with fewer parks and green spaces than other parts of Portland.”

“Raymond Park is a gathering hub for the neighborhood in every season, and we are excited for a new playground with accessible features appealing to a wide range of ages, “ says PPF Executive Director Jessica Green. “Welcoming, inclusive play spaces are at the heart of an activated, safe, thriving parks system and the Everybody Plays Campaign is an opportunity to partner with the city and community members to bring community-designed playgrounds to local neighborhoods throughout the city.” 

A Playground Designed for the Community

The new playground design prioritizes inclusive play, ensuring accessibility for kids and their caregivers.

• Preferred Design Options: The final design blends elements from two options, incorporating adventurous towers for older children, a smaller play structure for younger kids, and a community-requested "clubhouse.” Soft blues and greens create a calming atmosphere, while rubber play tiles in blue, green, and brown form a "land and river" pattern to enhance imaginative play and blend with natural surroundings.
• Community Priorities: The design prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, featuring smooth rubber tiles for easier movement, sensory elements like hand drums, bells, a rain panel, and a group rocker—an overwhelming community favorite. A communication board was included to support non-verbal users.
• Play Area Preferences: The community-preferred play area supports group and solo play, with creative play elements like a ship-themed steering wheel and periscope. The playground also offers spinning, rocking, and climbing challenges for various skill levels.

Project Background

Raymond Park opened in 1993 and covers nearly six acres in Outer East Portland, at SE 118^th Avenue and SE Raymond Street. The neighborhood park has a playground, splash pad, basketball court, horseshoe pit, paved paths, and picnic tables. An accessible Portland Loo was installed as part of the 2014 Replacement Bond. In 2022, Nike and the Portland Trail Blazers helped repair the basketball court.

Raymond Park has one of three playgrounds in the Portland Parks FoundationEverybody Plays Campaign. Support from donors is replacing outdated playground equipment with modern accessible structures and rubber safety tiles. This project also includes drainage between the splash pad and the Loo to prevent clogging and keep the splash pad open. 

Community Engagement 

Community input shaped the playground’s design through feedback collected at an in-person Play Day event and an online survey. 

For more details on the survey and design, please visit the Raymond Park Project webpage.

Portland Parks Foundation Partnership

For more than 20 years, the Portland Parks Foundation has partnered with individuals, communities, and organizations to transform Portland’s parks into vibrant spaces for everyone to enjoy.

The Portland Parks Foundation mobilizes support to improve Portland’s system of parks, natural areas, and public spaces.  In 2024, PPF committed to the Everybody Plays Playground Campaign, rebuilding playgrounds in George Park in North Portland, Raymond Park in East Portland and Portland Heights Park in SW Portland. This will have a direct positive impact on more than 4,500 households across the city and across demographics. 

For more information on the Foundation and the Everybody Plays Playground Campaign, please visit portlandpf.org/playgrounds.

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