PP&R’s Mt Scott Community Center Wins Design Award

(Portland, Oregon) –

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) isexcited to share that Mt. Scott Community Center has been honored with an Oregon Recreation & Parks Association (ORPA) Design & Construction Award. The expanded and improved recreation and aquatics center reopened in the fall of 2025 to better serve current and future generations of Portlanders. The beloved pool, gymnasium, and popular indoor skating rink remain. PP&R was proud to nominate this project for its winning bid. The project represents a transformative reinvestment in one of our city's most beloved community assets.

View full size image of Solar panels on the roof of Portland Parks & Recreation's seismically-upgraded and award-winning Mt Scott Community Center.

"The design of the new building is both beautiful and functional", notes PP&R Interim Director Art Pearce. "The structure is versatile and gorgeous, blending well with the park and nature surrounding it. This recognition celebrates a remarkable reinvestment in one of Portland's most beloved community assets and the many people whose collaboration, creativity, and dedication brought the project to life. The PP&R design team and contractors delivered a resilient, flexible, and community‑rooted facility that truly reflects Portland's values."

View full size image of The welcome desk with smiling PP&R employees at the renovated Mt Scott Community Center in Southeast Portland.

Mt Scott Community Center improvements include:

• A new, wide open, and welcoming front lobby and entry area
• Significantly enhanced accessibility features, including an elevator to all 2nd floor amenities and classrooms
• Expanded fitness and aerobic spaces
• Additional classrooms and meeting spaces
• A new, very large event hall for hosting PP&R programming and community events

Project background

What began as a seismic retrofit evolved into a holistic reimagining of the center.  Portland Parks & Recreation worked with FFA Architecture and Interiors to create a welcoming space grounded in a "cabin in the woods" concept that fits seamlessly into Mt. Scott Park. Bremik Construction was the general contractor for the project. The project also incorporates impressive resilience and sustainability features, from its design and rooftop solar array to stormwater systems that demonstrate environmental stewardship.

Project page for more information: portland.gov/parks/construction/mt-scott-community-center-seismic-retrofit-and-expansion-project

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