See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.
Label:
Park
'Scht Wiwnu is a treasured community gathering space in Southwest Portland. With over six acres of space, it includes sports fields, an accessible restroom, an accessible play area, and more.
Introducing 'Scht Wiwnu Park
Portland Parks & Recreation announces that the bureau's volunteer naming committee has chosen ‘Scht Wiwnu (pronounced Ish-chit Way-el-noo) as the new name for the Southwest Portland park formerly known as Custer Park / A Park. Listen to the pronunciation by playing the video below.
The park's new name means "path of the huckleberry" and comes from the Ichishkin Sńwit language. Ichishkin Sńwit is spoken by Native American tribes from the Columbia River area, including the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama tribes. ‘Scht Wiwnu Park includes a PP&R nature patch that contains a path planted with native huckleberries, an important First Food (traditional food) for local tribes.
"This process began with community members coming together in the belief that this park should reflect dignity and truth. At times, that advocacy was met with resistance, even moments of tension, yet the commitment to change remained rooted in care for the land and for future generations," said Amanda Squiemphen-Yazzie, a naming committee member who is Wasco, Yakima, Navajo and a Citizen of Warm Springs Nation.
She added, "The journey from protest to celebration in this same place speaks to resilience. Ichishkín Sńwit will now stand visibly where it was once silenced but never erased, reminding the broader community that Native presence here is not only enduring, but ongoing and shaping the future."
Special thanks to Dallas Winishut and other Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs language teachers and elders for their partnership and consultation about the park's name, spelling, pronunciation, and meaning. Ichishkin Sńwit is one of three languages spoken and taught by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; the other two languages are Kiksht Awawat (Wasco) and Numu (Paiute).
"Using our language to name this park is really something special," said Dallas Winishut, Ichishkin Sńwit language teacher with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. "I learned this language from my family members, and we're in turn teaching it to our younger people to make sure it's carried on. We teach not only the language, but the history, tradition, and heritage of the language because they can't be separated, they are connected."
All are welcome at the 'Scht Wiwnu Naming Ceremony on Saturday, March 28, 3-5pm.
This event will include:
- Native drumming and songs
- Family-friendly activities including planting and tending in the nature patch
- Food from a Native vendor
- Speakers including:
- Dallas Winishut of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
- Retired Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz
- District 4 Councilor Mitch Green
- Members of the naming committee
"We're proud to honor the deep cultural roots and living traditions of this land," said Interim PP&R Director Sonia Schmanski. "This new permanent name reflects the history, resilience, and stewardship of Indigenous people who have cared for this place over time."
Read the full press release
'Scht Wiwnu Park Nature Patch
Created in 2021, the nature patch at the north edge of 'Scht Wiwnu has a strolling path with a bridge over the seasonal stream and a central gathering area amidst a forest backdrop.
Learn more about Nature Patches in Portland
Portland Parks & Recreation is adding nature patches to developed park landscapes to provide natural experiences for people and habitat for wildlife. Nature patches are unique natural garden spaces that support native pollinators and offer fun opportunities for education and exploration.
Map
Year acquired
1954
Size in acres
6.33
History
This park was originally known as Custer Park. In December 2020, it was given the temporary name "A Park" by retired Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz. As commissioner-in-charge of PP&R, she directed the bureau to engage in a community-supported renaming process to determine an appropriate permanent name.
In early 2022, PP&R directed staff to conduct a joint renaming process for A Park and Wilson Outdoor Pool. In spring 2022, 12 community members who represented diverse lived experiences, identities, and expertise began serving on a committee to review community submissions and recommend new names for both "A Park" and Wilson Outdoor Pool. The committee recommended the name Ida B. Wells Outdoor Pool to replace Wilson in November 2022.
In 2023, the naming committee determined the new park name should honor local tribes and Indigenous communities. They selected a short list of names and directed PP&R to conduct further engagement with local Native community members to determine the finalist. To provide an authentic effort to rename the park, PP&R contracted with Serina Fast Horse of Kimimela Consulting, an outreach consultant who is Lakota and Blackfeet and a lifelong member of the urban Indigenous community of Portland, to lead the outreach process in 2024. From that process, the name 'Schit Wiwnu was recommended as the permanent name for the park.
Accessibility notes
Parking
- Street parking
- Paved pathway to play area with moderate slope
- 900 feet to play area
Play Area
- Engineered mulch surface
- Ramp into play area
- Partially fenced
Play Equipment
- Transfer station
- Sensory play elements
Other Amenities
- Accessible restroom