In this Park Facility
Southwest Community Center is a regional, full-service community center that includes a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool. We offer a variety of activities for people of all ages. Please call our front desk at 503-823-2840 if you have any questions.
When there is extreme weather, we will post schedule changes here, and you can find more up-to-date Inclement Weather Information and Closures.
Alternative Parking
Alternative community center parking is located at Gabriel Park playground, SW 42nd Ave off of SW Vermont Street, and at Gabriel Park skatepark/tennis courts, on SW 45th Avenue at SW Nevada Street.
Please note:
- NEW as of February 2, 2026: Oregon pool code, OAR 333-062-1000, 6.4.2.2.3(14), now requires that all swimmers under the age of 14 must be under the direct supervision of a person aged 18 years or older for all play swims.
- Infants, toddlers, weak swimmers and children under 48" in height must always be supervised in the water by a person aged 18 years or older who remains within arm's reach
Activities
Use the Recreation Activity Guide to view PP&R activities and find links to register online.
Drop-in Activity Schedules
We offer a variety of drop-in activities that you do not need to sign up for ahead of time. Access is included with the price of daily admission.
Click on the links to view drop-in schedules:
- Group Fitness Classes
- Indoor Park – children ages 5 and younger, with an adult
- Sports – basketball and pickleball
- Swimming
- TeenForce
Registered Classes
We offer a variety of registered classes for people of all ages. These activities usually occur over a five or 10-week session. You must sign up before participating. If you have an Access Discount, the price of activities will be reduced for you.
Recreation activities are inclusive and open to people of all abilities. If you are registered for an activity and have a disability, you can request support from Inclusion Services.
Winter Activities are in session. Registration for Spring break camps is currently available.
Spring Registration begins at 9:30am: Activities take place from March 30 through June 21.
- Thursday, March 5, register for activities that begin March 30.
- Thursday, April 9, register for activities that begin May 4.
Register online, over the phone through the Customer Service Center (503-823-2525), or by calling or visiting a recreation or arts center. If cost is a barrier to participating, consider signing up for an Access Discount.
View all registered classes at Southwest Community Center
Learn to play Bridge! Bridge is a great card game you can start at any age. Learn or improve your skills, ask questions, make new friends, and sharpen your mind. We offer beginner and intermediate level classes for adults ages 18 and older. Check availability and sign up
Daily Admission
Join in drop-in activities during their scheduled times. Amenities include a fitness center, group fitness classes, water fitness, whirlpool spa, play swims, and open gym times. Daily admission is good for an entire day. If you have an Access Discount, your admission price is reduced.
- Teens (age 10-20) are encouraged to sign up for a TeenForce pass, which provides access to free TeenForce activities.
- Children aged 2 and younger are free
- Ask your insurance provider if they offer any of the following programs, which cover the cost of a pass: Silver & Fit, Active & Fit, Silver Sneakers, One Pass, or Renew Active.
Drop-in Admission
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Youth (ages 3–12) | $4 |
| Teen (ages 13–17) | $5 |
| Adult (ages 18–59) | $6 |
| Senior (ages 60 and older) | $5 |
Multiple Visit Passes
PP&R offers multiple visit passes for people who plan to visit regularly. 20-visit, monthly, and household passes are available. Multiple-visit passes can be used at Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Center. Click the link to view prices and to purchase a pass online.
TeenForce
PP&R's TeenForce program strives to provide safe spaces for youth, ages 10-20, to engage in pro-social activities surrounded by caring adults. TeenForce offers drop-in space and activities Monday through Friday. A TeenForce pass is required to participate in TeenForce activities.
Fitness
Southwest Community Center’s fitness program is for people aged 14 and older. We offer a wide range of amenities and classes for all levels. Locker rooms and individual changing rooms are available for day use only. You must bring your own lock.
Fitness Center
- Open for drop-in during regular business hours. Access is included with daily admission.
- Teens aged 14-17 must have a signed Fitness Center Agreement and Liability Release Form on file.
Amenities
- Selectorized Strength Equipment
- Free weight and stretching area
- Stationary bikes
- Concept II rowing machine
- Elliptical cross-trainers
- True Fit Elliptical
- Treadmills
- Stair Climbers
- VMX Rope Trainer
- TVs and Cardio Theater
Group Fitness Classes
Improve your strength, mobility, and community through a variety of offerings. Classes are offered seven days a week for people of all fitness levels. Styles include strength and cardio, mind/body, and dance fitness. Access is included with daily admission.
Access Discount
If the price of activities is too high, Portland residents can register for an Access Discount to get reduced pricing. No proof of income is required. Learn more about the Access Discount Program, which is made possible thanks to the 2020 Parks Local Option Levy.
Choose a discount of 25%, 50%, 75%, or 90%. Each member in your family should register for an Active Discount. After you have signed up for a discount, the price of admission and classes will be automatically reduced for 12 months.
Portland Parks Preschool
PP&R provides a play-based, child-centered, and inclusive educational preschool program for children aged 3–5 years old. Play is an important avenue for learning. Our goal is to honor each child’s personal development. Learn more about Portland Parks Preschool, which is a Preschool for All Provider. Lottery enrollment takes place in April and is managed through Multnomah County.
Rentals and Use of Space
We invite the community to reserve space at the community center. Use includes rentals and partnerships. Contact us to learn more!
Employment
Portland Parks & Recreation is looking for team-oriented, enthusiastic, and qualified staff. Join our team and work with us!
Map
History
The construction of PP&R's newest community center was completed in 1999 with funding from the 1994 bond measure; it opened on June 19. The sculptures in the lobby were created by Fernanda D'Agostino and Valerie Otani. Gabriel Park Journal is in two parts: the copper and bronze panels above the fireplace provide a visual diary of the park through the seasons and through history. The glass panels on the front of the reception desk are three magnifications of stream water; each panel shows water from a healthy stream ecosystem and from a degraded one.
