Long-delayed ‘Opening Celebration’ held in and for ‘Mill Park’

Learn how an unforeseen problem held back the grand opening celebration, and kept certain amenities out-of-bounds during the summer – but the park was finally officially opened to everyone in September …

In the Mill Park neighborhood, their newly-renovated park is officially opened at this ceremony. *

By David F. Ashton

It’s been a long time coming for residents of the Mill Park neighborhood – enjoying their new fully-developed Portland City Park – called, simply, Mill Park.

CLICK HERE to see our 2022 article about the planning process, with links back to previous articles. And, see our article and video about the groundbreaking ceremony two years ago, in September 2023: CLICK HERE.

Back on the wintry Wednesday afternoon of January 22, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) held a “soft opening” of Mill Park. CLICK HERE to learn about that.

Mill Park Splash Pad opening delayed

The park’s Splash Pad, originally scheduled to open on June 14th, was delayed due to the discovery of poison hemlock – a deadly invasive plant – in several areas of Mill Park.

That set back the grand opening of the park to a future date at that time, until the danger to the park’s visitors was eliminated.

Park officially opened September 25

After their day ends, students from Mill Park Elementary School pour out and enjoy activities in their nearby new park.

As summer was coming to an end, and school again was in session, PP&R held Mill Park’s Mill Park Reopening Celebration on September 25, after Mill Park Elementary School – located on the western boundary of the park – was out for the day.

The celebration featured Portland Park Rangers leading Mill Park Elementary School students and other kids in a pledge to care for the park – then a ribbon-cutting, followed by family activities.

With the snipping of a ceremonial ribbon, Mill Park is officially opened.

Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal, PP&R Interim Director Sonia Schmanski, and District 1 Councilor Candace Avalos all made remarks to the crowd. Additionally, Trevor Hopper, Mill Park Neighborhood Association Chair, spoke – as well as members of the Mill Park Elementary School staff, Division Midway Alliance representatives, and other community partners.

So, it’s finally fully open, and no longer potentially poisonous! Go enjoy it!

Learn more about Mill Park by visiting their webpage: CLICK HERE.

* Photos courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation

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