See how residents pitched in to get an unimproved outer East Portland park ready for a full-blown summertime barbecue party …
On this warm, Saturday afternoon, Powellhurst-Gilbert neighbors are chillin’ in the shade of large firs in Gilbert HydroPark as the block party gets underway.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A wonderful neighborhood celebration that took place on August 9 in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood at the Gilbert HydroPark – an unimproved lot with grass and some tall fir trees – came together because volunteers took the steps needed to make it happen.
While the caterer – yes, this party was catered – was setting up, neighbors and friends gathered in the shade to chat. Others took advantage of the “Day One Tech” activity booth. And, many grazed on relishes, chips and snacks that were brought in “potluck style” by participants.
Brooklynn and her dad, Ryan Reusser, assemble race cars brought to the party by Day One Tech.
Nicole Mayer, a Powellhurst-Gilbert neighbor since 2021, says she’s glad to see folks getting together at the block party.
“About two years ago, we had a block party with a potluck that went really well, and a lot of neighbors showed up,” co-planner Nicole Mayer told East Portland News.
“We wanted to do it again, but last year both my co-planner and I were pregnant – very pregnant – so we decided to skip it then,” she added.
Helping set up the accruements table are Mary Ambriz and Christina Kurt, who holds Mary Jane.
Volunteer hair stylist Jaqueem Coleman gives Caleb a trim at the event.
“This year, the City of Portland had a grant program to ‘invest’ in several outer east Portland neighborhoods, including ours,” Mayer continued. “They reached out and asked if we wanted food, and if we could provide other activities, and we said ‘yes!’
“So today, we’re getting our neighbors together to connect with each other,” observed Mayer. “It’s especially important in a large neighborhood like ours, where we don’t have a lot of space to do this sort of thing.”
It’s unclear if this is the archery activity intended, but it’s clear that these guests are enjoying themselves.
Ready to serve up a complete barbecue dinner are Kimya, Sarai, Saniyah, Latasha Taylor of Taylor Made Comfort Food.
Some lone hundred people enjoyed the afternoon, and were served a delicious meal, right in their own neighborhood park.
“The best thing coming out of this today is connecting with our neighbors,” Mayer reflected. “People are getting together and talking with each other, and that makes us all feel safer.
“That was our goal, and I think we’ve really succeeded at it!”
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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