City of Portland picks local construction company for Mill Park project

The project will transform the 6-acre grassy space into a community centerpiece and resource for neighboring Mill Park Elementary School.

An illustrative rendering shows a future community park from an aerial map perspective.

Community members helped to shape the future Mill Park design at a meeting in May of 2022.

Photo courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation

Southeast Portland’s Mill Park is one step closer to becoming a community destination.

Last week, City Council approved a construction contract with Raimore Construction, LLC — a Portland-based minority-owned general contractor — to develop Mill Park at Southeast 117th Avenue and Lincoln Street. Work is expected to start at the end of this summer and take about a year to complete.

Mill Park is currently a grassy area with a handful of trees, a sign, a single bench — and a whole lot of potential. This blank slate of space is about 6 acres in size. It’s situated in an area with one of Portland’s highest concentrations of underserved community members.

The project, which has a $13.22 million budget, will add a playground, fountain, community garden, picnic shelter and tables, Portland Loo, and paved paths. Park-goers will also have access to public art, a fitness area, and a court for both volleyball and chinlone.

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