At the end of November, Mt. Scott Community Center closed for significant demolition and construction, to be rehabilitated and expanded by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R). The existing Mt. Scott pool and gymnasium will remain as is, along with the popular indoor skating rink. The aging building, parts of which date to the 1920s, will receive a new roof and HVAC upgrades. Other improvements include about 2,800 square feet more of recreation space, a large event hall for community use and new and improved fitness areas.
Portland Culture & Livability Commissioner Dan Ryan said, “Construction can be messy and inconvenient, but it is necessary. The outcome of this important project will be a better and safer building, a showcase community center for SE Portland.” The project is expected to be complete in the spring of 2025 and will include improved access for people with disabilities and increased recreational programming.
During construction, Mt. Scott Community Center preschool offerings, activities and classes will be delivered at multiple PP&R sites close by, including Woodstock Community Center, Arleta, Lane, Grout SUN Community Schools and the East Portland Community Center. Swimming activities will be relocated to the East Portland Community Center pool with an expanded schedule.
Visit portland.gov/parks/mt-scott-community-center for full program information. The site will be updated with the temporary locations of popular Mt. Scott Community Center classes, along with details on where fitness instructors will be based.
Funding for the project includes $15 million from the Build Portland 2018 initiative and $7 million from the Mayor’s Livability Emergency Coordination funds. The improvements are also made possible by more than $12 million in Parks System Development Charges (SDCs). SDCs are not General Fund tax dollars; rather, they are one-time fees assessed on new development and can only be used to expand the capacity of the park system, not maintenance. SDC funds help ensure that Portland’s quality of life keeps pace with a growing and changing city by providing the additional park and recreational facilities needed to accommodate growth.