Dawson Park (Portland, Oregon)

Dawson Park is a park in north Portland, Oregon, in the United States. The 2.05-acre park, located at Stanton Street and North Williams Avenue, was acquired by Portland Parks & Recreation in 1921.

History


In November 2013, a $2.6 million renovation began, resulting in the park's closure for nearly a year. City officials, aware of gentrification of the surrounding neighborhood, used community input to avoid ruining the park's role as a gathering place favored by African Americans. The upgraded park now includes a new playground and interactive water feature, enhanced accessibility and lighting, and new barbecue and picnic areas. Dawson Park also features double-sided medallions designed by Isaka Shamsud-Din, with traditional African patterns on one side and depictions of the neighborhood on the opposite side.