FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Portland Sunday Parkways Returns with Car-Free Streets, Family Fun, and Revitalized Parklane Park
PORTLAND, OR – The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is delighted to announce the return of East Portland Sunday Parkways on July 27, 2025. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents and visitors alike are invited to experience the joy of car-free streets, community engagement, and a day filled with activities for all ages. This year’s event promises a vibrant celebration of community, active living, and the beauty of East Portland.
A 4.5-Mile Route of Fun and Discovery
The heart of East Portland Sunday Parkways is its 4.5-mile route, designed to encourage exploration and interaction. The car-free streets will allow participants to walk, bike, roll, and play freely, connecting four prominent parks. This year’s route includes Gateway Discovery Park, Ventura Park, Lincoln Park, and the newly improved Parklane Park, offering a variety of experiences along the way. The event provides a safe and accessible environment for families and individuals to discover the neighborhood, engage with local businesses, and enjoy the outdoors.
Parklane Park: A Welcome Return
Parklane Park, a beloved feature of the Sunday Parkways, rejoins the route this year after an absence since 2022. The park has undergone significant improvements, providing an even better experience for attendees. The enhancements to Parklane Park are a testament to the commitment to providing quality public spaces where the community can gather, connect, and thrive. Its inclusion on the route further enhances the diversity of experiences available to participants.
Activities for Everyone: A Day of Movement and Merriment
East Portland Sunday Parkways is known for its diverse range of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Attendees can participate in group movement sessions designed to get the blood flowing and the body moving. Yoga, Bollywood dancing, and Zumba classes will be available, providing opportunities for participants of all skill levels to enjoy fun and engaging workouts. Beyond the movement sessions, there will be hands-on activities for the creatively inclined. Attendees can try their hand at stilt walking, juggling, and circus workshops, offering a unique opportunity to learn new skills and express themselves.
Community Engagement and Vendor Marketplaces
Beyond the planned activities, Sunday Parkways is dedicated to fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses. Vendor marketplaces will be set up throughout the route, offering a variety of goods, services, and food options. Community booths will be staffed by local organizations, providing information and resources to attendees. The event aims to connect residents with local businesses and community organizations, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening the fabric of the neighborhood. The event provides a vibrant platform for interaction, allowing residents to connect with each other and the organizations that serve them.
Prizes and Partnerships
A highlight of this year’s event will be the Kaiser Permanente Sticker Hunt. Participants can collect stickers at various locations along the route and receive prizes for their participation. The Sticker Hunt adds an element of fun and encourages exploration, rewarding attendees for engaging with the event and its surrounding locations. Partnerships with organizations like Kaiser Permanente highlight the event’s commitment to health, wellness, and community involvement.
Encouraging Community and Public Space Utilization
Rachel Gilmore, Climate Programs Analyst for the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), emphasizes the event’s core purpose. “This event is designed to encourage community engagement and the use of public spaces,” she explained. The Sunday Parkways are a way of reclaiming public space and providing a safe and accessible venue for community members to come together. This emphasis on community and public space is an important factor in the city’s commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive community.
A Day to Remember
East Portland Sunday Parkways on July 27, 2025, promises to be a memorable day for the whole community. With car-free streets, exciting activities, community booths, and the return of Parklane Park, attendees can look forward to a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit. PBOT encourages everyone to come out, explore, and enjoy all that East Portland has to offer. Join us for a day of celebration and community connection.
