East along Errol Heights Park we found an excavator spreading rock near S.E. Tenino Street.

Throughout this Portland winter – despite the sleet, snowflakes, and “atmospheric rivers” drenching their work area – the Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) contractors have been making progress on the Errol Heights Park Project – just up the hill behind what was once the Franz Bakery Outlet store, on S.E. 45th Avenue, a bit north of Johnson Creek Boulevard.

During THE BEE’s mid-January visit to the site, located in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, the work most visible was south of Southeast Tenino Drive and east of 45th Avenue. Fresh concrete was curing at the “Splash Spot” and the “Skate Pad.” Further south, crews were working on the elevated “Outlook” area that will feature a slide built into the contour of the mound.

Project on schedule

“A lot has happened so far, and construction is on target,” PF&R Community Engagement Coordinator Odalis Perez-Crouse said while touring the site. “As you see, work on the play structures is going along well. What isn’t visible is the work on the underground utilities that’s been completed.”

Further south in the 16-acre project, construction in the new “Elevated Walkway” and natural trail areas are also currently underway, Perez-Crouse told us.

The 16,500-square-foot Errol Heights Community Garden remains intact, with some winter crops growing, but it’s now accessed from its western end because Southeast Tenino Court has been vacated from 49th Avenue to Tenino Street.

When the “all-new” Errol Heights Park opens to the public this fall on schedule, visitors will enjoy strolling in the restored natural areas, visiting the wildlife viewing spots, bringing a basket to the new picnic areas, and having better ADA access to the trails.

The $12 million for the park’s development by Portland Parks and Recreation came from System Development Charges for Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas.