Portland Maine Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department

11/10/2026

The Tater Report: Episode 147
“Down to the Wire”

The final countdown is on at Longfellow Playground! The crew is out here putting the finishing touches on everything and burning through some serious elbow grease to make sure it’s 100% ready for action.

The official Ribbon Cutting happens this Thursday, 11/12 at noon, "shaahp"

We built this for the whole neighborhood to enjoy, but let’s be honest, the school kids are about to lose their minds.
Come on down, help us celebrate, and maybe test out a swing or two.

11/04/2026

As another cruise season wraps up, we are taking a look behind the scenes at the teamwork that keeps the Portland Ocean Terminal running smoothly. Managing dozens of ship visits takes close collaboration from city staff, harbor pilots, longshoremen, security personnel, and local port partners to make sure everything at the docks goes as planned.

At the Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department, our mission is to enhance the quality of life through people, parks, and programming while creating lasting memories for the people of Portland and its visitors.

From greeting travelers at the terminal to keeping our waterfront parks clean and welcoming, our team is proud to serve Portland.

Thank you to our maritime partners, small business owners, and waterfront workers for another great season.

11/03/2026

11/02/2026

It’s official! We celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated Reiche Playground today in Portland's West End.

After months of construction and incredible input from students, staff, and neighbors, this beloved West End play space has been completely reimagined for the next generation. From modern, nature-inspired play structures to spaces built for everyone ages 2 to 12, the new playground is ready for recess, weekends, and after-school adventures.

A huge thank you to Portland Parks, Recreation & Facilities staff, Joe Gammon & Sons, Sashie Misner Landscape Architecture, the Reiche PTO, Portland Public Schools Staff, and every community member who helped design and build this space.

Go check it out and play!

10/29/2026

The wait is officially over: the Union Branch Multi-Use Pathway is officially open to the public!

Whether you are walking, running, or cycling, you now have a seamless, off-street route connecting Forest Avenue straight to Hadlock Field and into Deering Oaks Park.

A huge thank you to Portland Planning & Urban Development, Department of Public Works Project Team, Maine DOT, Toole Design Group, and Shaw Brothers Construction for bringing this vital community connection to life.

Lace up your sneakers or skates, grab your bike, and come check it out.

Follow along on the Union Branch Pathway Project page at portlandmaine.gov/unionbranch for updates and details.

Friends of Deering Oaks

10/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday evening at Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall for our first Reimagining Play at Eastern Promenade's "Will's Playground" Community Workshop!

Neighbors of all ages gathered to review site opportunities, share early visions, and help shape the future of our new playground.

Missed the open house or have more thoughts to share?

Visit the project page: portlandmaine.gov/willsplayground

-Take the Ideas Survey and submit your feedback
-Review the Project Timeline
-Check on Important Dates
-Sign up for notifications for upcoming Community Workshops and Project Updates.

10/24/2026

Grade 5-6 Registration has been extended for Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities' upcoming youth basketball season, presented in partnership with the Jr. Celtics Academy. The new deadline to register for Grades 5-6 is Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 PM. Grades 1-4 registration deadline is December 7th.

This program focuses on youth development, core basketball fundamentals, and life skills through an inclusive, evidence-based curriculum designed to empower young athletes across Portland.
School Regions
Please review your player's region before completing registration:

North Deering: Lyman Moore MS, Lyseth, Talbot, and Other (Friends School of Portland or Home School)

Deering Center: Lincoln MS, Longfellow, Rowe, Ocean Ave., Breakwater, and St. Brigid School

Downtown: King MS, Reiche, East End, Presumpscot, Waynflete School, and Peaks Island

Volunteer Coaches Needed
Our league operates through the support of dedicated community members, with each team led by at least two co-coaches. Without enough volunteers, teams cannot be formed, and divisions face delays. If you are a positive role model with basic basketball knowledge and strong communication skills, we need your help.

Coaching responsibilities include:

Attending the mandatory coaches meeting on Wednesday, November 4 at 5:30 PM at Riverton

Sending a welcome email to team families

Leading one weeknight practice per week

Coaching Saturday games

Coordinating with recreation staff throughout the season

To coach, indicate your interest during your child's registration and complete the Volunteer Coach Form. All coaches must clear a standard background check before team assignments are made at the November 4 meeting.

Sign up your player or submit your coaching application online at portlandmyrec.com before Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 PM.

Jr. Celtics Academy

10/20/2026

Meet Walt Phillips, a seasonal employee with the Parks Division! Walt and our seasonal watering crew are out every day caring for Portland’s young urban trees, keeping our community green and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

Our team has been hard at work this year:

242 Trees Planted in 2026 (including 36 planted through our Co-op program!)

412 Total Trees watered: 242 new trees, plus last year’s 170 trees, hydrated and thriving through the hot summer months.

Strong Roots: We prioritize bare root trees because up to 200% more of their root systems stay intact compared to balled and burlapped trees, helping them establish much faster in our city soil.

Say hi to Walt next time you spot the watering truck driving through your neighborhood!

10/16/2026

The City of Portland is planning major improvements to Will’s Playground on the Eastern Promenade. As one of Portland's most heavily used parks, its current play equipment is over 20 years old and due for a full reimagining to better serve children and families of all ages and abilities.

Join us for an open-house style workshop to share your vision for the new playground.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, October 26, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Location: Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall

Highlights: Refreshments provided; children welcome and encouraged to participate

Visit the Reimagining Play at Eastern Promenade's "Will's Playground" Project Page to learn more and fill out the Ideas survey: PortlandMaine.Gov/WillsPlayground

10/16/2026

UPDATE: Reiche Playground Ribbon Cutting has been postponed.
New Event Details: Coming Soon.
Date
Time
Location: Reiche Community School, 166 Brackett St., Portland, ME 04102.

Reiche Playground construction is officially in the home stretch. Pathway pavement, tree benches, and new plantings are set to wrap up this coming week, with the playground opening date coming soon.

Once open, community members can explore and enjoy the brand-new play spaces. Please remember to handle the newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials with care. Grass areas will remain fenced off until the turf is sufficiently established to withstand foot traffic.