A Big Step for Portland’s 21st Century Community Pool with $1 Million Raised

For more than 60 years, Kiwanis Pool at Dougherty Field has been a vital part of summer in Portland. Opened in 1961, it became the city’s only outdoor public pool, a rare and essential community space that provided generations of Portlanders with a place to swim, take lessons, join summer camps, or simply cool off on hot days. In an era when most pools are private, Kiwanis offered an affordable and welcoming option for families across the city, particularly those without access to other swimming opportunities.

Over the decades, Kiwanis Pool became a beloved Portland institution, but as the years passed, the aging facility struggled to keep up with the growing community’s needs. Frequent closures and outdated infrastructure, especially around accessibility, highlighted the pressing need for a modern replacement. In response, the City of Portland and the Portland Parks Conservancy set out to reimagine the pool with the help of aquatics specialists and input from the community, designing a 21st-century facility that preserves Kiwanis’ legacy while better serving today’s Portlanders.

Thanks to the incredible support of more than 100 donors, including individuals, families, local businesses, and major philanthropic partners like the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation and Unum, the Portland Parks Conservancy has surpassed its $1 million fundraising goal. This remarkable achievement was propelled by the leadership of Justin and Rachael Alfond, former mayor Kate Snyder, and a passionate coalition of community advocates.

With the campaign's success, the fundraising goal has been raised to $1.25 million, allowing for the reintroduction of two exciting features that were previously cut from the design: a second waterslide and shade sails for the lawn area. These new additions will join the original features, including zero-grade entry for accessibility, a splash pad, lap and walking lanes, and family-friendly changing areas, creating a vibrant community hub for all.

With a capacity of 400 users, four times the original pool’s size, the new facility will provide safe, fun, and equitable access to thousands of Portlanders every summer, remaining affordable and accessible for all.

Thank you to every donor, advocate, and neighbor who helped us reach this exciting milestone. Your support is helping preserve a beloved tradition while building something truly transformative for the future.

To learn more about the project or make a contribution to the campaign, visit:
portlandparksconservancy.org/donate-to-pool-campaign