A Special Evening at Riverton Trolley Park: Community, Bikes, and Fun

On September 18, Riverton Trolley Park was buzzing with energy for a truly special community event. We at the Portland Parks Conservancy were thrilled to see so many people come out to enjoy the evening, connect with neighbors, and create new memories.

This gathering wasn’t just about celebrating the present, it was also about honoring the past. More than a century ago, Riverton Trolley Park was one of Portland’s most beloved gathering spaces, a place where families and friends came together for recreation and community. Events like this one pay homage to that history by bringing people back to this iconic space, reminding us of its roots as a lively, welcoming hub.

Thanks to the incredible support from the Greater Portland New England Mountain Biking Association, Maine Outdoor Film Festival, and Spare Time Entertainment, the night was filled with engaging activities and lively interactions. Attendees had the chance to learn new skills, ask questions, and experience firsthand the fun and excitement of the park in a safe, welcoming space.

This project is especially close to our hearts because it was one of the first major initiatives taken on by the Conservancy. The vision began under Nan Cummings, who laid the early groundwork, and was later carried forward by our own Jack Phillips, whose passion and leadership helped bring it to life. Seeing the community actively enjoying the park and the bike course is incredibly rewarding.

“The Riverton Trolley Bike Park has served as an incredible convening place for riders of every age and ability level, and has demonstrated how much unmet demand there was for a park like this in Portland. It's helped me really improve my own jumping over the course of the season, and every session, I've met someone different at the top of the pump track or the jump lines, each person working to meet their individual goal, supported by an encouraging community that's astonished a resource like this now exists. I've never seen such a broad and diverse community of riders come together in one place before, and it's exciting to see the ways in which Riverton Trolley Bike Park is serving as a pivot point around which the Greater Portland bike community is becoming more accessible, more empowering, and more fun.” — Ryan Dunfee, President, Greater Portland Chapter, New England Mountain Bike Association

The night also featured the premiere of Riverton Rising, a documentary showcasing the journey of building the bike course. Attendees were inspired to see the story of this space come to life on screen.

Adding to the experience, Jeff Tarlin, former City Arborist, led a walk-and-talk through Riverton Trolley Park. Guests got a glimpse into the park’s past, learned about its present, and got excited about what’s to come. It was a wonderful way to connect with the history and future of this beloved community space.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our partners, for helping make this night such a success. We can’t wait to see more people enjoying the park and the bike course in the days and months ahead.

Check out some of the photos from this special evening below!