Riverton Trolley Park’s New Life as Portland’s First Bike Park!

Riverton Trolley Park has long been a hidden gem in Portland, a space with untapped potential that many never thought to explore.

“When I lived in the Riverside neighborhood back in the mid-2010s, Riverton Trolley Park was never really on my radar. Like many locals, I’d hop in the car and drive to Deering Oaks or Payson Park when I wanted to spend time outside. Riverton just didn’t seem like a destination, it was overgrown, underused, and full of poison ivy. Frankly, it wasn’t a space I ever felt drawn to” said Leyla, Portland Parks Conservancy staff.

Fast forward to May 14, 2025: over 200 people gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Portland’s first-ever dedicated bike park, right there at Riverton Trolley Park. What a transformation.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked not just the beginning of a new chapter for the park, but a reimagining of what this historic space could be. Originally used by Maine’s Indigenous communities for fishing, then a site for a corn canning factory and a lively amusement park at the end of the trolley line, RTP has long had deep roots in Portland’s story. But for decades, its potential went untapped, until now.

Thanks to a powerful collaboration between Portland Parks Conservancy, City of Portland, Maine Trail Builders, and dedicated community groups like GPNEMBA, Riverton Trolley Park has been reborn. The new Riverton Trolley Bike Park features a pump track, flow trail, and dirt jumps that cater to riders of all ages and skill levels.

This project was especially close to our hearts because it was one of the first 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, who helped bring it to completion with incredible passion and leadership.

“This isn’t the kind of thing that happens in a community that doesn’t care about each other,” Councilor Sykes said. This park represents more than just dirt trails and bike features. It’s a symbol of care, vision, and community investment.

“As someone who used to live just minutes away from Riverton and never found a reason to visit, I’m honestly thrilled to see it transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space. It's not just a bike park, it's a beacon of what’s possible when we believe in our public spaces and give them the resources they deserve” Leyla added.

From forgotten to fantastic, Riverton Trolley Park is back, and better than ever.

Check out some of the photos from the ribbon cutting!