Play Streets Coming to SE 79th on Three Sundays

On Sunday, September 14th, SE 79th Avenue will close to traffic from SE Stark Street to SE Pine Street for a family-friendly event series called Play Streets. The national nonprofit Playworks is partnering with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to present a free three-part gathering in the Montavilla neighborhood, running from 10 a.m. to noon. Organizers will create a car-free play zone for kids, families, and neighbors during those two hours, then return on Sunday, September 28th and October 19th to do it all over again.

Sign indicating 'No Parking' during the Play Streets event on SE 79th Avenue, with scheduled dates and times.

Play Streets began appearing in Portland when PBOT’s Streets team launched the program in 2018, joining a nationwide movement to create a safe space for kids to play in the street. The pandemic paused the program until its return in 2023. Past events included bounce houses, chalk art, basketball games, giant Jenga, snacks, and music. American Rescue Plan Act funding in 2024 supported a City program for nonprofits to host the Play Street series.

This upcoming series is open to all ages, and organizers encourage adults to play alongside the kids. The play area will extend the already well-used Montavilla Plaza near Threshold Brewing & Blending. Alcohol consumption is not allowed inside the play area, and organizers ask that it remain smoke-free. Attendees will find games for kids of all ages alongside snacks, water, and music.

A street view of SE 79th Avenue with parked cars on either side, showing a clear sky and trees lining the street. A 'Dead End' sign is visible, indicating no vehicle access beyond a certain point, except for bicycles. — *_{SE 79th Ave looking south from SE Pine St towards the Montavilla Plaza at SE Stark St}*

Organizers invite people with children and community members to stop by and see what the Play Street has to offer. The program aims to support communities with limited access to green areas, demonstrating how a car-free street can meet children’s play needs. More details are on the PBOT program’s webpage, and Montavilla News will update this article with information from the first Sunday event.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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