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| Dawson Park | |
|---|---|
Signage for the park in 2013 | |
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| Location | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 45°32′39″N 122°40′03″W / 45.54416667°N 122.66750000°WCoordinates: 45°32′39″N 122°40′03″W / 45.54416667°N 122.66750000°W |
Dawson Park is a park in north Portland, Oregon, in the United States.[1] The 2.05-acre park, located at Stanton Street and North Williams Avenue, was acquired by Portland Parks & Recreation in 1921.[2]
In November 2013, a $2.6 million renovation began, resulting in the park's closure for nearly a year. City officials, aware of gentrification of the surrounding neighborhood, used community input to avoid ruining the park's role as a gathering place favored by African Americans.[3] The upgraded park now includes a new playground and interactive water feature, enhanced accessibility and lighting, and new barbecue and picnic areas. Dawson Park also features double-sided medallions designed by Isaka Shamsud-Din, with traditional African patterns on one side and depictions of the neighborhood on the opposite side.[4]