The park's name, Kʰunamokwst, was selected by community members through a public process to honor the Chinookan people native to the region.
The landscape architecture focuses on 'Green Streets' principles, using bioswales to filter runoff before it enters the city's watershed.
The park was the result of a multi-year effort by the Cully Neighborhood Association to secure funding and land for a central gathering space.
A portion of the park is specifically landscaped with native plants to provide a habitat for local pollinators.
Kʰunamokwst Park is a 1.76-acre community space in Portland's Cully neighborhood, notable for being named using a Chinook Wawa word meaning 'together.' The park design incorporates a significant stormwater management system with tiered bioswales and a visible infiltration basin. It features a skate bowl, a modern playground, and an open lawn area designed for community gatherings. The park site was developed on previously vacant land to address the neighborhood's documented lack of accessible public green space. Indigenous influence is reflected in the park's name, which was chosen to represent the diverse community groups collaborating in the area. The site provides a mix of active recreation facilities and naturalistic landscaping.
The elevated boardwalk area overlooking the central bioswale and infiltration basin.
Check the bioswale areas after rainfall to see the park's drainage system in active operation.
Use the paved perimeter paths if you have strollers or require mobility-friendly surfaces.
The park is popular with neighborhood families; expect high foot traffic during weekend afternoons.
Attempting to use the skate bowl during or immediately following heavy rain, as it may retain water.
Leash your dogs at all times and pack out any trash to maintain the bioswale water quality.
