The Shack
at Sellwood Park
Hours of Operation
Fall Hours
Friday, 4pm-8pm (through September 11)
Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm (through September 27)
Events & Programming
History, Rentals & How to Support
September at The Shack
School might be back in session, but summer is still going strong on weekends at The Shack!
Come and visit us on Friday nights, Saturdays & Sundays for continued free equipment check-out, our snack shop, and fun programming on Saturdays & Sundays.
Saturday Highlights
11:00 Storytime
12:30 Crafts!
1:30 Taekwondo - free!
3:00 Bingo
4:30 Run & Play
Sunday Highlights
11:00 Storytime
12:30 Crafts!
1:30 Circus - free!
3:00 Bingo
4:30 Facepaint
Summer Sellwood Sessions
Friday Music & Picnics at The Shack
Friday nights, 6:30-8:00pm | Free | The Shack at Sellwood Park
Bring your own picnic, set out a blanket, and enjoy this wonderful line-up of local musicians! On summer evenings beneath the shade of 100-year-old fir trees, local musicians fill the park with gentle sound while little kids dance in the grass and neighbors gather on blankets and lawn chairs. You can overhear conversations about dogs, home gardens, and favorite neighborhood businesses—simple moments that weave the fabric of community tighter.
These concerts, launched in 2025, bring vibrance to summer nights, transforming the park into a living reflection of the joy and connection at the heart of the Sellwood Community House’s mission.
Artist Line-Up:
July 10: Katy & the Null Sets
July 17: The Rose Pedals
July 24: Essie and the Hum
July 31: Flyover States
August 7: Isaiah Mostafa
August 14: The County Fools
August 21: Reb & the Good News
August 28: Patina
September 4: Derek Montclair & the Wood Nickels opening for Kid Leisure Canceled for Rain
September 11: The Apricots
If you or anyone you know might like to play, please click here to fill out the interest form.
Tai Chi
Thursdays | 1:00-2:00 Pm | $18 or $80 for a 5-class punch card/ DROP-IN | the shack at sellwood park
Summer Classes will take place at The Shack at Sellwood Park
No Classes September 3 or 10
Tai Chi for Health is an introductory class for both beginners and anyone returning to Tai Chi after taking a break. This class practices the Yang style, short form, which consists of 24 forms. Tai Chi helps us all with balance and slow breathing, feeling calm and strong in our bodies. Come join us and find out how joyful movement can be!
The Shack at Sellwood Park
Annual Poster
These posters feature original artwork created by local artists and are inspired by this neighborhood landmark and the people who gather there.
Your purchase supports Sellwood Community House programs that keep our doors open to all—classes, camps, and community events right here in Sellwood. Thank you for helping us keep this a welcoming place to learn, play, gather and connect.
This lovely artwork was generously donated by the following local artists:
2025 Poster: Leah Samour
2025 Poster: Anisa Asakawa
Subscribe to Our Shack Newsletter
Get a weekly update on all of the events & classes happening at The Shack at Sellwood Park!
At SCH, we are dedicated to keeping you up to date with our offerings. We respect your privacy and will never share or sell your contact information.
Thank You to our Shack Sponsors
Sellwood Community House would like thank these sponsors for supporting a summer of community-funded fun at The Shack at Sellwood Park! Together, we are building a Neighborhood of Possibility where every family has access to joyful and enriching experiences, all summer long.
2025 First Summer Highlights
Looking Back to Summer 2025…
What a Wonderful Summer it Was!
Curious what we were are up to all summer?
Here are some details from The Shack, from June 20-August 22nd!
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54
Number of Zip Codes from the Portland area: 28!
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15
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia & Washington!
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227
Dance Classes with Body Vox, Story Times, Author Readings, Crafts, Sports & more!
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2,087
Visitors borrowed a wide variety of recreational materials, from sports equipment to art supplies, and more!
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3,112
Art Kits, Soccer Balls, Board Games, and More!
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Infinite!
Videos from Our First Summer
Please enjoy these videos, showcasing some of the many magical moments from our first summer of The Shack at Sellwood Park!
Visit The Shack on Instagram and Facebook!
Sneak peeks, past gatherings, future dreams and more!
Imagine drop-in fun, 5 days a week, all summer long!
Then…
1972 Sellwood Park Summer Program
And now…
2025 Sample Sellwood Park Summer Program
What was the inspiration for
The Shack?
The Story of The Shack
Past, Present & Future
We hope you enjoy this short film about The Shack, directed, filmed, and edited by Randy Sean Schulman.
Fun Facts & Historical Dates-of-note:
The Shack at Sellwood Park opened to the public in 1923
Sellwood Park used to be the site of the City View Race Track, a premier horse racing facility, with the complex hosting a large track in addition to a cricket and baseball diamond
During WW2, Summer Park Programs were a way to keep kids busy & engaged when women joined the workforce to support the war effort
In the 1970s, lanyards made from gimp were king! Talk to anyone who grew up in Portland at that time, and they are sure to have memories of crafting these colorful creations in the parks
In the 1970s, 60 Portland Parks were staffed full time with free programming from 9am to 9pm all summer long
Have a fun fact about Sellwood Park that you would like to share? Email us here!
Donate to
Bring Back the Shack!
Support a Summer of Free Fun & Community Building at Sellwood Park this Summer!
Once upon a time, Portland kids spent their summers in their neighborhood parks, making lanyards, playing sports, learning dance, creating plays, playing music, doing crafts and living the carefree, unstructured days to the fullest.
This summer, Sellwood Community House is bringing the magic back! Your donation will help:
Equip the Shack with recreation equipment and art supplies
Hire passionate staff
Launch inclusive, no-cost programs for all ages in Sellwood Park
Keep our doors open to everyone—no matter their financial situation
Need financial support for our Adult & Senior programs?
Apply for our scholarship program!

