Plans to repair the St. Johns Community Center gym are moving forward after Portland Parks & Recreation staff discovered structural issues that led to its closure earlier this year
Staff found water in the gym following heavy rain in late January. During an annual maintenance closure in February, inspection crews saw rotting wood on a weight-bearing post. The gym was immediately closed due to potential safety risks, PP&R said
A subsequent structural engineering assessment concluded that the rest of the community center, aside from the gym, was safe to remain open to the public
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PP&R worked with engineers and roofing consultants in the following months to look further into what’s causing the damage, evaluate repair options and costs
The work needed to fix the the gym, including the design and permitting process, is expected to take roughly 12 to 18 months, PP&R said. The exact timing, though, could change. The agency didn’t specify how much the project could cost. When asked by KGW, a PP&R spokesperson said the agency was not providing that information “at this time.”
PP&R Interim Director Art Pearce approved reallocating funding for the repair project in August
“We know the St. Johns community has been waiting a long time for the gym to reopen, and we understand the frustration that comes with an extended closure,” Pearce said. “We’ve taken the time necessary to understand the problem and determine the right approach to address it. We’re now moving forward with the work needed to safely restore the gym.”
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PP&R said it has identified a backlog of about $759 million in major maintenance needs at its facilities and properties. The agency added that aging infrastructure has led to closures and temporary service disruptions across the park system in recent years
The St. Johns Community Center gym repair project is being prioritized due to ongoing safety concerns and the impact that its closure has on residents, PP&R said
“The City remains committed to identifying and pursuing long‑term funding solutions to maintain and improve our facilities and infrastructure,” said Mayor Keith Wilson. “Serving the needs of North Portland communities continues to be a top priority, and we’ll keep working closely with residents to ensure this space can be restored and enjoyed for years to come.”
The center was originally built in 1940 as part of a recreation complex that served workers in the Kaiser shipyard in World War II. After the war, the building was dismantled and moved to its current location on North Central Street. The building has been improved over the years, including a roof and HVAC system replacement in 2018 through the Parks Replacement Bond
