Our Neighborhood’s History

Centennial is a neighborhood on the eastern edge of Portland, Oregon, near the border with the city of Gresham. Its name honors the 100th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the famous journey of exploration that helped shape the American West.

For much of the 20th century, the land that is now Centennial was rural — farms, open fields, and a small airport. In 1925, the Portland Water Bureau purchased what is now Powell Butte Nature Park to preserve it for future use, leasing part of the land to a dairy farmer for grazing until 1948.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Centennial grew into a residential neighborhood, with ranch-style and split-level homes built on winding streets and large lots. These homes are still a characteristic part of the neighborhood today.

The land that is now Parklane Park has its own unusual past. In the 1940s, a small airport called Troh’s Skypark operated on the site. It later became a sand and gravel quarry, and after the quarry closed, neighbors planted trees and installed playground equipment — earning the park the affectionate nickname “Candy Cane Park.”

Before being formally annexed by Portland, Centennial was counted as a separate census area. In 1980, about 22,000 people lived here. By 1990, that number had grown to nearly 29,000. Today, Centennial is a fully established Portland neighborhood with a growing and vibrant community.

Facts and Demographics

Size and Population

Centennial covers approximately 4.5 square miles in outer Southeast Portland. In the 2020 Census, 25,413 people lived in Centennial across 8,281 households. The population has grown steadily over the past decade.

A Diverse Community

Centennial is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Portland. As of the 2020 Census, residents identified as: 52% white, 14.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 7.4% Black or African American, 3.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1.6% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Many residents also identify with more than one background.

This diversity is visible everywhere — in the food, the languages spoken, the businesses, and the places of worship. Within Centennial’s borders, you will find a Chinese temple, a Korean Buddhist temple, an Ethiopian Orthodox church, and many Christian churches of different denominations.

Schools

Centennial is served by the Centennial School District, which connects students across both Portland and Gresham. Elementary schools include Parklane, Patrick Lynch, Powell Butte, and Pleasant Valley. Students then move on to Oliver or Centennial Middle School, and finish at Centennial High School, which is known for its strong academic programs and its celebrated marching band.

Getting Around

Oregon Route 26 (Powell Boulevard) runs through the neighborhood and connects to Interstate 205. Many residents travel downtown by MAX light rail, with stops just north of the neighborhood. Bus lines run throughout the area, and biking is also a popular option.

Green Spaces and the Outdoors

Centennial is a great place to spend time outside. The neighborhood has parks, trails, and natural areas for all ages and abilities.

Powell Butte Nature Park

Powell Butte Nature Park is Portland’s second-largest park. It covers over 600 acres and has more than 9 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park sits on top of an extinct volcano, and on clear days you can see five Cascade mountain peaks from the summit. The park is also home to foxes, deer, coyotes, many birds of prey, and a rich variety of butterflies.

Parklane Park

After more than five years of construction, the expanded Parklane Park officially opened in May 2025. At 25 acres, it is now Portland’s largest developed park east of Interstate 205. The park includes a new playground, splash pad, basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, a skate park, a community garden, a dog off-leash area, covered picnic areas, and public art.

The park serves nearly 2,800 nearby households — including 828 families who previously had no easy access to any park or green space. The park was built using development fees, not tax dollars, and was made possible in part through a partnership with Nike and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park

This park was recently renovated with a new playground, picnic shelter, paved paths, a restroom, public art, and a grass soccer field. It honors a community leader and serves as a welcoming gathering space for nearby residents.

Lynchwood Park

A smaller neighborhood park with an off-leash dog area — a favorite with families and their four-legged companions.