The Shack
at Sellwood Park
We’re bringing The Shack back for another summer of fun!
Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Events & Weekly Programming
History, Rentals & How to Support
Weekly Shack Newsletter
The Shack Opening Day Celebration
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Opening Day Celebration on Saturday, June 13!
Mayor Wilson and District 4 City Councilors Olivia Clark, Mitch Green and Eric Zimmerman were there to help kick things off!
With Music from Ants Ants Ants, storytime with Silpa Kona, trolley rides around the neighborhood, the Everything Under the Sun Parade, BodyVox, Caeser the No Drama Llama and so much more, we had a wonderful time celebrating with you!
We hope to see you at
The Shack at Sellwood Park soon!
Pop-Up Kid’s Concert
Jessa Campbell & The Saplings!
thursday, july 16 | 10:30 - 11:30 Am | Free | the shack at sellwood park
Step into the magical world of Jessa Campbell & the Saplings for a vibrant, nature-inspired musical adventure! Led by Parent’s Choice Award-winning artist Jessa Campbell and her lively bandmate Dave the Wave, this interactive performance takes the audience on a journey through the wonders of the Pacific Northwest ecology - where salmon make their epic migrations, monarch butterflies soar, and owls hunt in the still of the night.
With Jessa’s captivating voice, Dave’s playful antics, and upbeat, danceable tunes, the audience will sing along to eco-themed songs, move to rhythms inspired by animal migration, and join in activities that bring nature’s stories to life. Each song encourages creativity, curiosity, and paricipation - whether it’s learning how otters act as keystonen species or celebrating the rainbow after a storm.
We hope you can join us for a wonderful show!
The Shack at Sellwood Park
Annual Poster
Bring a piece of The Shack at Sellwood Park home. This poster features original artwork created by local artist Leah Samour, and is 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 poster is the first in an annual series…check back for the 2026 poster soon!
Summer Sing:
A Community Celebration of The Solstice
Friday, June 26 | 6:30-8:00pm | Free | The Shack at Sellwood Park
Come join us on June 26 to sing songs of the season, or teach us your favorite ditty!
Enjoy performances by Portland Revels youth musicians and from Renegade Rose Morris dancers.
All are welcome at this family-friendly event!
Sellwood Community House is thrilled to partner with Portland Revels for this event. Portland Revels produces live events that bring intergenerational community together through song, dance, storytelling, and ritual.
Piano.Push.Play: A Thursday Evening Piano Series
Thursday nights, 6:30-8:00 pm | Free, in partnership with Piano.Push.Play | The Shack at Sellwood Park
Join us for another season of piano performances by talented musicians, in partnership with Piano.Push.Play.
Our artists for the 2026 series are:
July 16: Megan Diana
July 23: Darka Dusty
July 30: Jackson Grace
August 6: Asher Fulero
August 13: Jason Buchanan
August 20: Vince Kelly
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
September 11: The Apricots
If you or anyone you know might like to play, please click here to fill out the interest form.
BodyVox at The Shack
four days a week | Free, in partnership with BodyVox | The Shack at Sellwood Park
Join us for another wonderful summer of dancing in the shade of the tall trees. BodyVox has lined up four classes that offer something for everyone. We look forward to dancing with you!
Class Schedule:
Mondays, 6-7pm: BeMoved with Daniel Kirk/Stephanie Miller
Tuesdays, 11-11:45am: Creative Movement for Kids with Hayate Alexander
Thursdays, 10-11am: Stretch Class with Emily Cole
Thursdays, 5-6pm: Open Contemporary with Alana Stubbs
Littles Classes at The Shack
Look for your favorite littles classes at The Shack this summer! These classes are $10, with advance registration required.
Click on the classes below for more information, age ranges, and to register!
Class Schedule:
Mondays: Ready, Set, Go!
Tuesdays: Music and Movement (No class June 30)
Wednesdays: Tiny Tumblers (No class June 24)
Wednesdays: Mighty Tumblers (No class June 24)
Friday: Ladybug Explorers (No class June 19 or July 3)
Tumbling at The Shack
Join us for three different levels of tumbling at The Shack this summer! These are stand-alone classes; sign up for as few or as many as you like. $10 per class, with advance registration required.
Click on the classes below for more information, age ranges, and to register!
Class Schedule:
Wednesdays: Tiny Tumblers (No class June 24)
Wednesdays: Mighty Tumblers (no class June 24)
Wednesdays: Terrific Tumblers (no class June 24)
Ethos Summer Drum Circle
Mondays, 11:00-12:00 | Free, in partnership with Ethos Music Center | The Shack at Sellwood Park
Join Ethos Music Center for a joyful drum circle experience!
This all-ages, all-abilities session invites families, musicians, and curious newcomers to discover the joy of hand percussion in the warmth of the summer sun. Whether you want to learn fundamental drumming techniques, pick up an instrument and jump right in, or simply dance along to the beat, our welcoming circle has a place for you.
It's playful, it's lively, and it just might be the most fun you've ever had making noise outdoors!
Swedish Staff Gymnastics
Wednesdays | 1:00-2:30 Pm | Free | the shack at sellwood park
June 17-August 19
Classes will take place at The Shack at Sellwood Park
Swedish Staff and Wand Calisthenics is a holistic approach to strengthening and stretching the whole body that is suitable for almost anyone. It is a versatile system of simple, yet dynamic movements that bring relief to stiff and immobile joints; while building muscle for functional strength and daily activity.
These calisthenic exercises are the creation of Pehr Henrik Ling; a Swedish doctor who lived in the late 1700’s and is considered to be one of the creators of modern gymnastics and exercise. He believed that gentle daily exercise was the basis to long term health and vitality. His system of exercises for the staff and wand reflects that philosophy by using a simple stick to manipulate the internal tension of the human body to adjust and correct imbalances in the muscles and fascia.
Spanish Storytime
with International School of Portland
thursday, june 25 | 10:45-11:15 am | Free | the shack at sellwood park
Join the International School of Portland for a playful storytime in Spanish! Whether you already speak Spanish, are curious to learn, or just love storytime, we would love to see you at the Shack!
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
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!
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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.
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!
Counselors-in-Training at The Shack
BodyVox at The Shack
Junior Staff at The Shack
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!
Support the Shack with a Custom Brick!
Purchase a personalized brick & become a part of the Shack magic at Sellwood Park!
These bricks will pave the surround at The Shack starting in the Summer of 2026.
Click Here to Purchase Your Custom Brick
Thank you for supporting The Shack at Sellwood Park!
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!