Community Mindfulness
People gathering to watch the Vaux's Swift swirl and enter into their night-time roost at Chapman School is an increasingly popular Portland past-time.
On any fair-weather evening in September you will be one of 500 - 3500 people arriving at and departing from this NW Neighborhood during the hour before and after sunset.
Before You Go...You Should Know!
- On-street parking near the school is very limited, especially on Pettygrove St. Your best defense is to plan to arrive early enough to park and walk a couple of blocks.
- Do not drive up Pettygrove Street beyond (west of) 26th Ave: It is a dead-end and easily becomes congested to the point of being hazardous. Please help the many residents of Pettygrove keep their own daily schedules -- as well as their sanity!
- Use the free parking at Forest Park Federal Credit Union at 2465 NW Thurman. See map.
- City parking authorities will be patrolling and ticketing vehicles for blocking driveways, double-parking and parking at fire hydrants.
- Public Transportation brings you within blocks of the school. Check out the Portland Street Car or Tri-met bus lines # 15 & 17.
- There are Public Restrooms at Wallace Park near the intersection of NW 25th and NW Raleigh St. This is the northeast corner of the park.
- Garbage cans are few and far between - Plan ahead! Bring your own garbage bag and take all your waste and recycling with you. This includes cardboard!
- Respect the property and privacy of neighbors - stay off lawns and driveways.
- Do not loiter on school grounds after the swifts have gone to bed - move to Wallace Park instead.
- It is illegal to smoke or drink alcohol on public school property.
- Remember that this event is supervised by YOU!
