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Community Mindfulness

Swift Watchers from the documentary, On the Wing by Dan Viens

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!  
Please read, heed and share these tips for making the experience as wonderful as it can be.  The swifts, falcons and hawks will be there doing their part.  Please do yours too!

 

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