2019 Walk with Refugees & Immigrants

The third annual Walk with Refugees & Immigrants is presented by PP&R’s Parks for New Portlanders program in conjunction with the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Sunday Parkways, local nonprofits and refugee and immigrant organizations, and local elected leaders. The event celebrates the unique experiences of Portlanders of all ages and backgrounds. An estimated 5,000 people took part in the Walk in 2018.

“This event is a highlight of our Parks for New Portlanders program,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “We’re proud to welcome people of all backgrounds to Portland.”

All are welcome to take part, to support and celebrate with everyone who calls the Rose City home. Afterwards enjoy delicious food, multicultural music, and family fun at Knott Park.

For more information about the Walk in English and several other languages, please visit the event web page.

“Portland Parks & Recreation welcomes everyone to our park places and spaces,” says  Director Adena Long. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the City for a week – or your entire life. We are proud to celebrate Portland’s newcomers and help show them they are welcomed, appreciated, and to introduce everyone to the wonders of Portland Parks & Recreation.”

“Imagine never having had a country or community of your own – until arriving in Portland”, says SB Langh, a refugee from Southeast Asia. “I want to express my sincerest appreciation to Oregonians in general and to Portlanders in particular for their acceptance and support in all areas of our lives. The Walk with Refugees & Immigrants event shows us the love and care our neighbors have for the city’s newcomers.”

About the Parks for New Portlanders program

The Parks for New Portlanders (PNP) program is part of Portland Parks & Recreation. The goal is to provide opportunities for recent immigrants and refugees to connect with the broader Portland community. PNP works with community partners and City leaders to design and implement culturally relevant programs. PNP strives to ensure that City services and spaces are welcoming and accessible to communities of color, new immigrants, and refugees.

With one in five Portlanders now foreign-born, addressing the needs of this new and diverse population is crucial as they transition to Portland’s community. The PNP program hosts sporting events like Portland World Soccer in the summer and the Intercultural Basketball Tournament in the fall.