Laurelhurst Park studio reopens after seven-year closure

A 1920s arts and dance studio inside Laurelhurst Park will welcome the public again on Saturday, Sept. 26, seven years after Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) budget cuts forced it to close.

The nonprofit Sellwood Community House is taking over the Tudor-style building under a $1-per-year lease from PP&R. In exchange, the organization will fund capital repairs, run programming and maintain the space, according to KGW. No new city capital investment is required.

The grand reopening runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free. Visitors can meet staff and learn about planned classes in dance, fitness and arts education.

Laurelhurst Studio is the third city-owned building Sellwood Community House has pulled from Portland's deferred-maintenance backlog. The nonprofit struck a similar $1-per-year deal in 2019 to take over the Sellwood Community Center, which had operated as a city-run facility for 100 years before losing its funding. In 2025, the group revived the long-dormant "Shack" in Sellwood Park as a free recreation hub. The Shack drew more than 10,000 visitors during summer 2026, open seven days a week.

PP&R eliminated $137,646 and one full-time position when it closed the Laurelhurst dance program in its fiscal year 2019–20 budget, according to city budget documents. The studio shut down alongside the Sellwood, Hillside and Fulton community centers.

Ashley Murray, executive director of Sellwood Community House, said the reopening builds on a straightforward idea. "We're bringing back what people loved about The Studio while creating new opportunities for the community to learn, gather, connect and celebrate across generations," Murray told KGW.

In a December 2025 interview with Portland.gov, Murray described the nonprofit's approach as restoring what was once ordinary in Portland: play, recreation and time spent outdoors.

Portland City Council voted on Dec. 3, 2025, to transfer the Sellwood Community Center property to the nonprofit outright. The city announced the Laurelhurst Studio partnership on May 6.

PP&R Interim Director Sonia Schmanski said at the time that the studio would again serve as an accessible community space for dance, fitness, arts education and gatherings.

Programming at the Laurelhurst Studio will reflect partnerships with local and culturally specific organizations, according to the city's announcement. Sellwood Community House can be reached at 503-894-9496.

Upcoming