Maplewood, Portland, Oregon facts for kids

Maplewood is a suburban neighborhood. You can find it in Southwest Portland, Oregon, in the United States. It's a peaceful place where many families live.

Exploring Maplewood's Location

Maplewood is located right on Portland's western edge. It borders a place called Garden Home. Part of Maplewood even extends into Washington County.

Where are Maplewood's Borders?

The neighborhood stretches from SW 45th Avenue in the east to about SW 66th Avenue in the west. Its northern border is SW Vermont Street. To the south, you'll find SW Multnomah Boulevard.

Nature and Landscape

Maplewood has many small hills and rolling landscapes. Two creeks, Woods Creek and Vermont Creek, flow through the area. These creeks are part of the Tualatin River and Fanno Creek systems. The neighborhood also has lots of green spaces and natural areas.

How Streets are Laid Out

The streets in Maplewood don't always follow Portland's usual grid pattern. This is because of the hilly land. Some streets follow the grid but then end suddenly. Maplewood Road, which the neighborhood is named after, curves through the area. It starts near SW 45th Avenue and SW Multnomah Boulevard. It then becomes SW 52nd Avenue close to Maplewood Elementary School.

Neighboring Communities

Maplewood is surrounded by other neighborhoods. To the south is Ashcreek. Hayhurst is to the north. To the east, you'll find Multnomah. On the western side is the Garden Home–Whitford area.

Businesses in Maplewood

Maplewood is mostly a place where people live. Most of the bigger stores and businesses are located just outside its main area. However, you can still find a few small businesses right within the neighborhood.

Fun Places to Visit in Maplewood

Maplewood has some great spots for outdoor fun and activities.

Parks and Recreation Centers

• April Hill Park: This park is a bit hidden. It has a playground for kids and a soccer field. There are also trails that lead down to Woods Creek.
• Gabriel Park: Located just across 45th Avenue, this large park offers many activities.
• Southwest Community Center: Next to Gabriel Park, this center has pools, a gym, and fitness classes.
• Garden Home Recreation Center: You can find this center just outside Maplewood's western edge. It offers various recreational programs.

Places of Worship

Maplewood has several churches for different faiths.

Churches in the Neighborhood

• West Hills Friends Church: This Quaker church is located in the center of Maplewood.
• St. Luke Lutheran Church (ELCA): This church is near Vermont or 45th Avenue.
• St. John Fisher Catholic Church: Also located near Vermont or 45th Avenue.
• Multnomah Presbyterian Church: You can find this church on 45th Avenue.

Learning in Maplewood

Maplewood Elementary School

Maplewood offers several schools for young learners.

Elementary Schools

• Maplewood Elementary School: This public school serves students from kindergarten to 5th grade. It is part of the Portland Public Schools district.
• St. John Fisher School: This is a Roman Catholic school for elementary-aged children.

Middle and High Schools

Students living in Maplewood can attend other schools in the Portland Public Schools district.

• Jackson Middle School: This school is for grades 6 through 8. It is located near the neighborhood.
• Wilson High School: Students in grades 9 through 12 attend this high school, also close to Maplewood.

Maplewood Neighborhood Association

Maplewood has a neighborhood association. This is a group of local residents. They work together to make their community a better place. They help with local issues and organize events.