Darcelle XV Plaza

Darcelle XV Plaza is a 0.46-acre park in downtown Portland located at the intersection of Southwest Park Avenue and Southwest Harvey Milk Street. The space features a stage, shade structures, overhead lighting, and a fenced dog area for visitors to enjoy.

The park originated in 1973 as O'Bryant Square, named after Portland's first mayor. The city council unanimously voted to rename it after Darcelle XV in 2023.

The plaza honors Walter Cole, a performer known as Darcelle XV who hosted one of the longest-running drag shows on the West Coast. It reflects the city's connection to its queer history and community.

The park is easily accessible on foot or by public transportation and offers wheelchair access to the main areas. Evening visits are supported by overhead lighting throughout the space.

This is Portland's first enclosed city park, an uncommon design choice for a public space in the city. The fencing was chosen to create a protected dog area and a defined green space within the downtown core.

Location: Multnomah County

Location: Portland

Inception: 1973

GPS coordinates: 45.52140,-122.68000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:42