Generations of Portland’s
children have played here.

Once open farm land, in 1879 the property was deeded by Albion P. Chapman to the City of Portland, with the stipulation that it always be used for children and for educational purposes. The city erected a public elementary school, known as the Chapman School, on the site. When the neighborhood population expanded, a larger school building was erected nearby, and in 1984 Breakwater School, an independent school for children from early childhood through middle school, acquired the building as well as a small portion of the property.

For many years, the City of Portland and Breakwater School have enjoyed a shared role in providing the community with a park for play and recreation. Dramatically downsized budgeting is limiting resources for maintaining and improving Portland’s parks and green spaces. The city park at Nason’s Corner has endured significant use - wear and tear by generations of Portlanders. It is deserving of the attention we are working to provide through this public/private partnership.