Supporting Chapman Elementary’s Sensory Path Project: Creating a Cleaner, Safer Space for Students
Category
Community Projects, Pressure Washing
Published on
06.18.2026
Author
Spencer Polivka
Spencer Polivka
Scheduling Administrator
Spencer Polivka is NW Shine’s Scheduling Administrator, focused on keeping projects organized and running efficiently. He enjoys connecting with customers and is committed to providing timely communication and a smooth experience from start to finish.
A Community Landmark in Northwest Portland
Chapman Elementary has been a part of Northwest Portland since 1923, serving approximately 500 students from diverse backgrounds and languages. The school is also known throughout Portland for its famous chimney swifts. For nearly 40 years, thousands of Vaux’s swifts have returned each September, drawing neighbors and visitors together to watch the birds funnel into the school’s chimney at dusk.
For many Portland residents, Chapman Elementary is more than a school. It is a neighborhood landmark and a place that brings people together. That same spirit of community is what helped bring the school’s new Sensory Path project to life.
Supporting Chapman Elementary’s Sensory Path Project: Creating a Cleaner, Safer Space for Students
Category
Community Projects, Pressure Washing
Published on
06.18.2026
Author
Spencer Polivka
A Community Landmark in Northwest Portland
Chapman Elementary has been a part of Northwest Portland since 1923, serving approximately 500 students from diverse backgrounds and languages. The school is also known throughout Portland for its famous chimney swifts. For nearly 40 years, thousands of Vaux’s swifts have returned each September, drawing neighbors and visitors together to watch the birds funnel into the school’s chimney at dusk.
For many Portland residents, Chapman Elementary is more than a school. It is a neighborhood landmark and a place that brings people together. That same spirit of community is what helped bring the school’s new Sensory Path project to life.
Spencer Polivka
Scheduling Administrator
Spencer Polivka is NW Shine’s Scheduling Administrator, focused on keeping projects organized and running efficiently. He enjoys connecting with customers and is committed to providing timely communication and a smooth experience from start to finish.
A Project Two Years in the Making
The Sensory Path project has been nearly two years in the making, thanks to dedicated parents, PTA members, volunteers, and community supporters. Carrie, a Chapman parent of three, is one of many people who helped advocate for the project, organize volunteers, and bring the vision to life.
Through fundraising efforts like the school’s Fund Run, parents and community members came together to help make the Sensory Path possible.
What Is the Sensory Path?
The Sensory Path transforms a large asphalt area into a colorful and interactive space designed to give students additional ways to play, move, and reset during the school day.
Unlike traditional playground areas, the Sensory Path provides children with a calmer and more welcoming environment. The completed artwork creates opportunities for movement, creativity, focus, and quiet play while adding beauty and purpose to the playground.
Muralist Michelle Wald worked alongside parents, volunteers, and students to help prepare and paint the space during the spring of 2026.
Create a Cleaner, Safer Play Space With NW Shine
How NW Shine Helped Support the Project
Because Chapman Elementary is located just minutes from our Slabtown office, this project felt especially close to home.
Originally, NW Shine provided a quote to clean the asphalt and concrete surfaces that would eventually receive paint and artwork. To maximize the project budget, the parent team decided to clean the main asphalt area themselves so more funds could go toward materials and artwork.
After learning more about the project, our team wanted to help where we could. Owner Jonathan Vallejo volunteered his time, and NW Shine donated several hours of on-site support to assist with preparing portions of the project area at no charge.
Our crew helped by:
- Pressure washing concrete surfaces and wall ball areas.
- Removing organic buildup and surface contaminants.
- Cleaning light graffiti from portions of the walls.
- Removing loose paint and old striping to prepare the surface for new artwork.
We were honored to contribute to a project that will benefit local students and families for years to come.
Why Surface Preparation Matters Before Painting
Proper surface preparation is one of the most important steps before any painting or staining project.
Dirt, algae, loose paint, and other contaminants can prevent coatings from adhering properly. Professional pressure washing helps remove unwanted buildup so paint and coatings can bond more effectively and provide longer-lasting results.
The Chapman PTA and volunteers invested significant time and effort into the project, including using primers and proper preparation methods to help ensure the finished artwork remains durable and beautiful.
Whether you're planning a painting project for your home, business, HOA, school, or community space, proper cleaning and preparation can improve both appearance and longevity.
Proud to Support Our Portland Community
At NW Shine, we believe exterior cleaning is about more than appearance. Clean, well-maintained spaces help support safety, accessibility, and pride in the places where people live, work, learn, and gather.
We are proud to have played a small part in helping create a cleaner, safer environment for Chapman students and families.
Thank you to the Chapman PTA, volunteers, parents, students, and local neighbors who made this project possible. We hope the new Sensory Path provides years of enjoyment and creates lasting memories for future generations.
See the Difference with NW Shine!
Planning a Painting or Exterior Cleaning Project?
Proper preparation makes a difference.
Whether you're preparing surfaces for painting, staining, or simply want to restore your property, NW Shine provides professional pressure washing and exterior cleaning services throughout Portland and the surrounding communities.
Contact NW Shine today to learn how professional surface preparation can help your next project achieve lasting results.
Spencer Polivka
Scheduling Administrator
Spencer Polivka is NW Shine’s Scheduling Administrator, focused on keeping projects organized and running efficiently. He enjoys connecting with customers and is committed to providing timely communication and a smooth experience from start to finish.