Tag: portland parks

Three Fabulous Neighborhood Parks Along the I-205 Corridor

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Neighborhood parks are like hidden treasures tucked away amidst our bustling communities. They can offer a tranquil retreat from the urban bustle, a vast runway for your dog to get her zoomies out, or an imaginative space for your little one to simply be a kid!

The quality of life in Portland wouldn’t be so high if it weren’t for the community’s dedication to its natural, open-air green spaces. Not only do we boast one of the largest urban forests in the US (Forest Park), but almost every home in this city is within walking distance of a neighborhood park. If you live in Portland, you can rest assured you won’t have to go far to find your local park. 

With two rambunctious kids to wrangle, I’ve visited my fair share of parks in this city. Let me tell you about three of my fave lesser-known parks in my local stomping grounds, just east of the I-205 corridor:

Ventura Park: a large newer play structure awaits the young ones with creative minds, with a sliding turf hill, a dirt bike track, and a water station. There’s a picnic area, and dogs are allowed on-leash. There’s also a big grassy area to set up a sports game or chill in the shade and have a picnic. Located in Hazelwood/Mill Park neighborhood, 460 SE 113th Ave, Portland OR 97216.

Gateway Discovery Park: A fab gathering place for groups large and small, this inclusive playground is accessible to children of all abilities. There’s a skate park, and a splash pad for those extra warm summer days. Dogs are allowed 0n-leash. Located in Hazelwood/Parkrose Heights neighborhood, 10520 NE Halsey St, Portland OR 97220.

 

Luuwit View Park: With a separate fenced off-leashed dog area, this park is a great place to ensure fun for the entire family – furry friends included! Theres an impressive amphitheater, a newer accessible play area with with soft rubber flooring, a big slide and climbing structure. There is also a picnic area, extensive bike and foot paths, and best of all an expansive view Mt. St Helens! Located in Argay Terrace neighborhood, NE 127th and NE Fremont, Portland OR 97230.

 

Want more neighborhood park recommendations here in Portland? Looking for the best summer splashpads? Reach out, and let’s chat!

This SE Portland Park Has it All!

Posted on by David Columbus

Mt. Scott Park is a true Portland gem. Established in 1922, it boasts 11.2 acres of greenspace and outdoor fun. The park was named for Harvey W. Scott, editor of The Oregonian newspaper in the late 1800s.

Located at SE 72nd Avenue and Harold Street, this park has all the amenities you could want including:

  • Accessible Picnic Area
  • Accessible Play Area
  • Accessible Restroom
  • Horseshoe Pit
  • Picnic Table
  • Playground
  • Paths (paved & unpaved)
  • Softball Field

To reserve a sports field or picnic area, call 503-823-2525. Picnic Sites and Info.

Mt. Scott Park is also home to the Mt. Scott Community Center. The center has an amazing pool with a Spiral Water Slide and also offers:

  • Fitness Room
  • Gymnasium
  • Preschool Program
  • Roller Skating
  • Weight Room
  • Wireless Internet Access (WiFi)
  • Stage (Indoor)
  • Basketball Court (Indoor)

The Mt. Scott Community Center is scheduled for and expansion and upgrades. Read about the project details and timeline. It will be great to see the project completed to keep this community resource thriving. See you at the Park!

As an Earth Advantage Principal Broker, David serves buyers and sellers alike with his 20+ years of experience as a broker and investor.

His experience includes residential, commercial, investment property, and multi-family housing. He is a consistent multi-million dollar producer for whom smart, personalized client service is key. Over 90 percent of his ongoing business is referred from satisfied clients.

Views, trees, history and something for everyone – Explore Mt. Tabor Park

Posted on by David Columbus

When I am exploring a neighborhood for the first time I always end up walking to the closest park. These green spaces often tell a story about the neighborhood. How crowded is the local park on a sunny day? Is there a playground? Are people out with pets?

One of my favorite parks in Portland is Mt. Tabor park. This park has a little something for everyone. And, let’s face it in the midst of a pandemic outdoor spaces are especially important right now. Take some time to get outside and indulge in a little fresh air, some exercise, some bird watching and some time in the trees.

Mt. Tabor, a volcanic cinder cone, was named after Israel’s Mt. Tabor. The city built two open reservoirs on Mt. Tabor in 1894.  In 1903, landscaping of the park was started by architect John C. Olmsted and was continued through the early 1900s. The park was planned to feature naturalistic design, long staircases and curving walkways.  Some of the paths are even surfaced with cinder from the cinder cone.

Mt. Tabor Park’s many features include:

  • Stage (Outdoor)
  • Dog Off-leash Area
  • Paths (Paved)
  • Paths (Unpaved)
  • Basketball Court
  • Tennis Court (Lighted)
  • Volleyball Court
  • Accessible Picnic Area
  • Accessible Play Area
  • Accessible Restroom
  • Statue or Public Art
  • Picnic Table
  • Plaza
  • Playground
  • Horseshoe Pit
  • Picnic Shelter

For More information about the trails, plants and trees at the park or to be a park volunteer. Visit Friends of Mt. Tabor Park. 

Visit Portland Parks and Recreation Mt. Tabor page and the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park page to plan your next day at the park and get outside Portland!

Featured Image courtesy of Portland Parks & Rec

Exploring NW Portland – Hoyt Arboretum

Posted on by Living Room Realty

With spring peeking at us and the need to keep our social distance I wanted to share one of my favorite places with you. When I moved to Portland 19 years ago I explored this city like it was Atlantis, I wanted to take it all in and didn’t want to miss anything. After about a month of exploring I found myself at Hoyt Arboretum, what a dream. The Wildwood trail quickly became one of my favorites for a run or a slow morning stroll.

The arboretum is a curated museum with over 6,000 trees and more than 2300 different species from over 170 families, including 67 rare or endangered species. The collection was designed in 1930 by horticulturist and landscape designer John W. Duncan and I think if he could see how his vision has come to fruition he would be proud, it’s a very special place. If you live nearby I encourage you to take some time to connect with nature here, trails are still open though the visitors center is closed. If you don’t live in NW explore your local parks and trails, we’re fortunate to live in a city that has preserved the ability to connect with nature in some way in almost every neighborhood.

Please take care of yourselves, if we’re all socially responsible now we can get back to life as we knew it sooner rather than later. I’m sending love and gratitude out into the world and hoping the best for us all.