This 105-acre portion of Forest Park is filled with a lush forest, a remarkable trail and stories of times past. Donald Macleay donated this parcel of land to Portland in 1882 when he was tired of paying the taxes for it. The only stipulation was that hospital patients must have access to the area in the warmer months. The original owner of this corner of Portland was hanged for killing his nemesis and daughter's father-in-law with a shotgun.
This park is named for the man who named Portland, Francis Pettygrove. Pettygrove, a developer from Portland, Maine won a famous coin toss that gave him the right to name a new city of Oregon after his hometown. Across from the park is Lovejoy Fountain, named for the gentleman who lost the coin toss. Pettygrove owned Portland's first wharf, warehouse, store and house. Stop by this metropolitan oasis to take in the grassy knolls and a bit of Portland's history. There are no fees to use the park.
Closed now
Closed now
William Lair Hill, a Portland pioneer, was a lawyer and an editor. This park is named after him because he wrote many of Oregon's early laws. Just south of Downtown, the four-acre community park offers a playground, wading pool, art center, tennis courts and the shade of old trees. In 1927, Multnomah County gave the plot to the City of Portland. Lair Hill Park has remained a popular neighborhood interest and its proximity to the Terwilliger Parkway makes it exceptionally attractive.
Closed now
Stroll through a forest of old and majestic trees, play frisbee on the expansive grassy fields or just sit back and watch the wildlife from a comfortable bench. Park visitors should pack a lunch and picnic under one of the shady trees. In addition to a man-made lake, you will also find a large children's play area, more than 30 acres (12.14 hectares) of grass and trails, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, restrooms and more. Laurelhurst Park has graced the City of Roses since 1911.
