Grant Park
Located on the border of Hollywood, this park is named for Ulysses S. Grant, who was once stationed at Fort Vancouver during the 1850s. The President graced this fair city three times while in office. The park is also adjacent to a high school that is the setting for Beverly Cleary's stories. With facilities for soccer, baseball, tennis, jogging and swimming, this park provides excellent outdoor entertainment for the whole family.
Closed now
Originally intended as an extension of the South Park Blocks, the North Park Blocks were the result of a donation of five blocks the city of Portland received from John H. Couch in the year 1869. In 1904, one block was reserved for women and children, and, two years later, a new block with a playground was added. After 1924, the park fell into disrepair, but Huo Baozhu's donation of bronze elephants in 2002 breathed new life into the facility.
Linnton Park
Spanning a lush green area of 8000 square feet (2438.4 square meters), the Fields Neighborhood Park is located in the Pearl District. It is the city's 33rd dog park and features the first dog off-leash facility. Designed primarily with the focus of being a dog-friendly park, ideas sourced from the city's dog owners were integrated during construction. Come here with your pawed friends and rest on tidy benches constructed for small/shy dogs. The park features a double-access entry as well as a water fountain.
This tree-lined parkway showcases Portland State University and its setting inside the city. Bronze statues of pioneers and other Portland characters look on as students and business people shuttle about. Sidewalks stripe the greenway, and alongside the park are national historic buildings and cultural attractions, including the Oregon History Center and the Portland Art Museum. The closest MAX stop is just a few blocks northwest of this area, outside the Multnomah County Central Library.
Director Park occupies the heart of Downtown Portland and characterizes a unique, urbane space. Although essentially categorized as a park, the area does not comprise of any obvious natural vegetation. What it does comprise of, is a fountain, an inspired glass canopy that spans an area of 1,000 square feet (93 square meters), a cafe and some artwork. There is also a large parking space underneath the park, that connects to the Fox Tower and the Park Avenue West Tower. As an initiative to further the cultural spirit of the city, the park organizes year-round programs with a focus on arts and culture.
Patton Square
This small, neighborhood park is a good place to sit back and watch the day dissolve. With grassy knolls and lots of greenery, the urban getaway is a cultural mecca. In the middle of blossoming North Portland, this neighborhood is a good example of how many races can come together and live peacefully. On the northeastern-most corner of the park sits the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center where you can view art depicting racial harmony. There are no fees charged.
