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Laurelhurst Park
By admin | February 29, 2008 Email Post Print Page
What’s to Love: If Sellwood park is the crown jewel of outer-southeast Portland, then Laurelhurst park is the crown jewel of inner-southeast Portland. Sellwood park is our family favorite, but Laurelhurst is probably the most beautiful park in Portland. There is plenty of green space for frisbee or frisbee golf, large trees for shading a gigantic picnic area, ducks in a serene pond, a paved walking path that rings the entire park, a community-events center, a small water feature, tennis courts, and a playground for the kids.
If you haven’t been to Laurelhurst, you’re missing out! It’s located in a vibrant area of Portland with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. Despite a constant barrage of visitors, the park service keeps Laurelhurst in tip-top shape. Here is a short video clip of my son doing some bouldering on the west-stone-wall, running around in the wade pool, and riding the chair swing.
Caveats: There were some terrible incidents at this park with people planting poisoned food for dogs. It’s hard to say why it happened, but people have been upset with off-leash dogs in the park. For that reason, if your dog is off leash, please stay in the off-leash area at the specified times, and keep a VERY close-eye on your dog.
Website: Portland Parks and Recreation site for Laurelhurst Park
Distance from Portland: Within 3 to 4 miles of downtown Portland
Recommended Ages: All ages.
Parental Stress Factor: This is a pretty low stress park. The play structures can get a bit overcrowded at times, but I’ve never had a problem at this park.
Physical Difficulty: There are some nice paved walkways throughout the park for kids or folks with accessibility issues. There are no steep sections, and it’s mostly flat.
Family Fun Factor: Medium to High - it depends on your family. My son is a “play structure” fanatic, so park hunting is one of our favorite things to do together. If your kids are growing tired of jungle gyms, there are still many things to do in this park.
Pet Friendly: Yes…there is a specific off-leash area and hours.
Weather Considerations: This is a decent park, even when it’s lightly raining. There are so many large trees here for cover. The kids’ play structure is a bit more exposed.
Insider Info: Perhaps you’re feeling up to a little b-ball? This is one of the better public courts for serious basketball players. If you don’t feel like playing, perhaps your kids will enjoy the show. This park also claims Wi-Fi accessibility. I’ve never tried it.
Family Tips: A classic picnic-park with entertainment available throughout the summer. Check the Portland Parks and Recreation website for concerts and outdoor theater. Also, the kids’ play structures are on the south-side of the park by the community center. I wouldn’t rate the playground at the highest level - some of the equipment is getting old. The blue, swinging chair is one of the most interesting pieces of equipment. Little kids seem to really enjoy it!
Technorati Tags: Laurelhurst Park, southeast Portland parks, parks with community programs, duck pond, frisbee golf, Portland Parks and Recreation
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Topics: Parks Playgrounds Pools |
April 17th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Quality hiking equipment can be a lifesaver, when on difficult trails. I always have a checklist of the items I’ll never leave home without.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Hi Layla,
Thanks for the comment! “A Checklist” - wow! I’m impressed with your organizational skills. I continually make the mistake of thinking that I’ll remember everything, but that never seems to work for me. On top of that, I can’t seem to get a list together.
Perhaps, if you get a chance, you can share some of your essential items?? Or maybe, a guest post in getting prepared for an outing.