Barsotti Park

Barsotti Park is my new favorite playground structure.  In fact, it is so new that Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation’s website doesn’t list the new playground as a feature.  I’ve tried to pin point why this structure is my favorite, but I think there are a wide variety of reasons. For instance, it is one of the few playgrounds that has 3 sections, one for ages 6-23 months or for all abilities, one for ages 2-5 and one last one for ages 5-12. The structure is also bright and lively with new climbers and spinners accommodated by a soft surface (turf) making it more accessible for all. Please keep in mind the soft surface does break as the walking path nicely goes between the older and younger play structures. The only concern I noticed about this park is there is a tree that kids like to climb, and below it seems to be an old post almost like a bird bath that could be dangerous if a child fell on it from climbing the tree. However, precautions should be taken anytime a kid climbs a tree! Overall, this is a well-rounded park and one I think you and your family will enjoy.

Click on maps for directions to Barsotti Park.

A pole that could hurt if kids fell off the tree.

Ridgewood Park

Today we were at St.Vincent’s so we decided to go to Ridgewood Park and play. We have been there a few times and it has always been enjoyable. Sometimes there are dogs off leash, but it has never hindered us from having fun. I don’t know if it technically is an off leash park or not, but it is accommodating for dogs to run in the nice open corner. Overall dogs seem to be preoccupied if they are with his or her owner, and kids can play at the playground. Every time we’ve come there have only been a handful of kids and the big blue plane (maybe dolphin) seems to be the main attraction. The tire swing is also fun, because they can be rare. Another rarity is this playground is manufactured by a company in Grants Pass Oregon. So it is nice to see some features such as the climber and various panels which make this park unique. One thing Ridgewood doesn’t have is a bathroom, but there is a drinking fountain. The last mentionable quality is the park is primarily fenced in except lacking a gate. Overall, I really enjoy going to this park because it is calm and I too like the big bouncing blue plane.

Click on THPRD to see their description of Ridgewood Park

 

Click on directions to locate Ridgewood Park via Google Maps

Willamette Park (Portland)

This summer while Playing in Portland my family and I noticed a Willamette Park we hadn’t played at.  We’ve played a few times at Willamette Park in West Linn, but never at the Willamette Park in Portland.  I guess, since the Willamette River is 187 miles long there should be a couple of parks named Willamette Park. This specific Willamette Park is quaint, quiet and nice.  It consists of a small modern structure with fun features such as a log roll, spinners, and a four-person-size teeter-totter.  In addition, you may enjoy walking down the path to the boat dock and possibly see boats and skip or throw rocks in the river.  One down side to this park is you have to pay to park.  However, it only cost a $1.00 an hour.  Really I think an hour is a sufficient amount of time to play at this particular park because it isn’t that big.  In fact, in one hour we had time to play at the playground, climb a tree, throw rocks, walk down the dock and get a little muddy in the sand and water.  So for a $1.00 I think it is totally worth a new place to play.  So come check out another Willamette Park and have fun Playing in Portland.

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation to see their description of Willamette Park

Click on maps for directions to Willamette Park.  (To get to the actual playground it is best to drive past parking lot where the boats dock and past the tennis courts.)

Holly Farm Park

Holly Farm Park is a nice charming park at the edge of SW Portland.  It has an awesome skate park that your kids may love and even if they don’t skate my kids particularly love watching a tennis ball swerve all around the structure or they like running in the structure themselves. (You may want to grab a ball if you don’t keep one in your car. And of course this is all done when there are no skaters. Please be courteous and cautious.)  The playground itself is average size but has some unique features like a climbing attachment and steering wheel attached to a pole instead of a panel. There is an additional one on a panel, but I like the creativity of Play & Park Structures idea of putting a wheel in a different place. It also has a clatter/wiggle bridge, which is one of my favorite playground features. Holly Farm also has a nice open kind of oval grass area, which is perfect for Frisbee or kicking a ball around.  The only negative factor about this park is if it is a hot day there is no direct shade at the play structure.  There are trees that provide shade, but you might find yourself sitting on the grass or in a tree to stay cool.  Speaking of trees this park has trees that are fun to climb, I actually had to move out of the tree I was resting in because my kids wanted to climb it!  One of the last things to mention about Holly Farm Park is since it borders Tigard and Lake Oswego you could to do some park hopping and stop at Dickinson City Park which is just over a mile away or one of our favorites Westlake, which is just over 2 miles.  Alternatively, you could just stay at Holly Farm and enjoy all that is has to offer and have fun Playing in Portland.

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation to see their description of Holly Farm Park.

Click on maps for directions to Holly Farm Park

Conestoga Recreation Playground

Conestoga Recreation Center is such a phenomenal facility that even if you are out of the THPRD district you should come visit. I’ve blogged about their amazing splash pad and just in case you haven’t walked around the entire building you may have missed the cool playground. The playground it self isn’t huge, but definitely fun.  One of the coolest features is a unique fire truck in which kids can pretend to save the day as fire men and women or simply climb aboard and have fun. There is also another structure that has a fun double slide, an Air Dancer overhead, tire swing and more.  One thing I particularly like about the playground at the Conestoga Recreation Center is the bathroom is just steps away from the play structure. This is really nice when you are potty training a child and/or need a facility quick. The only minimal reservation that you may find about this park is it can fill up with kids fast.  If there is a class coming out to play from the recreation center, the playground will get crowded.  I find this to be a positive factor because it gives my kids the opportunity to make friends, but it could possibly overwhelm smaller children. Overall. I really like Conestoga Recreation Center and when we come, I try to not only go to the park, but also the splash pad if it is a hot day.  So if you find the playground to be too crowded maybe try out the splash pad or vice-a-versa.  Both of these activities make playing in Portland, a great day.

Click on THPRD to find out their description of Conestoga Recreation Center.

Click on maps for directions to Conestoga Recreation Center.

Ibach Park

Ibach Park is one of the greatest parks in the metro area to discover, learn, and play. You might be surprised that it has been around for a while, but it hasn’t lost a bit of its splendor. It actually has been around so long, there are dinosaur bones!  Well that’s a bit of an exaggeration, it isn’t THAT OLD, but there is a replica of dinosaur bones in which you and your kids can walk and/or dig through. Because there is so much to learn and explore at Ibach Park, it reminds me a lot of RiverPlay Discovery Village Playground in Eugene. (Which according to Spoonful.com ranks among “The World’s Best Parks and Playgrounds.”) Ibach and RiverPlay Discovery Village specifically have a few features that are the same such as the ferry, canoe, and turf representing a specific river. They are also both designed by Landscape Structures and teach Oregon history through one of the best ways of learning – play.  However, if for some reason your child gets tired of discovering the great history of the Tualatin Valley through play, they can either pretend to canoe to the other side of the river and cross the meteor and/or dig in the sand, which also leads to a slide and climbing structure. In addition, they can run across the grass, and twist and spin on a whole other playground. My only reservation about the main playground is just like Pirate Park the incline hill is a slippery slope for children.  My children, as well as others have gotten scraped knees and elbows from the turf and sand rubbing against their skin as they have run or slid down the hill.  Be careful.  (I tell my kids if they want to slide down the hill, slide down the actual slide. That is what it is there for.) Despite this minor per-caution Ibach Park is wonderful, and I forgot to mention always calm!  Truly its greatness must be unknown to many because Ibach Park has endless opportunities for your child(ren) to imagine, discover, create and explore.

Click on The City of Tualatin to their description of Ibach Park.

Click on maps for directions to Ibach Park.

Pirate Park

Pirate Park is a land of adventure!  At one time it was known as Bethany Meadows, but now, I guess it is known as Rock Creek Greenway. However, one sign says it is off of Morgans Run, now known as Water House Linear Park.  It is a bit confusing, and it took me awhile to find Pirate Park the first time I tried. I hope you will find it and discover how much fun it is.  Even though THPRD can change all the names of the walkways, I am going to stick with calling this playground Pirate Park.  Obviously I’m sure you can determine by the park’s nickname that it has a pirate theme.  The actual size of the entire playground is not gigantic, but definitely a good size.  If you have little ones, and more than one, it can be often hard to see them because there is what I would describe as levels, or more specifically hills at this playground.  The hills on the actual play structure are made out of turf, and one side is quite steep.  (In addition, sand can sweep over there and make it very easy to fall and slip.  Be careful!)  On top of the steep hill or top-level is an island lookout, which has two slides, one for little kids that slides down to the play structure that is designed for younger children, and then another larger slide that slides down to the bottom where you will find the bigger ship play structure. So all total there are three structures, and a sandpit with a water-spicket. There is quite a lot to do at this playground because there are six slides, various climbers, two walkway bridges, two swing sets and cool turf that mimics the ocean or the deep blue sea.  It is one of the best parks on the westside, but as I mentioned earlier a bit hard to find because it is tucked back in a neighborhood. You will have to park in the neighborhood and walk down a path to see the park.  If you park at NW Meadowlands Ter and NW Energia  once you get on the path you will turn left and probably be able to see the big porta-poty, if not the playground.  If you park on NW Brandberry, which turns into NW Hackney drive and NW Energia then you will want to turn right and walk down the path.  If you keep walking on the path you will see the big red and blue tent that rises over the structure for smaller children.  I mentioned there is a porta-potty and that is all there is.  I wish there was a restroom!  However, there is a QFC and shopping area (Starbucks, Piccolo Mondo Toy Store, Bliss Cupcakes and more close by.)  Overall this park is great fun, and one that kids should go to at least once. It is a park that definitely captures kids imagination and the sandpit alone can entertain some kids for hours.  So check out this great park and have fun Playing in Portland.

For directions to this park, click on maps. (This will lead you to park your vehicle at NW Meadowland Terrace and NW Energia St.)  If you would like to park at NW Hackey Dr and NW Energia st click here for an additional map.

Grant Park

Grant Park is a classic Portland park.  It is named after the president Ulysses Grant who visited Portland 3 times, and is home to the Beverly Cleary Sculptures Garden for children where life-sized statues of the beloved Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Henry’s Dog Ribsy continue to play.  Since Grant Park is an older park there is plenty of shade and you can also find water fountains from June 1st – Sept. 15th.  The main structure definitely has its wear and tear, but it still brings smiles to every child that climbs on board.  Some of the classic attributes about Portland City parks, like Grant Park is the steep steel slide along with old wooden bright-colored teeter-totters.  Grant Park also has a tire swing which can be hard to find.  Last, but not least if you have runners in your family Grant Park has a nice track to run around.  Having a track can be especially beneficial if you and your family participate in family runs during the summer.  Overall, Grant Park is a great place to walk, run, bike, climb and do everything fun when the sun starts to shine.  So get out and have fun Playing in Portland!

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation to see their description of Grant Park.

Click on maps for directions to Grant Park.

 

Elizabeth Price Park

Do you want to go to a park in which you can walk on water? Elizabeth Price is the place! This park has so much to offer for being a small park and you really can walk on water because a portion of the park is on top of a water tank. I love this park because there are numerous ways to incorporate education and play. For instance, there are signs in which you can teach your child about wildlife, agriculture, conservation, history, and geography. There is also a labyrinth in which you can discuss spirituality, or because of the park being on water you may want to bring up the biblical narrative of Jesus walking on water. The only downfall of this park is there are no restrooms. So, if you are not close to home, go to the bathroom before you leave and in case of emergency you can hop on HWY 99 fairly quickly to get to a restroom.  The last thing to mention about this park is the new structure and it is nice fencing.  So bring a friend or schedule a play date because this is a lovely park tucked away on beautiful Bull Mountain.

Click on City of Tigard to see their description of Elizabeth Price Park.

For directions to this park click on maps or Elizabeth Price Park.

Dickinson Park

When you are looking for a quiet park in Portland, Dickinson Park is a great option. It is on the edge of SW Portland, minutes from Tigard, and it is a refreshing space. There is a beautiful view in which adults can admire while your children climb on a modern playground made by Landscape Structures. One of my favorite features about this park is the talk tubes, they are great to pretend you are ordering via a drive thru or talking to someone in outer space. The downside of this park is there are no bathrooms, and it isn’t a playground I would pack a lunch for, but the beauty and awe of watching the horizon or your kids running in the field is majestic. Check it out and have fun Playing in Portland!

Click on maps or Dickinson Park for direction to this park.

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation to see their description of Dickinson Park.

Red Tricycle also recently mentioned this park as a destination place in Portland.