Petersen Park

History and Significance

Found in west Eugene, Oregon, Petersen Park sprawls across 19.1 acres of green space. There's a bit of history woven into this park's identity, most visibly in the form of the community center that was once a barn.

The Petersen Barn Community Center has become something of a local landmark, hosting everything from neighborhood meetings to fun recreational activities. It's really become a bright spot in West Eugene's community landscape.

Recreational Facilities

The park offers several options for physical activity. You can find several baseball fields, basketball courts, and a soccer field spread throughout the grounds.

For the little ones, there's a cheerful children's play area complete with a tube slide and tire swing built on a sand base. The playground equipment is kept in good shape and offers plenty of fun for kids of all ages.

Walking and Exercise

We particularly like the half-mile bark trail that loops around the park. It's well-maintained and perfect whether you're going for a jog, taking your daily walk, or bringing your four-legged friend along for some exercise.

The trails have recently been refreshed with new bark, and there's no shortage of grassy areas and trees across the grounds. What's nice is that even after rainy days (which we get plenty of in Oregon), the grass holds up well. While the park is open year-round, it really shines during spring, summer, and fall.

Community Hub

At its heart, Petersen Park is a gathering place, especially for folks in the Active Bethel Citizens neighborhood. The community center runs various programs for seniors and hosts different community activities, making it a natural meeting point for social connections.

Come summer, the park comes alive with special events including outdoor movie nights, craft activities, and the annual "We are Bethel" fair that kids absolutely love. These events help bring the community together.

Amenities

You can find picnic tables dotted throughout the park, with some thoughtfully placed under shade trees for those warm summer days. If you need restrooms, they're available inside the Petersen Barn Community Center.

Dog owners take note: your pets are welcome here, but they need to stay on leash. The park is generally clean and feels safe, making it equally good for active sports or just relaxing on a quiet afternoon.

Connectivity

Getting to the park is pretty straightforward for nearby residents thanks to the Petersen Park Path, a short trail designed for both biking and walking. Running along a utility corridor between Echo Hollow Road and Hughes Street, this path helps northwest Eugene residents access the park without much hassle.