Frances Street Park

Park Overview

Located in Hillsboro, Oregon, Frances Street Park spans 9 acres of neighborhood greenspace that feels like a breath of fresh air in suburban surroundings. The design creates a nice sense of openness, with paved path loops meandering through the landscape - great for a morning jog or an evening stroll.

There's something calming about pausing at the overlook area, where you can quietly observe local wildlife going about their day in the natural areas. If you're seeking a peaceful outdoor retreat, you'll appreciate the park's typically quiet atmosphere and clean, well-maintained grounds.

Landscape and Natural Features

The park features a diverse landscape - open grassy fields transition into wooded wetland areas, creating little pockets of habitat for the local wildlife. It's somewhat like a mini nature reserve within the neighborhood.

The terrain isn't completely flat, which adds character to the space. Those small hills might not look like much during summer, but come winter, they transform into perfect sledding spots for little ones when snow blankets the ground. Mature trees dot the landscape, offering welcome shade during warmer months and adding to the park's natural charm.

Recreational Facilities

The playground features artificial turf surfacing instead of wood chips, which is helpful for parents with young children since it doesn't end up in tiny shoes. Kids seem to love the spyglass feature that inspires imaginative adventures.

For the older crowd, there's a solid basketball court to shoot some hoops, and a sand volleyball court that was added in 2018 has quickly become one of the park's most popular features. The court is great for impromptu volleyball games on sunny afternoons.

Amenities

The park's covered pavilion is a practical centerpiece for gatherings, housing several picnic tables where you can enjoy a family meal protected from unexpected Oregon showers. The grilling facilities make this spot ideal for weekend barbecues - just bring your charcoal and favorite foods for a delicious outdoor meal.

You can find wheelchair-accessible restrooms (of the portable variety) that are regularly maintained, so you don't have to cut your park visit short when nature calls.

Community Value

For residents of the surrounding neighborhood, Frances Street Park offers a convenient green space to enjoy the outdoors without driving across town. The mix of recreation spaces and natural areas allows for different types of visits - whether you're planning an energetic family picnic or looking for a quiet moment of nature observation.

Dog owners will appreciate the dog-friendly paths that form a pleasant loop - ideal for daily walks with your four-legged friend. You won't struggle to find parking with ample street spaces nearby, and one of the park's unsung benefits is that it typically remains less crowded than other local playgrounds like Hidden Creek, giving you a bit more space to breathe and enjoy.