Couch Park

A Glimpse into the Past

Tucked away at the corner of Northwest 19th Avenue and Glisan Street in Portland, Couch Park carries a name that pays homage to merchant John H. Couch. The city scooped up this 2.39-acre (0.97-hectare) green space in 1977, creating a green space next to the Metropolitan Learning Center, a public K-12 magnet school with its own story to tell.

Before it became the community hub we know today, this land was home to quite the fancy estate. Cicero Hunt Lewis (who married Captain Couch's daughter Clementine) built a mansion here in 1881, complete with stables and a greenhouse - talk about 19th-century luxury living!

From School Grounds to Community Canvas

After the Lewis mansion was eventually torn down, the Portland School District claimed the property in 1913, transforming it into a playground for the then-new Couch School.

What makes this park special is how it came to life. In 1975, locals rolled up their sleeves and created a master plan for the space. Metropolitan Learning Center students and neighborhood residents didn't just plan - they actually helped build the park's original play structure. This community-built park officially opened its gates in 1977.

A Fresh Face for an Old Friend

Over time, Couch Park's facilities needed updating. The original wooden playground equipment, after serving generations of children for about 40 years, finally had to be removed in 2014 when it became unsafe.

But good things were coming. Thanks to the 2014 Parks Replacement Bond (kudos, Portland voters!) and partnerships with Harper's Playground and Friends of Couch Playground, May 2019 saw the unveiling of a completely renovated space. The new inclusive playground includes swings, slides, and climbing structures designed with accessibility in mind for kids of all abilities. The renovation also added a new plaza and a Portland Loo - because practical matters too!

Nature's Canopy

The park features over a hundred trees spanning dozens of species. From birch to cedar, elm to fir, maple to pine, and various fruit trees - it's like a living arboretum. The most common varieties you'll spot are European white birch and English trees, adding their distinctive character to the landscape.

Several heritage trees stand as silent sentinels to the park's history, including magnificent Sequoia, towering Douglas Fir, and a sprawling Horse Chestnut. Come spring, the flowering cherry trees put on a show that's worth marking your calendar for.

This diverse collection of trees provides cooling shade on hot summer days and surrounds the park's gently rolling hills, offering different perspectives throughout the space.

Something for Everyone

Couch Park combines aesthetic appeal with practical amenities. Parents will appreciate the partially fenced playground that helps keep little explorers from wandering too far. Hungry after all that play? Several picnic tables set on cement pads provide the perfect spot for a family lunch.

One unique feature that always catches visitors' attention is the musical instrument installation - a xylophone or metallophone that invites you to channel your inner musician (just remember to bring your own mallets!). It's these thoughtful touches that make Couch Park stand out.

When nature calls, you'll come across a Portland Loo public restroom conveniently located near the picnic area. And for those craving a bit more active recreation, basketball hoops on a blacktop surface adjacent to the Metropolitan Learning Center await your next pickup game.

A Dog's Paradise

If you've got a four-legged friend, you'll want to check out the unfenced off-leash dog area. It's become something of a canine social club where local pups can run, play, and make new friends. Just a heads-up - during Portland's famous rainy season, this area can get a bit muddy, so maybe keep those designer dog outfits at home.

You'll notice many locals stopping by daily with their pets, creating an informal community of dog lovers. Remember to clean up after your pup to keep the space pleasant for everyone!

Where Community Happens

Situated in Portland's historic Alphabet District, Couch Park is both a green space and where neighborhood life unfolds. Its central location makes it an easy stop for locals out on a stroll or looking for a place to unwind.

From time to time, the park transforms into an event venue, hosting free summer concerts organized by neighborhood associations. The open grassy areas provide flexible space for everything from frisbee games to picnics to simply lounging with a good book.

With its blend of history, natural beauty, and thoughtful amenities, Couch Park has earned its place as a treasured green oasis in Northwest Portland - a place where community and nature come together in perfect harmony.