Duniway Park

History and Origins

Nestled in southwest Portland, Oregon, Duniway Park spans 14.03 acres of green space with a story as rich as the city itself. Acquired back in 1918, this park holds more history than you might guess at first glance.

Before becoming the verdant space we know today, this area was actually Portland's first Italian settlement, with immigrants making it their home between 1900 and 1917. The park bears the name of Abigail Scott Duniway, a trailblazing writer, newspaper publisher, and women's suffrage champion. In a pretty remarkable achievement for the time, Duniway became the first woman to legally cast a vote in Multnomah County in 1912.

From Garbage to Gardens

Hard to believe now, but Duniway Park sits on what was once Marquam Gulch - a steep gully that was (prepare yourself) the city's garbage dump. We know, quite the transformation, right?

Today, the park's layout tells this story through its series of flat terraces connected by steep slopes - the physical remnants of that filled-in gulch. Its location near OHSU and Interstate 5 makes it easily accessible, but finding parking can be a bit challenging during peak times.

Lilac Garden

One of the true highlights of Duniway Park is its charming lilac garden. Tucked against hillsides draped with fir and cedar trees, this fragrant garden hosts around 225 lilac plants representing more than 125 varieties.

Most of these beauties are hybrids of Syringa vulgaris, creating a spectacular show of blooms from late March through early May. If you visit in June, keep an eye out for the impressive Japanese Tree Lilac - it's quite a standout. Beyond lilac season, the diverse trees within the park ensure there's always something colorful to appreciate year-round.

Athletic Facilities

In 1995, Duniway Park became a site of eco-friendly innovation when a new track was installed using recycled rubber. More than 20,000 pounds of athletic shoe soles donated by Nike, Inc found new life beneath runners' feet - pretty cool recycling project, if you ask us.

More recently, Portland Parks & Recreation teamed up with Under Armour in 2015 to give the recreational facilities a modern upgrade. This partnership resulted in several improvements, including a new turf athletic field and an illuminated running track completed in summer 2017.

Recreation and Amenities

The well-maintained running track circles the turf field, making it a favorite spot for joggers, walkers, and athletes looking to get their steps in. You'll often see the track bustling with activity, especially during evening hours when the lights come on.

Throughout the park, you can find benches and picnic tables where you can catch your breath or enjoy an outdoor meal. Clean restrooms and a porta-potty are available when nature calls.

Dog owners can bring their leashed pets along for the visit. If you're using public transit, bus lines 8, 12, and 14 stop near the park.

Duniway Park combines natural beauty, historical significance, and modern athletic facilities in southwest Portland.