Errol Heights Park

Park Overview

Situated in Portland's Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, Errol Heights Park spans 16 acres of diverse terrain. The park is essentially a tale of two worlds - an upper plateau with recreational facilities and a serene lower wetland area, connected by an elevated boardwalk.

Natural Features

The lower section is where nature truly shines. You can find yourself wandering through Oregon ash wetlands and alongside the gentle flow of Errol Creek as it makes its way to Johnson Creek. This area has been preserved to protect the natural habitat.

The trails here offer a peaceful escape from city life, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Listen closely and you'll hear a symphony of birdsong - local birds, ducks, and geese are regular residents, while deer occasionally make an appearance. It's a little pocket of wilderness that birdwatching enthusiasts particularly appreciate.

Exploring the wetlands is made easy with well-maintained trails, boardwalks, and dedicated wildlife viewing areas that let you get close to the marsh ecosystem without disturbing it. While the paths have some elevation changes, most people find them quite manageable.

Recreational Amenities

Head up to the upper section, and the vibe completely changes. Here, recreation takes center stage with amenities for everyone. The playground is a standout feature - kids love the tall climbing structure that looks like something out of a pirate adventure, along with thoughtful sensory play elements. During summer months, the splash pad becomes the neighborhood cooling spot.

If you're into skating, there's a beginner-friendly skate park that's excellent for learning or casual rides. Basketball enthusiasts can shoot some hoops at the small court, while the picnic areas offer a great place to relax with multiple ADA-accessible tables. The open grassy spaces invite impromptu games or just lounging with a good book.

What's nice about this park is how it prioritizes accessibility - you'll notice many features accommodate different skill levels and mobility needs, with concrete paths connecting everything in the upper area.

Unique Connections

The 337-foot long elevated boardwalk links the upper and lower sections. This ADA-accessible path lets you easily navigate the steep terrain between the two areas. It's worth walking just for the perspective it offers - a transitional space between developed recreation and natural wilderness.

Art and Culture

As you explore, keep an eye out for the thoughtful public art installation created by artists Terresa White and Mike Suri. Their sculptural elements cleverly reflect the park's natural features and local wildlife, adding a cultural dimension to your visit.

Facilities

When nature calls, you'll find a restroom facility near the playground - a single-stall Portland Loo-style bathroom that's generally clean and well-maintained.

One thing to note: parking is limited to on-street spaces in the surrounding neighborhood, which can fill up quickly during busy times.

Recent Improvements

If you're impressed by what you see, you should know that Errol Heights Park went through a major transformation completed in January 2024. This $12 million project transformed what was once an underutilized space. The renovation focused on restoring wildlife habitats, improving accessibility, and adding new amenities while preserving the park's natural character.

Today, the park offers a space where families play, nature enthusiasts explore, and neighbors meet - combining active recreation and peaceful natural spaces within Portland's urban landscape.