Gabriel Park

A Piece of Portland History

Tucked between the Maplewood, Multnomah, and Hayhurst neighborhoods of southwest Portland lies Gabriel Park, a sprawling 90.65-acre green sanctuary with its main entrance at SW 45th Avenue and Vermont Street.

The park's story began in October 1950 when Portland's Parks Bureau snagged an 87-acre piece of land for $120,000. Before becoming a public park, this land - complete with two small creeks and wooded areas - was the Pine Creek Dairy operated by Swiss immigrant Ulrich Gabriel, whose name now graces this urban oasis.

Natural Beauty Abounds

About 30 acres of Gabriel Park remain as natural area, featuring a charming pollinator meadow, an ecological nature patch, and the gentle flow of Vermont Creek. The park's mix of paved and unpaved trails accommodates both dedicated runners and those who prefer leisurely strolls.

In 2020, the park got a trail makeover with improved paths and signage throughout the natural area. The trails wind through woods that provide a surprising escape from the city, with glimpses of the Coast Range visible on clear days.

The park's rolling hills create perfect natural platforms for catching breathtaking sunsets or simply cloud-watching on lazy afternoons. When snow blankets Portland, these same hills transform into the neighborhood's favorite sledding spots.

Recreation for Everyone

The park features baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and sand volleyball courts scattered across the grounds. Skateboarders can shred at the 10,000-square-foot skatepark added in 2008, featuring an impressive 8,000-square-foot snake run with unique perimeter elements.

The tennis courts have recently joined the pickleball revolution, with six outdoor hard-surface courts now serving both sports. Gabriel Park offers two fenced 1.75-acre dog off-leash areas: a summer spot with actual grass (a rarity among Portland dog parks) and a winter alternative with sand surfacing that reduces mud.

A Park for All Abilities

A notable recent addition is the inclusive playground that opened in 2022. Thoughtfully designed for children of all abilities, this play space ensures everyone gets to join in the fun.

The playground features accessible routes to all equipment, inclusive play elements, and sensory-rich experiences. Kids can test their skills on the climbing wall, bounce on the in-ground trampoline, cool off at the water feature during summer months, or try out various swings designed for different abilities. Parents appreciate the soft rubber ground surface throughout the playground, the partial fencing, and the convenient picnic tables nearby.

Community at Its Core

At the northwest corner stands the Southwest Community Center, a hub of activity with its indoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness room, gymnasium, and community spaces. The center hosts classes and activities for all ages during the year.

The park's community garden and orchard invites residents to get their hands dirty and connect with urban agriculture. When fruit season arrives, you're welcome to pick from the orchard's bounty.

A versatile stage area near the playground hosts community events and performances, while numerous picnic tables dot the landscape - with a particularly nice cluster of about ten tables in a shaded hillside spot offering lovely park views.

Gabriel Park balances managed recreation areas with natural spaces, providing opportunities for active recreation, quiet enjoyment, and community connection.