Pettygrove Park

Design and Features

Tucked among Portland's downtown buildings, Pettygrove Park features a lush canopy of trees shading winding asphalt paths that meander along grassy berms and basalt stone walls. With its curvaceous landscaping, it's earned the playful nickname "Mae West Park" from locals who appreciate its shapely contours.

In the southeast corner, you can find a reflecting pool paired with a sculpture called "The Dreamer" - a Manuel Izquierdo creation commissioned by the Portland Development Commission back in 1979. This artistic focal point often catches the attention of passersby.

Landscape Architecture

This green space is the second jewel in the Portland Open Space Sequence, a series of urban retreats designed by renowned American landscape architect Lawrence Halprin as part of the South Auditorium District's renewal.

The park's composition of gentle grassy mounds, mature trees, and stonework creates a sense of tranquility that feels removed from city life. Walking through, you might feel like you're in a peaceful valley or meadow rather than downtown Portland - a contrast that aligns with Halprin's design intention.

Visitor Experience

Despite being nestled in the heart of downtown, Pettygrove Park offers a surprisingly serene escape from urban hustle. It balances spaciousness and intimacy, with benches scattered throughout where you can sit and relax.

The canopy of aged trees provides welcome shade, making this spot especially delightful during spring and summer months. The park tends to maintain a quiet atmosphere even during weekdays - you might find this space relatively uncrowded, even at lunchtime.

Accessibility and Amenities

You can reach the park via walking paths from SW Market Street, Harrison Street, 1st Avenue, and 4th Avenue. Getting here is a breeze with abundant public transit options - two different streetcar lines and three bus routes have stops nearby.

While you won't find formal picnic areas or public restrooms, the park welcomes four-legged friends and doesn't mind if you spread out a picnic blanket on its grassy slopes or enjoy lunch on one of its benches.

Historical Significance

The park honors Francis Pettygrove, one of Portland's founding settlers. There's a charming bit of city lore attached to its naming - the same coin that Pettygrove and fellow settler Asa Lovejoy used to determine whether to name the city Portland or Boston was later flipped again to decide which park would bear each man's name.

Urban Connectivity

Pettygrove Park isn't an isolated green space but part of a thoughtfully designed urban network. Pedestrian malls connect it to Keller Fountain Park and Lovejoy Plaza, creating a flowing green corridor through the city.

This interconnected series of parks and walkways creates an urban landscape where nature and city planning come together. The park connects Portland's waterfront and park blocks, contributing to the pedestrian network in the downtown area.