Pettygrove Park

Design and Features

Pettygrove Park is characterized by a dense tree canopy that shades a core of internal asphalt pathways pivoting along grassy berms and basalt stone walls. The park's soft landscaping has earned it the nickname "Mae West Park".

At the southeast corner of the park, a reflecting pool and sculpture serve as a focal point for pedestrians. The sculpture, called "The Dreamer," was designed by Manuel Izquierdo and commissioned by the Portland Development Commission in 1979.

Landscape Architecture

The park is the second in a series of urban open spaces designed by American landscape architect Lawrence Halprin as part of the Portland Open Space Sequence in the South Auditorium District urban renewal area.

Pettygrove Park is composed of serene mounds of grass, trees, and stonework laid out among paths. Its design creates a peaceful atmosphere reminiscent of a valley or meadow, providing a stark contrast to the urban environment surrounding it.

Historical Significance

The park is named after Francis Pettygrove, one of the early settlers of the Portland townsite. Interestingly, the same coin used by Pettygrove and settler Asa Lovejoy to determine whether the city would be named Portland or Boston was flipped to determine which park in the open-space sequence would be Lovejoy and which would be Pettygrove.

Urban Connectivity

Pettygrove Park is part of a larger urban design concept. It is connected to other parks, including Keller Fountain Park and Lovejoy Plaza, by pedestrian malls.

This interconnected series of parks and walkways creates a unique urban landscape that combines natural elements with city planning.