Wallace Park

Park History

Found in northwest Portland, Oregon, Wallace Park spans a modest 5.4 acres in the Nob Hill neighborhood. The park came into public hands back in 1920, thanks to city councilman Hugh W. Wallace (yep, that's where the name comes from), who had the foresight to set aside this little urban oasis for everyone to enjoy.

Recreational Facilities

Despite its relatively small size, Wallace Park offers a variety of recreational options. Kids have their pick of playgrounds with separate areas designed for the little ones and older children. It's nice to see that one of the play structures is partially wheelchair accessible too - a win for inclusivity.

Sports enthusiasts won't be disappointed either. Basketball courts, baseball fields, and tennis courts are all here, ready for your next game. And if organized sports aren't your thing, there's plenty of open grassy space ideal for frisbee tossing, picnicking, or just sprawling out with a good book.

One of the park's notable features is its recently upgraded fenced dog off-leash area. Your four-legged friends can run free in this dedicated space that now includes water stations, new fencing, a separate section for smaller pups, and a comfortable wood chip ground cover.

Park Amenities

Rain or shine (and let's be honest, in Portland it's often rain), the covered shelter with ample seating makes this park usable year-round. You'll also find benches scattered throughout, meant for people-watching or taking a breather after chasing the kids around.

Restroom facilities are available - though opening times may vary with the seasons - and there are plenty of garbage cans around to help keep this green space as tidy as it deserves to be. It's considered one of the cleaner parks in Portland.

Art Installations

The park also features some interesting art installations. Artist Bill Will created a whimsical collection called "Eleven Very Small Sculptures" in 1998 - these little bronze objects are hidden throughout the park and adjacent school yard like a casual scavenger hunt. There's also the 1980 sculpture "Silver Dawn" by Manuel Izquierdo that adds another touch of artistic flair to the landscape.

Community Atmosphere

Wallace Park functions as a neighborhood gathering spot. Its residential setting creates a relaxed atmosphere popular with families, dog walkers, and those seeking a quiet green space.

If you're visiting in the right season, you might witness something truly special - Vaux's Swifts performing their mesmerizing aerial ballet before diving into the chimney of the neighboring school building. It's an interesting natural phenomenon you might catch while visiting.

Future Enhancements

Exciting changes are coming to Wallace Park with the planned addition of a nature patch. Funded by a Percent for Green grant, this project will introduce native flowering plants, stormwater management features like swales and rain gardens, plus natural elements such as logs and boulders. These enhancements aim to capture rainwater, create wildlife habitat, and add even more natural beauty for you to enjoy.

Location

One of the perks of Wallace Park is its prime location in vibrant Nob Hill, just a short walk from the shops and eateries along NW 23rd Avenue. You can easily get here via public transportation - both bus and streetcar options are available. Just note that street parking can be a bit tight, as is often the case in Portland's popular neighborhoods. Nevertheless, this green space represents a welcome natural reprieve amid the urban bustle of northwest Portland.