Portland Avenue Park

A Local Eastside Haven

Nestled in Tacoma's Eastside, Portland Avenue Park spreads across 13.4 acres as a cherished community space. This park functions as a neighborhood gathering space where Eastside residents come to relax, play, and connect. Throughout the day, you can find locals walking dogs, shooting hoops, or simply sitting on benches enjoying a moment of peace.

Fresh Changes Coming

The park is in the midst of a transformation. Parks Tacoma has been working hand-in-hand with residents to craft a thoughtful master plan. Rather than imposing changes from above, they're reimagining the space together with the community, focusing on enhancing recreation options, preserving open spaces, boosting public health, and honoring the area's cultural heritage.

What You'll Find Here

The park offers something for everyone. Kids can explore the playground with its wood fiber surfacing, swings, and various play structures (Though some equipment could use a refresh).

For sports enthusiasts, there's a basketball court with regular pickup games, a baseball field, a soccer field, and a tennis court. Interestingly, the park has also become a hotspot for rugby matches on weekends. A walking path loops around the grounds, ideal for morning jogs or evening strolls.

Summer Splashes

When summer temperatures climb, the park's water features become the main attraction. The swimming pool has moderate depths that work well for younger swimmers. The splash pad provides a zero-depth option for cooling off with various water jets.

Cultural Hub

At the heart of the park stands the community center, currently home to the Asian Pacific Cultural Center (APCC). This vibrant organization represents an impressive 47 Asian countries of origin, hosting cultural events and activities that add rich diversity to the park's atmosphere. If you're interested in checking out what's happening at the center, it's worth visiting their website for current hours and programming.

Honoring Heritage

The park's cultural significance runs deep, with ongoing partnerships with the Puyallup Tribe bringing Native American art to both the district and the Portland Avenue Community Center. These collaborations help preserve and celebrate indigenous heritage through thoughtful installations and community initiatives.

Seasonal Community Spirit

Come Fourth of July, the park transforms into celebration central. You'll find fireworks stands nearby, occasional food vendors setting up shop, and neighbors gathering to celebrate together. It's become something of a local tradition - a place where community members share in holiday festivities rather than celebrating separately.

Practical Park Perks

For gatherings large and small, picnic areas dot the landscape with tables and grills ready for afternoon cookouts. Restroom facilities are available, although early birds on weekends might find them still locked up. Community gardeners will appreciate the garden plots where locals tend to everything from flowers to vegetables.

Dog owners, take note: Portland Avenue Park is dog-friendly, making it a popular spot for four-legged friends to socialize and exercise. Just remember to keep your pup leashed and supervised - the park belongs to everyone, after all.