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An inventory of the greater Portland area's public parks, as conducted by reading at least one chapter of the Bible in each of them

Second Thrid of the Year

Name of Park: 5th Street
Location: SW 5th Street near Alger Avenue, Beaverton
Owner: Tualatin Hills
Chapter(s) Read: Galatians 3
Notes: Walked from Elsie Stuhr / Hall Park, but closest bus route is 88 on Lombard. Left by Walking to Griffith Park. Small park has a fairly nice, but small playground, and a few benches, but has little shade and is very close to a busy road (though thereis a fence between the busy road and the park). The park is, however, one of the few recreational opportunities close to nearby appartments. This chapter contains the famous statement about there no longer being a difference between Jew and Greek, slave and master, male and female, for we are now all one in Christ, as a conclusion to a section where Paul argues that the Galatians have started to rely on traditions of the flesh rather than on faith.
Name of Park: Albert Kelley
Location: SW Boundary Street at Approx. SW 35th Ave, SW Portland
Owner: City of Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 16
Notes: Closest bus routes are #55, #56 #54, but I walked from Hamilton Park. This park is very hilly, with one large flat spot created for soccer. It is probably a fairly good picnic spot, and there are lot of fairly tall trees. I didn't get a chance to explore this park much the first time, and plan to visit again. This chapter contains Paul's personal greetings to those in the church in Corinth, after his substantial letter.
Name of Park: A. M. Kennedy (signs at park just call it "Kennedy")
Location: SW 101st Ave near Laurel Street, Beaverton
Owner: Tualatin Hills P &R
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Corinthians 11
Notes: Arrived on bus 58-Canyon Road, and walked all the way down 102nd Ave., left on bus 54-Beaverton-Hillsdale Highay, but only with some considerable difficulty in crossing the road. Park has swings, playground equipment including merry go round, swings, and slide. Single picnic table. Open grass areas, as well as lots of trees, some of which at the north end are fairly large. There is a drinking fountain (open spaces are in sun!) and a basketball hoop. The park is far from busy roads, and is fairly quiet. The apostle Paul uses a lot of interesting literary structures. In this chapter, he writes as a fool would, as sort of sarcastic illustration about how silly some comments are that have been made.
Name of Park: April Hill
Location: SW Logan Ct at Approx. 57th, SW Portland
Owner: City of Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 13
Notes: Closest bus route is #1, but walked from Bauman Park. Park contains flattened games field, but is on a slope most of the rest of the distance, including a steep drop into a wooded canyon. The park can only be accessed by two dead-end streets. Don't believe the maps that show SW Canby Street connecting from the west, as it does not, and I spent a little time looking for it there, as I was trying to find an easy way to Hideaway Park. There is a small playground, plus a few trees scattered about the grassy areas. Gravel pathways go to several places in the park. This is a very famous chapter in the Bible: the "Love Chapter". It is about the nature and value of love. We can accumulate all kinds of facts and skills on Earth, but eternally the most valuable thing is love, for the things of this world we can not take into the next.
Name of Park: Bauman
Location: West end of tiny SW Ames Way, Raleigh Hills area
Owner: Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 12
Notes: Park is currently wilderness, with only a few signs indicating its ownership. This chapter, with its importance of the various parts of a body functioning the way they should, applies to any group of people.
Name of Park: Beaverton Swim Center
Location: 53rd Street & Main Ave, Beaverton
Owner: Beaverton
Chapter(s) Read: Psalm 56, 2 Corinthians 12
Notes: Arrived on bus 54, Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, crossed highway at the last stop before the bus turned into the Beaverton Transit Center. The amount of time taken to get to this park, or even into the real downtown Beaverton, through all the congested streets, illustrates the problem of not having the transit center closer to downtown Beaverton. The swim center has a small grassy area and a paved bike trail along the western edge, with a few trees, and a bag dispenser for bags used to collect dog poop. Other that that, everything is inside the confines of the building. An outdoor concrete pad is somewhat puzzling. Basketball court without the baskets? Psalm 56 is partly about trust in the Lord. We have no way of knowing what God is wanting to do with our lives unless we are willing to let our lives be completely turned over to him. 2 Cor 12 is part of an explanation that takes several chapters. The weakness that Paul may be perceived as showing at times is for the sake of the Corinthian church.
Name of Park: Bryant Woods Nature
Location: SW Childs Road & Canal Access Road, Lake Oswego
Owner: Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Kings 4
Notes: Two picnic tables and some gravel trails through this suburban wilderness park. Includes high grass as well as forested land. In the days when few knew much of plant life or animal life, Solomon was given eyes and understanding into even those things. Perhaps appropriate that this would be read in a wildlife preserve.
Name of Park: Burnside
Location: Betwen Willamette River, Buck Street, and Edgewater Court, West Linn
Owner: West Linn
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 6
Notes: Mostly wilderness, with only a few traces of trails, but signs showing the location of the trails exist on a few local streets. A large, wide trail along the river appears to be in progress, or perhaps it is a maintenance road for the city's sewer lines running through the area. There is some boat noise on the river during warm summer days, but it is possible to get away from it somewhat by going to the far south edge of the park. The narrow channel between the island and the river discourages all but a few fishermen. Everyone is addressed in this section, including slaves and masters (the fact that slaves and masters in this culture would probably have been shocking to the rest of the society), and all are encouraged to do what they can to allow the progress of the Gospel message. We are told that our enemies lie not among men, but among the evil spiritual powers of this dark age (vs 12). This means that, for example, slaves and masters should not be considering the other as an enemy, but instead understand that the spiritual powers that are our real enemies can be overcome if we treat our traditional social adversaries in a kind manner (see instructions to slaves and masters). In this way others ee that our lives are different than those around us.
Name of Park: Canal Acres Natural Area
Location: SW Childs Road & Canal Access Road, Lake Oswego
Owner: Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Kings 3
Notes: Little exists in this park other than the sign that indicates who owns it. It is, therefore, a complete wildlife preserve area - even more so than the Bryant Woods on the other side of the road. A trail leads into the park, though, and I went down it a short ways to read this chapter. The request for wisdom is already a wise move on Solomon's part. Yet, we see that despite all the wisdom given, and the advice of the book of Proverbs, Solomon participates in the long standing offerings at the various "high places" (pagan places of worship) as well as constructing a temple to the Lord. We begin to see Solomon's dual-heart for pleasing the people and pleasing the Lord.
Name of Park: City
Location: 5th Street & Washington Ave, Beaverton
Owner: Beaverton (?)
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Corinthians 13, Proverbs 3
Notes: Walked from Beaverton Swim Center. The east side of the park has an open grass area, while the west side has a number of trees and picnic tables, as well as a playground. There is a fountain designed for the children to play in as well. This is a very busy park, even on weekdays. It seems to be THE place to come in the area for children to play. The bad news is the traffic noise and hazard formed by the nearby busy roads, but thankfully they are not as busy as many roads in Beaverton are. This little area of downtown Beaverton is actually fairly pleseant, in stark contrast to the horrific mess between Canyon Road and the Beaverton-Hillsdale highway. This chapter is a conclusion of the book, and Paul notes that the difficult things that the Corinthian church is going through is helping to lead them to purification. It sureis hard to accept such trials as beneficial, isn't it? Decided to also read Proverbs 3 - accepting God's wisdom is part of trusting in the Lord. We may get wisdom, as Solomon did, but best to continually lean on God.
Name of Park: Custer
Location: Capitol Hill Road, N. at approx. Custer Street, SW Portland
Owner: City of Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 8, 9
Notes: Closest bus route is #44, but walked from Gabriel Park. Also close to bus routes on Barur Blvd, and left park on bus #65X (OHSU-Milwaukie). Has drinking fountain, rest rooms, baseball field, and small playground. The view to the east looks like it might be good on a clear day. Big mistake was leaving the park on SW Capitol Hill Road. Walking along the road is dangerous for several blocks because it is very narrow and many drivers seem to think they are on the interstate. It is possible to get to the park from SW Canby Street by 24th Avenue, and from the west Miles Court and Custer appear to go through as well. These two chapters are about giving. Paul's instructions to the church in Corinth include statements about the quality of the will being of primary importance.
Name of Park: Duniway
Location: between SW Terwilliger & SW Barber south of Sheridan, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: Acts 27
Notes: walked from bus route 8. The park contains a number of recreational facilities, including a track and football field. There is a view of Mt. Hood, but only through the power lines that cut across the end of the park. "We" is used in the book of Acts a lot by Luke. It is obvious that these things happened first hand to the writer, and that he spent a lot of contact with Paul. Therefore, there is no reason to disbelieve that the story was handed down word of mouth over many years.
Name of Park: Duniway Lilac Garden
Location: inside the sharp U tern in SW Sam Jackson, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: Acts 28
Notes: bus 8 is the closest, but walked from Duniway Park. This is actually part of the same park property, but the two areas have different signs, and so I am counting them separately. The two are slightly different in nature as well, since the Lilac garden is a cultivated area for the display of plants. The area suffers from traffic noise from the busy commuter route to OHSU and other medical facilities. To some extent it sounds as if Luke is expecting to write a third book to follow the Acts of the Apostles. There is no record of justice being served against Paul due to his run-in with the authorities in Jerusalem.
Name of Park: Elsie Stuhr Center / Hall Park
Location: Hall Blvd & SW Watson, Beaverton
Owner: Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: Galatians 2
Notes: Walked from Memorial Park. There is a small playground, some open grass, and a community center, as well as some picnic tables. There are a few trees for shade, but not many. However, those that are there are fairly well placed. The busy street to the west causes some noise, but it isn't such a busy street that it can not be crossed on foot. This chapter shows that the Jewish belief system also requires some faith, so that those who claim that The Law alone brings salvation are shown to be false.
Name of Park: Fanno Creek Trail (listed on some maps as Oregon Electric Right of Way Park)
Location: east end of SW Allen Blvd through to SW 86th Ave and beyond
Owner: Tualatin Valley Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 10
Notes: A single bridge to the west of SW 86th Ave, which if you look under it still has the old pieces of railroad trestle in place is the only remaining evidence of the Oregon Electric Railway having passed through this area. This is a continuation of the same sort of warnings that are in Chapter 8 (see Harman Swim Center Park), and about working to please others.
Name of Park: Gabriel
Location: SW Nevada & 40th, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 7
Notes: This is a reasonalby good sized park, and contains a wide variety of items. There is a baseball diamond that is relatively unknown on the far south side, plus a community garden and the winter dog off-leash area. The north side of the park has a much larger parking lot. Between the two is a stand of large trees, and there are a number of paths all over the park. Two of the streets near the park can get busy, but it is easy to get deep into the park and not hear the traffic. There are several streams that run through the park, and for those that like to sit and relax and listen to water flowing, there are places available.
Name of Park: George Himes
Location: SW Capitol Highway & Terwilliger, Portland
Owner: Portland (?)
Chapter(s) Read: Collosians 3
Notes: I just managed to arrive at the bus stop in downtown in time to get the bus 54 going up the hill, but the time I arrived there, not much time was left on the transfer slip. So, which way to go? I realized that the best course of action was probably George Himes Park, and then take bus 65 to Milwaukie, as anything else would simply take too much time. This park is mostly wilderness, but there are a few trails through it, as well as a few grassy areas that might be good for a picnic or reading a book. While there are two fairly busy streets nearby, it is easy to find a few places in the park that are muffled from the traffic noise.This chapter is yet another summary of the Christian life. Casting away anger in this society is not a particularly easy thing to do.
Name of Park: Governor's
Location: strip of land between SW Davenport and SW 14th and Spring, Portland
Owner: Portland (?)
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Kings 13
Notes: walked from upper reaches of Marquam Nature Park to Davenport Street. The park exists as a wilderness at this spot, but there is one small area of cleared grass. Quiet area, but not much here. Many expensive houses up here due to the view, but from the road or from the park there isn't much to see. The chapter contains a prophecy against those who are performing self-serving worship. It is somewhat difficult to understand the events surrounding the death of the prophet here. Perhaps these events happened to give yet more force to the prophecy?
Name of Park: Griffith
Location: SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton
Owner: Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: Galatians 4
Notes: walked from 5th Street Park. There are busy roads nearby, but thankfully the park is quite a bit more quiet. Grass and some shade with a number of medium sized trees, as well as a drinking fountain or so. Depressed area in the center appears as if it is a throughfare for Beaverton Creek during the winter months. Departed on bus 54. Now that we know that we have been redemmed, live like we have been redeemed, and progress forward, not backward.
Name of Park: Hamilton
Location: Hamilton between SW 41st and 44th, SW Portland
Owner: City of Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 15
Notes: While trying to decide what bus route would be best to take next, bus #55 drove up. Realizing that this was an opportunity to get to a part of Portland not served by any other transit, I took the opportunity. The park has two sections, or so it appears. One section is developed into playground and grass fields, and another part is relatively untouched with some fairly good sized trees and some dense growth too. From the mound the runs perpendicular to Hamilton, it is possible to get a glimpse deep into the Tualatin Valley from here. Hamilton is the busiest road, and that is not extremely so. It is possible to relax in peace and quiet fairly easily here. This chapter contains the basics of the history of the Christian religion, and points out that the believers must face the prospects of death. If they did not see what they said they saw, then why would they run the risk of death?
Name of Park: Harman Park Swim Center
Location: Scholls Ferry Road slightly south of Heather Lane, Progress area
Owner: Tualatin Valley Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 8
Notes: Primary purpose of park is the swim center, but there are a few basketball hoops, a community garden area, and some playground equipment, as well as a few picnic tables and a little open grass. Nearest bus is #56, but I walked in from Garden Home Road, which is connected by a paved pedestrian trail. The concern expressed in this chapter is to build each other up.
Name of Park: Hideaway
Location: Oleson Road south of Oregon Episcopal School, Garden Home
Owner: Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 14
Notes: Closest bus routes are #1 and 45, but walked from April Hills Park. Oleson Road is not a pleasant place to walk, and the traffic is large in volume and fairly fast, with no sidewalks or shoulder in most cases. The park is somewhat deceptive when seen from Oleson Road. It runs fairly far away from the road, and has several paved trails connecting to other roads, which is good to remember if you try to walk here - the other roads have less traffic and therefore are safer for walking. From the south, the park connects to SW 68th, which eventually connects to Garden Home Road, which has bus service, and this is probably your best bet if you are trying to get here by transit. From bus #1, probably the best thing to do is go through April Hills Park to SW miles Street, and then SW Hickman Lane, which appears to have a well-hidden but paved trail connecting it to Hideaway Park. I was unable to find this path, and so went around on Oleson road for a short distance, and then found the trail from inside the park. The park has a small playground, one or two picnic tables, and a wetlands area set aside for wildlife preservation. Don't let the comment about women in this chapter distract from its basic message about how worship should be done in the church. Worship should be an act that helps build up the church, and not harm the people who come.
Name of Park: Johnson Creek
Location: SE 21st & Approx Clatsop, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: Deuteronomy 15, 16, 17
Notes: Arrived on bus 40, and left on bus 33. The park is somewhat quiet in terms of traffic noise, but the small playground seems to be busy with local kids sometimes, plus there are a few rowdy locals that seem to hang out here sometimes. They are mostly noise and don't seem particularly dangerous, but they can be distracting. A visit to the park on a weekday may yield different results, however. These chapters provide an interesting look into how the Hebrew nation was supposed to be managed. For example, all the verses that have to do with the foreigners living in the land - despite the later tradition of excluding foreigners (except when politically convenient) - demonstrate that those who are not part of the Hebrew nation officially should be part of the celebrations and customs, even if they are slaves.
Name of Park: Kelly Butte
Location: East of I-205 between Powell & Division, Portland
Owner: Portland (?)
Chapter(s) Read: Judges 1
Notes: Arrived on bus 72. Bus #4 is the closest, but I walked the distance before another #4 showed up. Decided to try again with this park, which is on the maps but doesn't seem to have an entrance. From the north, tried a few streets, and found that it is possible to get up into the trees a little bit on a road, with a small sign that mentions something about park regulations. However, when you walk up into that area, there is a fence around the top of the hill preventing access to a lot of places, and "Restricted Area" signs. Read chapter as close as possible to restricted area while still able to find comfortable seating on the curb of the road, and went back down. This will have to do - I've explored the area as well as I can, and there isn't an obvious entrance to this park, which if it is to be a wildlife preserve rather than a park is perhaps the intention. Originally planned to visit a store or two in the area, but just as I got to Division a bus #4 showed up going east, and so I got on and headed to Lynchwood Park. The start of Israel's downfall was the desire to have slaves and forced labor rather than to simply destroy the people that God commanded them to eliminate. Had God's orders been carried out, this entire unfortunate episode of history could have been prevented.
Name of Park: Knott Street
Location: NE Russell & 117th, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: John 20
Notes: Dedicated to the USA's Bicentennial, 1976. Nice playground. Single bathroom, games field, lots of picnic tables, and very little traffic noise due to busy streets being fairly far away. As I walked here from John Luby Park, I was very glad there was a pedestrian overpass at 122nd and Sacramento. Otherwise, it would have been nearly impossible to cross 122nd, and quite far to the nearest traffic light. Each record of the resurrection is a little different, but the message of hope is still the same in this chapter.
Name of Park: Lakewood Bay Park
Location: State Street, on the shore of Oswego Lake, Lake Oswego
Owner: Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: Phillipians 3
Notes: Nearby construction has obstructed the sidewalk from downtown Lake Oswego. "Sidewalk closed use other side" just doesn't work in this case, with the roads as busy as they are. I wound up going down 1st to the lake front, and going down a grand staircase that leads to the park, only to find a "No Tresspassing" sign at the bottom of the staircase, because of the railroad line. It is possible to cross, physically, to the park, but not legally. This must be one of the more bizarre city planning moves in recent years: to build a grand staircase...to a no tresspassing sign. The park itself has very little shade, and is very hot on a sunny afternoon. However, the park has a fountain for people to play in (not just children play there!) and some benches to sit in. If you are one of those that enjoys roasting in the sun, this is a reasonably good place to do that. The trees may grow somewhat to increase the shade in the future. In this chapter, Paul talks of how if anyone has reason to boast in physical traditions, he does, but in fact he does not. These things are not what is valuable now.
Name of Park: Little People's
Location: 5th Street & Maple Ave, Beaverton
Owner: Beaverton
Chapter(s) Read: Phillipians 4
Notes: Arrived on bus 54, Beaverton-Hillsdale Highay, crossed highway at SW 110th Ave, and walked down Maple Ave. A grand concrete sign, in the form of an arch bridge, announces the presence of the park. Unfortunately, the location is not the best. There is considerable traffic noise from Highway 217 (not as bad as some parks, but still fairly heavy), and 5th Street has a fair amount of traffic as well. The part of the park closest to 217 appears to be a wetlands wilderness of sorts, while the main part of the park has a small playground area, a picnic table, and a drinking fountain. While quite small, I'm sure that there are times that families in the nearby appartment complex come here to play. Paul uses the term "floyal yokefellow" to encourage other believers to find a solution to their personal differences, and help them realize that he is at work with them as well. He also shows a great deal of thanksgiving for the support gift that was sent by the church there.
Name of Park: Lynchview
Location: SE Clay & 165th, Portland
Owner: Portland (?)
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Samuel 23
Notes: Apparently this park is primarily used for sporting events, as it is nearly inaccessible if you don't know where it is and how to get to it. It is a huge grassey field that can only be visited by going to the very end of several obscure dead-end streets. Only a few small trees scattered about provide a little shade.
Name of Park: Lynchwood
Location: SE Franklin & 170th, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: Judges 2, 3:1-6
Notes: Walked from bus route 4. Picnic tables sit among tall, dense pine trees, and there is lots of shade. It is possible to hear a little traffic noise (SE 174th ave?) but reasonably quiet area. Nearby school adds some playground equipment and games field space, and it appears that deep inside the park there is an open space with no trees that could also serve as some games space. Forgetting about God causes distress in Israel's history, and where are the religious leaders?
Name of Park: Marrifield
Location: between NE Thompson and Eugene Streets, approx location of 119th Ave would be, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: John 21
Notes: Park mostly consists of open game field space. There are a few small trees, plus a set of swings and a teeter-totter. While I was there a group of girls was arriving for a game of some sort, so the game space is perhaps well used. From here, walked south to Halsey Street, and got there just in time to get a bus #77 to return home (after various connections). John appears to be recording, as an afterthought, that Christ gave a little extra encouragement to Peter, who wound up serving as the early leader of the Christian sect of Judaism, before it became considered a separate religion.
Name of Park: Marquam Nature
Location: SW Sam Jackson at U turn in road, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Kings 12
Notes: walked from Duniway Lilac Garden, crossing part of bus route 8. The park is actually quite large, and there are many streets that border it, but the main entrance and parking area is from Sam Jackson. The park entrance includes a shelter with historic photos and an explanation of how the park was started and a drinking fountain nearby. Most of the park is wilderness, with a few trails through it. Despite Solomon's wisdom, his son displayed a severe lack of wisdom and the kingdom promptly fell apart due to his greed.
Name of Park: Mary S. Young
Location: Willamette Drive / Pacific Highway, West Linn
Owner: State of Oregon Parks
Chapter(s) Read: Phillipians 1
Notes: I was able to find an entrance to the park from the residential streets on the south side of the park. This saved having to go all the way back to the main highway, although there is a fairly nice trail in that area that leads to the park. Park is mostly wild forest land, with a well maintained selection of trails through it. There is some large open land that could be used for games of various types. There are restrooms, a covered picnic area, a drinking fountain, and a number of picnic tables in the shade of the large trees in the forest of the park. Expect mosquitos during the summer. This section includes one of the popular promises and statements of faith in Christianity, "He who started the work in you will be faithful to complete it" (vs 6). Paul also gives his statement of faith for deliverance (vv 19-20) and of a better future ahead, even if he is killed (vs 21). Despite the fact that Paul has been put in chains, many are encouraged by the spread of the message.
Name of Park: McMillan
Location: SW 99th Avenue at approx 4th street, if it went through to this area, Beaverton
Owner: Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: Collossians 1
Notes: Walked from Little Peope's Park. I found that, unlike the maps show, SW 99th Avenue does not go through from the Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. Instead, there is a wall of bushes at the end of what is half street and half road, by the "9880 Building" There is, however, a small pedestrian walkway south that does connect to SW 99th Avenue. Walking south on 99th Ave, I was quite surprised to suddenly come across the park, as it is obscured by trees from that direction until you are right next to it. If I had been driving I would probably have missed it completely. The park contains playground equipment, tennis courts, and is located on a dead end street, and while the Beaverton-Hillsdale highway is within walking distance, it is not at all noisy in this park. The south edge of the park appears to be maintained in somewhat of a wilderness state, further keeping noise out. The only real trouble with getting to this park on foot from bus 54 would be trying to cross Beaverton-Hillsdale from a westbound bus. Thankfully, I walked here from the west and left on an eastbound bus, so that I crossed the road at a traffic light some distance away. In this particular chapter, Paul makes it clear that he is not trying to compete with the person that originally gave the testimony to the church, but he makes sure to specifically mention God's call going out to all people including the gentiles. Perhaps this is done so that if those who promote circumscription try to convince this church to go their way, as happened in many other churches, they have some background of another opinion.
Name of Park: Memorial
Location: SW 7th Street, SW Watson Ave & SW Washington Ave, Beaverton
Owner: Tualatin Hills P & R
Chapter(s) Read: Galatians 1
Notes: Walked from City Park. City Park is only about two blocks away, and it is still possible to hear the children squeel in delight in the fountain there. So, while SW Watson is a busy road and causes some noise, it isn't a constant roar, and it is not as busy as traffic near some other parks. This park is "dedicated to all veterans. All gave some. Some gave all." There are a few articles of military equipment, as well as the monuments, plus some picnic tables and benches, and a lot of really nice shade trees. The park seems to be extremely well maintained. The chapter is the introduction to the letter, where Paul notes how his ministry has been guided by Christ from the start, and gives those who may not have heard of Paul an introduction to his ministry.
Name of Park: Milwaukie Riverfront Park / Jefferson Street Boat Ramp
Location: between Oregon 99E and Willamette River, downtown Milwaukie
Owner: Milwaukie
Chapter(s) Read: Galatians 6
Notes: The sign on the park says Jefferson Street Boat Ramp, but there is more than the boat ramp here. In fact, a sign placed near the entrance talks of developing the park as "Milwaukie Riverfront Park". Other than the boat ramp and the bike path and some areas of cleared grass, however, there isn't too much to this park. It does have a very small beach-like area, and two benches, but little else of man made origins.
Name of Park: Multnomah Arts Center
Location: SW 34th & Capitol Highway, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 5
Notes: Arrived on bus route 44. Normally, I have not attempted to include the various community centers as part of this, since they are not parks. However, the Multnomah Arts Center is shown on some of the maps as having a fair amount of land associated with it, and it is owned by the Portland Parks & Recreation, so I decided to stop by and see what they were all about. This is an old elementary school. There are outdoor basketball courts that are covered, and the covering structure is obviously quite old. There is also a single picnic table, and a small playground. No one was sitting in the single bench by the playground, and so that is where I went. It had rained, and the plastic picnic table was still very wet, but the wooden park bench was quite dry already. Here, Paul gives us more examples of what it means to be Christ's ambassadors on Earth.
Name of Park: Oregon
Location: NE 30th & Irving, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Corinthians 10
Notes: I didn't see the practicality of waiting a fair amount of time for a transfer to the #19, so I walked from bus route #75 on 39th Ave. The #19 gets you far closer, depending on where you are coming from. There is some traffic noise in the park (NE Glisan, I-84, MAX, Sandy Blvd., etc.) but it is fairly distant. I found the park to be extremely active. There is a basketball court, and there was a game between a number of youths going on there. There is an extensive playground, and there were a number of children there. There are a number of park benches, a drinking fountain, and some rest rooms, and a small open space that could be used for a number of games. There are a lot of nice trees also that shade the park, and a number of benches and picnic tables. There is also an outdoor wading pool, but it didn't have water while I was there (June 24th). weapons of the world are not those of the Christian. Attempt to make every thought obedient.
Name of Park: Parklane
Location: SE Main and Millmain Drive, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Samuel 24
Notes: Playground equipment and game fields are quite popular here. Probably could use more shaded benches for mothers to watch their children. In this chapter, the people suffer due to a sin by Kng David. Yet, that is the way with rulers - when they do something wrong, the people suffer for it as well as the ruler. We can only hope that perhaps this series of events had some lasting impression on the King, and we can also hope that the national leaders of today might understand this as well.
Name of Park: Pendleton
Location: SW Iowa & 55th, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: Collosians 2
Notes: Bus 1 to Vermont was the next bus that came, and so took that up the hill to one of the last remaining near-southwest parks. I got off the bus at SW Illinois & Shattuck road, and this is a relatively level walk to the park down Illionis and 55th. However, one other way of getting to the park would have been to get off the bus at 54th and Cameron, and walk down 54th and a short trail at the end of the street to get to the park. I took this way to leave the park by going down to Beaverton-Hillsdale and bus 54/56, but I would not do this again because the Shattuck is narrow and the people drive quite fast, so it is quite dangerous for pedestrians. The park itself is very pleasant, with really nice shade over picnic tables, a fairly good sized playground including a spiral slide and swings, a drinking fountain, and restrooms. There is also a fairly good sized area with a baseball diamond and soccer field for games. The playground is not shaded during most the the day, however, and might be quite hot during the peak of summer. This chapter disusses how a Christian has freedom from various human traditions, which are only a shadow of the kingdom to come.
Name of Park: Pettygrove
Location: SW 2nd & Mill, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: Exodus 17, 18
Notes: Arrived on bus 10, and walked south a number of blocks. The only auto access to this park is from a few parking garages, which provide the most traffic noise. The rest of the city noise is mostly muffled. Even on a weekday afternoon, near rush hour, the park is fairly quiet. Moses sees God's way of providing for his people, once again, in several ways.
Name of Park: Portland State University
Location: College of Urban Affairs Plaza, PSU, Portland
Owner: Portland State University
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Kings 14
Notes: Arrived on bus 8, and had some time before something useful would come. So, decided to sit in the plaza within listening distance of the fountain. However, I did not sit near the plaza that day due to the very hot conditions, and the fact that the plaza has no shade. There is a fountain here, and the streetcar line goes through, but much of the plaza is vacant. In this chapter the gift of leadership is given, then rejected, and then given again to those who are more deserving of it.
Name of Park: Raleigh - Scholls
Location: Scholls Ferry Road at what would be approx. SW 74th, if it existed here, Raleigh Hills
Owner: Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 11
Notes: Quite small park, but well shaded. It has some swings, a picnic table and a single basketball hoop. It was difficult to find due to the fact that the entrance is not visible from any public street. At the summit of Scholls Ferry road in this area is a water tank. From the parking lot of the water tank, look to the southeast, and it is possible to see the only public entrance to this park. The trail continues through the park, but ends up in an appartment complex parking lot. There is some traffic noise, but it is somewhat muffled. Nearest bus route is #56 on Scholls Ferry Road. As with 1 Cor 14, don't let the comments about women distract from the true meaning of this chapter. How we dress may honor or dishonor the Lord, depending on the culture, but Paul is severely critical of the way the Corinthian church is treating its poorer people when the believers come together to worship. The disrespect shown the poorer members of the congregation is unhealthy for the body of believers. Unfortunately, there are many who have issues when it comes to clothing and other minor items, but when it comes to serious issues such as the relationship between believers and the respect shown to eachother, the issue is ignored. The chapter is less about how women dress in worship than it is about where the proper emphasis needs to be in how people worship together - somewhat of a continuation of the process started in chapter 8 (see Harmon Park Swim Center).
Name of Park: Raleigh Swim Center & Park
Location: On SW 78th Ave between Miner Way and Northshire Street, north of the library, West Slope area of Washington County.
Owner: Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Cor 4
Notes: Park is fairly good sized, with picnic tables, some playground equipment, and outdoor swimming pool. There is probably another swimming pool inside the building as well. There is a lot of shade. The park it quite hilly, and I didn't get to explore some parts. A paved trail connects the park to SW Ridgewood, with a small entrance area from that street. There is a nearby school that has some playground equipment too, and some trail that appear to connect it all together. Bus route 55 is the closest bus, but walked here from West Slope Park. There is some complex material in this part of Corinthians, but the "We are persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed" theme has always been a favorite. The first century Christians had little to look forward to once they converted to Christianity, but convert to Christianity they did nonetheless.
Name of Park: River Run
Location: South end of River Run Drive, Lake Oswego
Owner: Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Kings 5
Notes: The park is fairly undeveloped yet, but there is a single gravel trail that leads through the park and over a bridge. The park is along the Tualatin River, and could be a valuable asset at some point. I almost did not visit this park, however, as the entrance is hidden by what appears from the distance to be the start of construction for another house. It is interesting that the foundation to the temple is laid with a friendship. God doesn't dwell in temples alone, and our religion needs to extend beyond official duties.
Name of Park: Rivergrove
Location: SW Marlin & Dogwood Drive, Rivergrove
Owner: Rivergrove
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Kings 6
Notes: This is Rivergrove's only public park, so it is not good to be too harsh. The lawn is mowed, but what little playground equipment there is, is in a state of neglect. Benches in park also seem somewhat neglected, though there are worse in a few other parks. Perhaps it is appropriate that I read the chapter that deals with the construction of Solomon's temple here. Eventually, this glory would fade and the building would be robbed of its treasures, and eventually even lose its spiritual value as the people placed idols there.
Name of Park: Rockwood Central
Location: SE Main and 178th, Gresham
Owner: Gresham
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Samuel 22
Notes:Main street here is not that busy. It is a reasonably pleasant park, with game fields, and all the assorted items you would expect in a normal city park. One item that I have not seen in other parks in the area is a frizbee golf area. In this chapter, there is finally some sort of domestic peace of sorts in the land of Israel, and a king that actually has serving God as his desire.
Name of Park: Rose Garden Arena, plaza
Location: south side of Rose Garden Arena, Portland
Owner: Oregon Arena Corporation
Chapter(s) Read: Deuteronomy 31
Notes: The fountain is a favorite of the children (and some adults). However, the place is severely hot on a sunny day, and the trees are still very small, so that there isn't much shade. On the day I visited, all of the shady spots were taken, and no one was sitting in the sun because it was too hot there. The severe amount of concrete reflects the heat around so that even on a mildly warm day this spot is very unpleasant - if you are not one of those playing in the fountain, of course.
Name of Park: Rossman
Location: 4th & C Streets, Lake Oswego
Owner: Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: Phillipians 2
Notes: This neat little park is tucked away on several non-main streets in downtown Lake Oswego. There are several tall trees, and in the summer there are also a lot of flowers in bloom, and a fair amount of shade. There are picnic tables, and a small playground area, and a drinking fountain, as well as a small sheltered area. Paul asks that those who follow Christ have the attitude of Christ, including all the humility and attitude of serving.
Name of Park: Southwest
Location: Powell Blvd & SW 5th, Gresham
Owner: Gresham
Chapter(s) Read: Judges, last part of chapter 3, all of chapter 4
Notes: Park is untamed "second growth" wilderness, but contains a few unofficial trails. Not officially open to the public though. This is part of the attempt to preserve Johnson Creek. Walked from Lynchwood Park, and left on bus #9. Through this part of Jewish history, the people kept forgetting about God, and disaster would come. God would provide a leader, and the leaders helped them deal with whatever crisis was going on. In this section, Deborah is one of the religious leaders that is helping to guide the nation, but part of her message is ignored.
Name of Park: Southwood
Location: SW 63rd & Pamela, Portland
Owner: Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 5
Notes: Park is mostly wilderness along Ball Creek, with a few gravel trails connecting the local streets. Yes, you read that right, the location of the park is in Lake Oswego, but I walked to the park from Portland, and the park sits right on the Portland - Lake Oswego line. A trail also connects to SW Suncreek drive in Lake Oswego, and that is the road I exited the park. We should be imitators of God, if Christ is truly a part of our lives, and that may mean sacrifice.
Name of Park: Spring
Location:
Owner: City of Milwaukie?
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 1
Notes: Park is mostly wilderness along Willamette River. Entrance is somewhat hard to find, as it is only a trail through the bushes, with a small sign identifying the park.
Name of Park: Spring Garden
Location: Between SW 35th on Spring Garden, Portland
Owner: Portland
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 6 to 7:1
Notes: This park is not yet developed. It exists as a cut field, with a sign on it that says "No Unauthorized Vehicles on School Grounds" and another that announces public hearings for feed back on the new "Spring Garden Park". Found a place under a tree as shelter from the rain, and started reading. The Cornithians were advised that now is the time of Salvation, and not to put any stumbling blocks in any path for those who are wanting access to Christ.
Name of Park: Vance
Location: SE Main and 182th, Gresham
Owner: Gresham
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Samuel 21
Notes: Walked from MAX, which started a loop through several parks. 182nd is a busy road, with a fair amount of noise, but the park runs deep and it is possible to escape this traffic noise. However, there is also a gravel pit at this location that has the capacity for some considerable noise as well. Park has a few picnic tables and pathways, and a roller hocky arena.
Name of Park: Vista Brook
Location: Accessible from Fanno Creek Trail, but appears to also be connected to SW 88th Ave south of Scholls Ferry Road, Raleigh Hills
Owner: Tualatin Valley Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Cor 9
Notes: Drinking Fountain, Tennis Courts, and playground equipment. It is really a fairly nice park for its size, and it is not that easy to hear traffic from Scholls Ferry Road. There is more noise from the nearby appartment complexes. It is therefore unfortunate that the park seems nearly unused. It is a warm Saturday afternoon, and somehow I am the only person in the park? I walked from Allen Blvd. on the Fanno Creek Trail, but best bus route access is probably #56 on Scholls Ferry Road. This chapter shows how we should be willing to sacrifice parts of our lives so that others may not fail. Paul and other church leaders, after all, run the risk of being killed, so should it be that important if we have to do without meat for the sake of helping a weaker brother in the faith?
Name of Park: Waluga
Location: Quarry Drive & Douglas Way, Lake Oswego
Owner: City of Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 2
Notes: The entrance to this park is tucked back into a local neighborhood of Lake Oswego. There are many interesting resources, including drinking fountains, two well developed baseball diamonds with scoreboards, bathrooms, bleachers, and a reasonaby sized playground in the shade of the trees. The large parking area is in direct sun in the afternoons, but there is a smaller parking area on the road that is in the shade of the big trees in the area. Christ removed the barrier of sin, so that we now have direct fellowship with God.
Name of Park: Westlake
Location:
Owner: City of Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 4
Notes: I hiked up the city of Lake Oswego's inter-park connection trail that runs between West Waluga Park and Westlake Park. There was a baseball game in progress with an announcer and a fairly good sized crowd on hand. There are small covered picnic areas and playground equipment, but most of the park is dedicated to sports complexes, and both of them were busy this day.
Name of Park: West Slope
Location: SW 73rd Ave immediately south of Canyon Road, West Slope area, Washington County.
Owner: Tualatin Valley Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Cor 2 & 3
Notes: Quite small park, and while the main entrance is on 73rd, it is also possible to get there from the intersection of SW Crestdale & Maple, and this is how I came in. I walked here from West Sylvan Park, by crossing Canyon Road at SW Canyon Lane, at the traffic light. Thankfully there is a sidewalk from this intersection to SW Crestdale, and while a left turn is illegal for automobiles, I was on foot, so that didn't matter. The park has a few small trees, playground equipment and a drinking fountain. Traffic noise is not as bad as some parks, but certainly present, and it is possible to see, let alone hear, the racket of SW Canyon Road from a small part of this park. The concern is always for the people and what is best for them in their spiritual growth. Now that Paul has written a distressing letter to the church in Corinth, and writes to them to change their ways, not to condemn them.
Name of Park: West Sylvan
Location: SW 81st & West Slope Drive, West Slope area, Washington County.
Owner: Tualatin Valley Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Cor 1
Notes: The first bus that came was a 58, headed for Canyond Road. I decided that this park was best reached by that bus. I wound up getting off at SW Canyon Drive and walking uphill all the way to get to this park, while almost getting killed by several drivers on SW Canyon Lane. If I take a future trip to this park by bus, I would get off at the east end of SW Canyon Lane and walk from the traffic light there. It is possible to hear Highway 26, but it isn't as bad as perhaps could be expected, considering how close it is to the park. Perhaps this is because the park sits above the highway. The park is reasonably good sized, and has tennis courts, some playground equipment, and a large open area for games (soccer and/or baseball diamonds). The park must be very hot in the summer (though it is June 19, it is a cloudy day, and I would not have wanted to visit this place on a sunny day) as the trees are all at the edges so that there is little shelter from the sun. There also does not appear to be a drinking fountain, so teams playing in the fields must have to bring their own drinks. In this chapter Paul makes one of the large parenthetical statements that apparently is rather common in Greek. He talks all about how he really expected to be able to visit the church in Corinth, but plans do change, and God did deliver him from a horrific problem in Asia.
Name of Park: West Waluga
Location: SW Walluga Drive, Lake Oswego
Owner: City of Lake Oswego
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 3
Notes: Small playground, mid-sized open grass area, much of park area is wilderness without trails. This means that there is wildlife on all sides, and the park is fairly quiet, and very free of traffic noise away from the road. There is a small covered picnic area. There is little shade in the usable portion of the park, but around the edge of the park there are a few benches that do have partial shade. HOT place on a hot sunny day.

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