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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 them2005 and 2006
Unfortunately, due to various drains on my time and distractions of various types, I didn't get out to the Portland area parks much during these years. Such is the nature of any recreational activity: some days (or years) just don't have much recreational time available.
- Name of Park: Ann-Toni Schreiber Park
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: 2 Peter 1
Notes: Arrived on bus route #29, after visiting Ardenwald Park. Park has playground, open field mostly for games, scattered picnic tables, benches, backetball hoops, and no rest rooms. There appears to be an area for portable toilets during "the season" (parks in the region will say "Restrooms closed for season" - so we can assume that there is some other "season" which requires the restroom to be open. There is usually no indication as to just what season - summer, football, baseball, ??? - is being referred to.) God is unwilling that any should perish, (v 3:9).
- Name of Park: Ardenwald
Location: most likely, city of Milwaukie, but unfortunately forgot to record what the sign said.
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: 1 Peter 4
Notes: Arrived on bus route #75, and left by bus route #75 and taking bus route #29 to Ann-Toni Schreiber Park. This is very much a neighborhood park. It has a small playground structure, a small covered picnic area, some open grass and some benches, one of which is shaded in the afternoon. Everything given to us in our lives is for the service of God in some way (v 10) and let love be our driving force (v8) and method of living for God (v1-2).
- Name of Park: Ashley Meadows
Location: Between Clackamas and Happy Valley
Owner: (?) probably North Clackamas, but possibly Happy Valley
Chapter(s) Read: Psalm 82
Notes: Walked here from Village Green, and left by walking to unknown park #1 on this list. Covered picnic area (very small), basketball hoops, grassy hills. Even in February, there are a few bird songs to be heard, but they came from a nearby field that contains a demolished house, so obviously that field (now incorporated into the city of Happy Valley) isn't going to last much longer. This Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from unjust rulers that inhabit and control the land, and acknowledges that God rules all nations.
- Name of Park: Aspen Crest
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Psalm 106
Notes: Suburban jungle (ie lots of blackberry vines and other items that prevent entry to al but the very adventurous). This praise to the Lord also acknowledges past wrongdoing. Since the previous parks this day were in Ephesians, it is interesting to note that city's problems with all manner of cults and devotion to idols. We are forgiven for past wrongs, but that doesn't give an excuse for persuit of those wrongs.
- Name of Park: Beaver Creek Greenway
Location:
Owner: City of Troutdale
Chapter(s) Read: Matthew 5
Notes:Walked to Strawberry Meadows Park afterward. Regarding attitudes needed to have to be salt in world.
- Name of Park: Bonny Slope
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Romans 10
Notes: Walked to The Bluffs Park afterward (listed under T, below). Park has baseball diamond, small playground, drinking fountain. Can't help but wonder how many of these vast, expensive, 4+ floor houses have had their huge windows broken by stray baseballs. Paved trail around park. Chapter in Romans deals with those who have exchanged God's way for their lives for their own way, and created their own god to serve - not limited to those who are outside the church either! Could be any materialism or other thing that takes the place of God and his way for us, and unfortunately there are many in our churches that live lives dedicated to other things.
- Name of Park: Bristol Avenue Park
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Ezra 1-3
Notes: Long-seeming walk uphill from bus route #72, across several intersections where pedestrians are fairly well ignored. It's not too dangerous, but care must be taken due to the speed with which the people in this particular neighborhood drive, particularly when they are coming down the hill. The park, however, is a gem for Clackamas County, as it is one of the few preserved open spaces with a view in Clackamas County. It is also one of the few places anywhere in the Portland area that there is much of a view to the south. Even here, however, the appartment complex to the west of the park somewhat obstructs the view, so that the best spot to see anything is from the top of one of the playground structures.
- Name of Park: Burton Park
Location: near Bonny Slope
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Numbers 27 ? (my records for this day are rather confusing)
Notes:arrived and departed on bus route 89. Park is a bit of a wilderness area, at least as of my visit approx. Jan 12. Chapter of Numbers has to do with making sure justice is done for those who are normally disadvantaged.
- Name of Park: Coe Circle / Joan of Arc Statue
Location: NE Glisan & 39th Ave, Portland
Owner: Portland Parks
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 1, 2
Notes: Sits at junction of bus routes #75 and #19. However, it is somewhat dangerous to get to this thing because it sets in the center of a junction of busy roads, with no real defined method of getting to it. It is best to get there early in the morning on a Saturday or Sunday or other very low traffic time. Because of the heavy bushes, the actual circle area is much quieter than I thought it would be. This is the city of Portland's only World War I memorial, maid or Orleans 1400s. We are pieces being put into a holy temple being constructed by God, and should alwasy be seeking a way to act that part.
See Coe Circle Park entry on VirtualTourist
- Name of Park: Curry Community Gardens
Location: Front Street and Curry Street
Owner: Portland Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: James 2
Notes: Yes, believe it or not, at this late date the signs for Front Street are still on the street signs in this partially forgotten neighborhood between the new South Waterfront redevelopment area and Oregon Health & Sciences University. Some day, they will probably be replaced with signs noting that this street is now Natio Parkway, but until then one small Portland tradition lives on. (Front Street was once a symbol of downtown Portland, and there was even a local television show called "Front Street Weekly" giving updates about important goings-on.) Arrived on bus route #56 from Union Station and Tanner Spring Park. In a remarkable showing of God's presence, the bus arrived at the stop only moments after my arrival at the bus stop. While not officially a park, this little community garden is after all still owned by the Portland Parks & Recreation, so I couldn't help but stop by the place on my tour of Portland parks. This place is a huge contrast to the Tanner Springs Park I just came from. Virtually the entire neighborhood is still as it once was, (not just the Front Street signs), except for the 1930s construction that built Highway 99W through this place. It is a huge contrast to ultra-new ultra-modern park and neighborhood I just came from. The enclosed feeling caused by the huge new downtown structures is simply not present here - at least not yet. Departed by walking to community garden across 99W on Gibbs Street. This section of James urges us to show no favortism, but mercy to all.
- Name of Park: David's Windsor Park
Location: surrounded by backyards in suburban area, near west junction of SW Scholls Ferry Road and Barrows Road, in the farthest SW corner of Beaverton
Owner: most likely, Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 4 - 5:2
Notes:Suburban Wilderness, many bird calls, including hummingbird. Small wetlands area as well. The lives of those who believe in something as large as the Lord who made heaven and earth should have lives that are different than those around us.
- Name of Park: Eastmoreland Garden
Location: east end of the Bybee overpass
Owner: City of Portland parks & recreation
Chapter(s) Read: 3 John
Notes: When the Bybee overpass was rebuilt, this area was set aside as a public area. It was dedicated in December 2004, well past the day I started visiting parks as part of this process. Visiting in April 2005, it hasn't been around that long, and is still very new looking. A drinking fountain, benches, and plants still undergoing planting are part of what is going on here (obviously still a work in progress as December isn't always the best time to plant things).
- Name of Park: Eastmoreland Playground
Location: SE Crystal Springs & 30th, Portland
Owner: Portland Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: Luke 3, 4
Notes:arrived on bus route 10 (#19 Rex branch route is the closest, or #75, but wanted to get a bit of a walk in anyway) and departed on route #33 by walking to Tiedeman Johnson Park (recently reopened) and using the "3 Bridges" (recently completed path). Park consists of a swing set and two teeter-totters. The sunlight in the afternoon on this Boxing Day 2006 was quite nice, but it seems like it would be a bit of a pain to use this park since there aren't even any benches for people to sit on and watch their kids. A drinking fountain would be kind of nice too.
- Name of Park: Firehouse Theatre (not to be confused with the Interstate Firehouse Theatre in North Portland)
Location: SW Upper Hall Street near 14th Street
Owner: Portland Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: Psalms 82, 22
Notes: This facility isn't exactly a park, and isn't even open to the public most of the time, but is owned by the Parks & Recreation as part of an effort to provide artist practice space. There happened to be a rather large concrete entry railing next to the sidewalk (the type that normally holds a lion or some such decoration) and read leaning against that. I probably should not include it as part of the parks, except that it is a city parks & recreation facility.
- Name of Park: Gibbs Community Garden
Location: Gibbs & Natio Parkway
Owner: Portland Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: James 3, 4, 5
Notes: Walked here from the community garden across the street, listed under the Curry Community Gardens. The gardens are right under the construction for the Portland Arial Tram, and thankfully one day the tangle of temporary piers that support the cable stringing operation will go away. This is quite an ugly mess that is above this park! Not so long ago, there was a fairly nice view from this area, but ongoing and planned development, plus construction of the tram, has eliminated some of that. Departed by walking downhill to the Old Spaghetti Factory on Bancroft, where they have a small park-like construct along the waterfront. This set of chapters is a continued reminder to show grace to all, but it also contains some fairly strong words against the wealthy classes. Leave all plans in God's hands, and that includes what to say, for God will give us the right words.
- Name of Park: Heron Lakes Golf Course and Delta Park Trail
Location: between Peninsula Intertie Trail and Delta Park.
Owner: City of Portland Parks / Heron Lakes Golf Course
Chapter(s) Read: unfortunately was not recorded, but most likely Mark 12, as a continuation of what was started on the Marine Drive Bike Path and continued on the Peninsula Intertie Bike Path
Notes: This is a gravel trail along the south side of the Heron Lakes Golf Course, and eventually runs along the south side of the Portland International Raceway. There are people who walk here, but upon my visit in October of 2006 I had to wonder why, as access to the trail was extremely difficult from the east end, and I wound up having to walk long a very busy freeway entrance ramp to get from that section of the trail to anywhere. Some of the trail is fairly quiet (such as along the golf course) while the area along the raceway depends on if there is a race or not. It was possible to see Mount Rainier off in the distance this day, and there was some wildlife such as heron and a few ducks from the nearby Columbia Slough.
- Name of Park: Jefferson Property / Washington Park
Location: S. of Highway 26
Owner: Portland Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: Daniel 4
Notes:Portland Parks & Recreation owns properties that are parks and poperties that are not parks. Their Jefferson Street property is not a park and has no access routes. It is in an area that was once Canyon Road that went from Jefferson Street up over the summit of the pass. When highway 26 was expaned and improved to include a tunnel through the ridge, this small piece of land became an isolated chunk with no access at all. The closest thing, however, is a piece of Washington Park (or maybe it is part of the Jefferson Street property?) that extends south past highway 26. A trail running through this corridor to Council Crest (the Marquam Trail) is the closest thing to pedestrian access available to the "Jefferson Street" property. Arrived on bus route #51, Council Crest, at 4-way stop where bus route crosses the Marquam Trail. There is a slight descent, but it isn't anywhere near as far or as steep as it look like it is at first. The trail goes down to the Zoo exit of Highway 26 to Washington Park, where it is possible to cross highway 26 and get to the Wildwood Trail and the rest of the Washington Park trails. UNESS YOU KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR there is no mark for the Marquam Trail coming from the zoo. The trail runs along the south side of the eastbound entrance ramp and goes up into the woods about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way down the entrance ramp. BE CAREFUL as approaching the trail from the zoo requires walking quite close to high speed traffic that is coming at you from your back.
- Name of Park: Jackie Husen Park
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Isaiah 11, 12
Notes: Arrived and departed on bus route 89. Originally, I came here looking for what was described on the map as "Jordan Park", and came to this one instead. Cleared land with scttered trees of all sizes. The grass is mowed, so someone is maintaining it. Nearby wilderness means my visitation was accompanied by bird songs and other such sounds, even on this late January day. Isaiah talks of God living among us and then there no longer will be danger, and God calling back those who had wandered away and were thus subjects of his anger in the past.
- Name of Park: Jordan Park
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Ezekiel 33
Notes: Walked from Jackie Husen Park, which is connected to this one. A single trail leads through the brush. Some people insist on shedding innocent blood, and if the prophet is sent by God and doesn't go, then the blood that is shed is on his hands for not proclaiming the message to turn from wickedness.
- Name of Park: Knight Park (name given on one map)
Location: somewhere along highway 26, around SW 18th Avenue
Owner: ?, maybe Portland Parks & Recreation (if it indeed exists), or mayby Oregon Department of Transportation due to the highway construction
Chapter(s) Read: Romans 2, 3
Notes: This "park" appears on one map, but in reality the only thing here now is a bike path that provides a short connection between SW18th and SW 14th along the south side of highway 26. It is an extremely unpleasant place to be, due to the horrific noise of the traffic. Most likely, this park existed before the highway 26 tunnel was built, and disappeared when highway 26 was re-routed to its current configuration, completely obliterating the park. However, that is only speculation based on the location shown for the park on the one map I found that shows this park here.
- Name of Park: Lost Park
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Romans 12
Notes: Walked from what might have been The Bluffs Park. Park has tenis courts, cleared grass, and a small winderness area on the south side of the park. If we ourselves practice evil to get revenge, then evil has won the victory over us as well. Instead, be a blessing to those around us. We are sacrifices offered to God - a reconnection to the start of the message.
- Name of Park: Marine Drive Bike Path
Location: between Marine Drive and Columbia River, along north and northeast Portland. Chose section near Portland Road due to proximity of other parks.
Owner: City of Portland department of Transportation
Chapter(s) Read: Psalm 83, Mark 9
Notes: This section of Psalms, among other things, reminds us that we were once God's enemies, but he has now turned us into his friends. In the chapter in Mark, perhaps Christ isn't so very angry with the Desciples exactly, but instead with those who do not admit their lack of faith, and admit they require help with their unbelief. The entire Marine Drive Bike Path suffers from road noise from the extremely busy Marine Drive, and this section is no exception at all. However, the environment is a bit unique. From this point it is possible to see the abadoned remains of an ancient steamship lingering in the Columbia River, and in the background is Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens, and across the river the last remaining wilderness of Hayden Island. There isn't much here in the way of amenities, but there are some concrete barriers that serve well enough as benches for the brief time I was here. There isn't even any public parking, but it is possible to walk from Smith & Bybee Lakes Park, or the MAX line at the Exposition Center. The nearest bus route only operates occasionally.
- Name of Park: Old Spaghetti Factory
Location: Old Spaghetti Factory, at the end of Bancroft Street along the river.
Owner: Old Spaghetti Factory
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 1, 2
Notes: At some point in the future, this short pathway is supposed to be part of the Willamette River Greenway Trail, but today it is simply a short park-like walkway that the Old Spaghetti Factory allows the public to use, and is separate from the rest of the trail to the north and south. There isn't a huge amount of shade here, as much of the trail is paved with grass on both sides. This relative lack of trees allows restaurant patrons a view of the river, however. There are a few benches here to allow the visiting public to do the same. These chapters of Ephesians are a reminder to me that Christ is our peace, and we trust him with our salvation. What of all the other areas of our lives? If we trust God with our lives, shouldn't smaller areas be given up as well?
- Name of Park: Peninsula Intertie Trail
Location: between Marine Drive Bike Path and Willamette Blvd, along Portland Road and between local streets.
Owner: City of Portland Parks
Chapter(s) Read: unfortunately was not recorded, but most likely Mark 11, as a continuation of what was started on the Marine Drive Bike Path
Notes: This bike path serves as a link between the Marine Drive Bike Path and residential areas of north Portland and a popular bike route along Willamette Blvd. The areas along Portland Road are really awful in terms of traffic noise, but going south the trail eventually gets away from the road and goes under the railroad line, it is possible to find some respite from the traffic racket. The park-like setting after the Columbia Slough Bridge is an odd little park that is a nice respite from the surrounding industrial mess.
- Name of Park: official name not known. PSU Commons at Market & 11th
Location: Portland State University, approximately SW Market & 11th Avenue
Owner: most likely, Portland State University
Chapter(s) Read: Proverbs 8
Notes: Mostly open grass, as would be expected at a university campus commons area, with some benches, small bushes, and one trash can. This chapter has Wisdom continue to call out and beg for people to not follow foolishness, which I suppose is appropriate considering the nature of university campus life.
- Name of Park: official name not known. PSU Commons at Harrison Building & 11th
Location: Portland State University, 11th Avenue
Owner: most likely, Portland State University
Chapter(s) Read: Proverbs 9
Notes: Foolishness also calls out, attempting to attract people.
- Name of Park: Otty Road Pathway (no official name)
Location: Otty Road, just east of I-205, near 92nd Ave.
Owner: most likely the Clackamas Water District, which has a small water tank here
Chapter(s) Read: Phillipians 1
Notes:Came here trying to find a chunk of land that was indicated as being a park on the North Clackamas Parks district map. Was this it? Hard to say. Arrived and left on bus route #72
- Name of Park: Reedwood Community Garden
Location: No longer exists. Used to be where new dormitories were built.
Owner: Reed College, leased to City of Portland Parks & Recreation
Chapter(s) Read: Jude (whole book)
Notes: Walked from bus #75. As I finally write this, I am glad that I visited the area when I did, as this community garden (Portland Parks & Recreation's largest) has now been closed by the owners of the land, in order for it to be used for educational purposes. Although area is set aside mostly for those growing items, a single picnic table is available apparently for use by anyone who happens to be there. Left by walking to the Reed College ravine. We must not be led into error by those who don't even have the best intentions at the center of their lives.
See Reedwood Community Gardens entry on VirtualTourist
- Name of Park: Reed College Canyon (referred to as "Reed College Ravine" in some of the literature)
Location: Through the center of the Reed College campus
Owner: Reed College
Chapter(s) Read: 2 John
Notes: Walked from Reed Community Garden, and left by walking to Eastmoreland Garden. The college has set this area apart as a preserved natural area, which consists of trails, benches, and a wetlands area populated by various birds.
See Reed College Canyon entry on VirtualTourist
- Name of Park: Satterberg Heights Park
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 6
Notes:A single bench exists here, and an unofficial trail which connects this part to the nearby Powerline Park. Several verses in this chapter are famous. For example the statement that we do not battle against flesh and blood but against spiritual beings inspired the famous Christian novel "This Present Darkness".
- Name of Park: Sexton Mountain Drive Park (not the official name, but official name unknown)
Location: Sexton Mountain Drive
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 5
Notes:Mostly clear grass, 1 tree and a sign saying "NO GOLFING" is the only evidence this is a public space of some sort. As Children immitate their parents, so too should we who believe imitate Christ. Note too the sacrifice of wives and husbands to eachother - so too should be the relationship between Christ and the church.
- Name of Park: Share-It Square
Location: Sherrett & SE 9th Avenue, Sellwood area
Owner: does not apply. Community project intersection.
Chapter(s) Read: Ephesians 3, 4, 5, 6
Notes: This eccentric little piece of the Sellwood neighborhood is a cooperative neighborhood project that takes a name of a street (Sherrett) and turns it into a public purpose (Share It!). You will find opportunities for sharing objects and possessions and parts of your life on each corner, as part of a community building exercise. It isn't exactly a public park, but in spirit it certainly is more of a park than some places are that do have public ownership. This section of Ephesians reminded me of how God gives us commands, but also the power to obey those commands, if we choose to accept the power and abilities that he gives us.
See Share-It Square entry on VirtualTourist
- Name of Park: Strawberry Meadows
Location:
Owner: City of Troutdale
Chapter(s) Read: Luke 6
Notes:Walked from Beaver Creek Greenway, as this park is really an extension of this greenway, and afterward walked to Stuart Ridge Park. As of my visit on Jan 22, there wasn't very good public access yet, but did find one mud trail coming to a dead end at a culvert. Giving, expecting nothing in return, and understanding that there is a lot of evil that surrounds us (particularly in occupied Palestine and Israel during the Roman Empire).
- Name of Park: Stuart Ridge
Location:
Owner: City of Troutdale
Chapter(s) Read: Isaiah 22
Notes:Walked from Stawberry Meadows Park. Has a wilderness area of sorts, with a pond and a gravel / dirt road. The importance of praying for the country's leaders shown by terror unleashed on nation that had become unjust.
- Name of Park: Tanner Springs
Location: NW Marshall
Owner: City of Portland Parks
Chapter(s) Read: James 1
Notes: Arrived on bus route #14 over at 6th Avenue and walked here. This is an exceptionally new park, and was not on the maps when I started this concept of visiting all of the Portland area parks. There is an artificial pond with walkways, a few benches and some scattered trees. There is a mixture of cut grass and some grass that simulates the wild swamplands that once formed this part of what is now Portland. The park is completely surrounded by modern buildings that have been built in the last few years. Departed by walking back over to Union Station and getting bus route #56 going south to the community gardens at Front & Curry. There is a lot in this chapter of James, but what stood out most to me this time is faith. If you are waiting to act at the pleasure of others, rather than at the time God is calling, you will wait until death. The response to faith in God results in action.
- Name of Park: The Bluffs (maybe)
Location:
Owner:
Chapter(s) Read: Romans 11
Notes: Walked from Bonny Slope park, and walked to Lost Park afterward. The location shown for this park on the map does not match where I found this "park" which isn't labeled except for signs indicating that it is owned by someone's parks department. Mostly it has wild forests, but there is also some mowed grass. God did not reject Israel, but in fact the foundation of Christianity is Israel The only ones who were rejected by God were those who rejected God's way for them.
- Name of Park: Village Green
Location: Between Clackamas and Happy Valley
Owner: (?) City of Happy Valley or maybe North Clackamas
Chapter(s) Read: Psalm 81
Notes: Arrived aon bus route 156, and departed by walking to Ashley Meadows Park. Covered picnic area, playground, drinking fountain. A cleared area might be dedicated to dirt bikes? Or maybe it is a drain field for a nearby storm drain? This Psalm is a plea for the nation to return to their God, who is not as demanding as the various idols and foreign gods that people had turned to.
- Name of Park: unkown park #1
Location:
Owner: (?) probably North Clackamas, but possibly Happy Valley
Chapter(s) Read: Psalm 83
Notes: Walked from Ashley Meadows Park, and left on bus route #155. Park features a single trail along a stream corridor. Some is wilderness, but there is one area of picnic tables and open grass. Unfortunately nearby residents have managed to dump a rather substantial amount of dog crap in this area, so you have to be very careful while walking anywhere in it. This Psalm is a prayer against enemies of the people of God and those who rebel against God would be shamed and know God.
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