Irving Park

Irving Park is a great excursion for both Portland residents and city visitors as it is close to everything northeast Portland has to offer. It has many activities you look for in a city park including pick-up basketball, playgrounds, large open spaces, and tall, majestic trees.

Located just north of the Irvington neighborhood and south of Alberta, Irving Park is well situated for a day exploring northeast Portland. Northeast Portland has a lot to see for visitors with neighborhoods such as Alberta and Mississippi providing great food and shopping.

The park is named after Captain William Irving, who was a famous ship captain in the Pacific Northwest. According the park’s department, Irving Park is one of four city parks which were originally racetracks. When walking around the park, you can almost imagine Irving Park in its previous incarnation.

The park’s open spaces are suited for picnics or just relaxing with book. Even on weekends, you can find a quiet corner to call your own.

One of the best times of day to visit the park is at sunset. The setting sun perfectly illuminates the tall trees in the park, creating a beautiful view. Whether you are walking through the park or just lying in the grass, Irving Park can create a peaceful end to a busy day.

Irving Park's basketball courts are filled with players. Even on rainy days, the park’s covered courts generally have a game going. There are people of all abilities and makes a fun place for a game of pick-up basketball.

The park also has paths throughout and can serve as a nice jogging route. South of the park is the Irvington neighborhood, which is home to stately homes and tree-lined blocks. After visiting Irving Park, exploring Irvington can give you a taste of Portland’s history.

Irving Park provides the beauty of nature and shows why Portland parks are so popular with the city’s residents.

HelloPortland Tip: Looking for a sweet treat after a day in the park? Mio Gelato is a local favorite and located on the corner NE 15th Ave. and NE Brazee St.
 

- by William Crane, Portland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

William Crane

William Crane is an accomplished print and online journalist (http://www.william-crane.com) His work covers a variety of topics including features, local community news, sports, music, and political/social issues. Graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. in Journalism, William's writing has appeared in a variety of different publications including the Stranger, Capitol Hill Times, the Skanner, Backfire Magazine, and the Internationalist.