Cully Park — Attraction in Portland

Cully Park, rising from a storied past in Northeast Portland's Cully neighborhood, is arguably one of the city's most profoundly unique and inspiring green spaces. Its distinctiveness isn't just in its features, but in its very existence – a testament to perseverance, community power, and environmental transformation.

What truly sets Cully Park apart is its extraordinary origin story: it was built atop the former Sunderland Landfill, a site that for decades was an eyesore and a public health concern. From this unpromising foundation, the park has literally risen, transforming what was once a civic burden into a vibrant, living asset. This "phoenix from the ashes" narrative imbues every visit with a deeper sense of appreciation for what dedicated community effort can achieve, making it a powerful symbol of reclamation and renewal.

This transformative journey was not top-down but radically community-led. Cully Park is a shining example of grassroots activism, largely championed by local non-profits like Verde, and deeply shaped by the diverse residents of the Cully neighborhood itself. The park's design and amenities directly reflect years of tireless advocacy, planning, and vision from the very people it serves. This makes it feel less like a municipal creation and more like a shared, collective achievement – a park with a genuine soul.

The park's features are designed with equity and diverse needs at their core. Leveraging its elevated position (due to its landfill origins), Cully Park offers sweeping, often surprising views of the city skyline, the Columbia River, and on clear days, the majestic Cascade peaks including Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. This unexpected panorama contrasts beautifully with its humble beginnings.

Beyond the views, the park provides: Expansive open spaces for informal play and relaxation. Innovative natural play areas that encourage imaginative exploration. An incredibly active and culturally diverse community garden, a vibrant hub where neighbors connect through growing food. Accessible pathways that wind through the landscape, making the park navigable for all.

Cully Park is more than just a place for recreation; it's a living monument to environmental justice, community empowerment, and the power of turning challenges into triumphs. Its unique history and the visible dedication of its community make it an exceptionally meaningful and truly one-of-a-kind...

This park has it all. A genius idea that continually impresses. Built on top of an old landfill, its a "super-park". There's a dynamic and expansive playground, dog park, community garden, a soccer field, interactive excersize track, meditational path with 2 native-inspired gathering spaces. Its on a plateau above Columbia % a raised view of th pick-up/drop-off racks) for e-bikes.

Located at the end of a residential street (so far it's the only access I know of). My dog and I discovered it on opening day. The community garden is thriving, people go to explore the flora, work out, run their dogs, etc. I enjoy learning from the info signs along the nature trails. I've seen activities and play of all sorts going on. Tnhon,having it here.

We were there at dusk one night as hundreds, maybe thousands of ducks were landing, filling the field. The word is over-used but that really was awesome. I grabbed my dog and made her sit down next to me to watch them come in and not spook them. It gave me chills.

The good people at PP&R have been making regular improvements since it opened and have a prompt response to garbage. Also they have bathrooms!

** Be aware the dog park area and main field are really marshy in the rain. Like a wet sponge. Other than that...

Found this park looking for a place to watch sunrise after dropping my wife off at the airport. Open land, soccer field, good views of Mount Hood and Saint Helens. On day I visited the sun was about halfway between the two mountains. Hood was briefly illuminated by a pink orange light, but it was hazy and my lousy phone camera could not really catch it. I'll bet sun rises behind Mt Hood in the winter.

Looks like a great playground for the kids, with pretty good views from the walkway at the top of the hill that has various climbs up and slides down.

Landscaping has pleasant little side trails with seating areas and a few more hillocks for even better views than one gets across the soccer field.

Light industry surrounds this park, with a lot of industrial climbing, trains chuffing along just below, and planes landing and taking off. Not exactly quiet, but I might come here again when I'm picking somebody up or dropping them off at the airport and I have a bit of time to wait.

Snails seem to be enjoying the sunrise :-). A coyote ran across the soccer field...