Knott City Park, located in Portland's Parkrose Heights neighborhood, presents a unique blend of historical significance and community utility that distinguishes it from other Portland green spaces. It's a park that tells a subtle story while actively serving its present-day residents.
One of Knott Park's most unique aspects is its historical connection, bearing the name of Captain George H. Knott, a figure from Portland's early ferry days. While not overtly historical in its current design, this naming subtly roots the park in the city's past, reminding visitors of the vital role the Columbia River played in early settlement and commerce. It's a quiet nod to a less visible part of Portland's heritage, adding a layer of depth beyond just recreation.
Functionality is key here, and Knott Park excels at being a truly versatile neighborhood resource. This isn't a showpiece park; it's a workhorse. Its amenities are thoughtfully chosen to cater to a wide range of community needs: Sports Fields: With baseball and football fields, it's clearly a hub for local sports leagues and casual games, providing essential space for active recreation that many smaller city parks lack. Accessible Play Area: The inclusive playground, with its engineered mulch surface and ramp access, highlights a commitment to ensuring all children can enjoy the park, making it a truly welcoming space for families. Knott Community Garden: The recently opened community garden plots are a fantastic addition, reflecting Portland's strong urban agriculture movement. This not only provides fresh produce for residents but also fosters a sense of shared purpose and connection to the land within the neighborhood. BEECN Site: Perhaps one of its most unique and forward-thinking features is its designation as a Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node (BEECN). This practical role as a post-disaster gathering point for emergency assistance subtly integrates civic preparedness into the park's identity, making it a crucial element of neighborhood resilience.
Beyond the defined amenities, Knott Park offers a sense of spaciousness with its winding paths and open fields, perfect for a leisurely stroll, tossing a frisbee, or simply finding a quiet spot for a picnic. It's a park that feels grounded, unpretentious, and deeply integrated into the fabric of its surrounding community, making it a uniquely Portland experience for those seeking both recreation and a subtle connection to the city's...
Read moreA nice enough park but no entrance via Sacramento St as its address would have you believe, and though there is an entrance off 112th Ave going north from Sacramento St, its parking lot is for some reason cordoned off whereas there is an open gate to the park off Knott St, unpaved parking against the boundary fence but keep going around the park, east and then south on 117th Ave, at approximately 2551 NE 117th Ave there is the real entrance with two small lots of paved parking, enough for 32 vehicles (2 handicapped). On the day I visited, the northernmost lot was open but the southernmost was cordoned off. There are temporary wire-mounted placards not really obvious and only facing the south lot which proclaim the park to be closed due to Covid-19. It wasn't heavily populated but there a few walkers and other folk walking their dogs when I was there. I don't know but I suspect they haven't gotten around to removing the signs yet as many other Portland...
Read moreI use to go to the elementary school across the street from here. and to be honest, I feel that there's nothing bad that has come to this park. the park has multiple ways to enter, different spots for different activites, and it's tucked away in a neighborhood. making it a somewhat private park. but still open to the public. the trees in my opinion are beautiful to look at. people come here with their kids all the time! I myself do my best to respect the park. sometimes I come here personally just to clear my mind. also there isn't any problems with the homeless at all. in fact I haven't seen any tents, or anyone starting problems. With that being said, I feel like anyone should be able to come to a park. I am not saying certain people should not visit. as long as they aren't causing any problems with other people. And i feel that it is an overall safe and enjoyable park to spend time at. by yourself or...
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