Ventura Park — Attraction in Portland

Haven't actually spent much time there, but that's in part because one of the good things there brings back painful memories of another tube and place in my old life, the rc track. Awesome park, relatively peaceful for being on ones if the higher traffic main thoroughfares in SE PDX. Slightly rolling hills, plenty of shade trees, what looks like an awesomely updated play area adjacent to the parking lot. Decent ada access though some hills may be a little steep for those with non electric wheelchairs. Reasonably quiet though occasionally loud from playing kids (have very rarely heard any crying or screaming), traffic noise (somewhat filtered by the trees and other vegetation, however what does get through is somewhat reflected back and enhanced by the very slight echo effect off the terrain, mostly effects the West end by playground and parking lot), and on a minimal level from the rc track(which isn't too bad, mostly electric rc's some of which have nosier servos and moters, or on rare occasion 2 stroke gas motors). Oddly I don't think I've ever seen more than 4 or 5 homeless camped there. I don't know if it's still done but used to be\is a reverend named Ray that would show up about 9am on Sundays with home made breakfast burritos, coffee milk juice soda chips cookies. It is also one of the first places I saw the new toilets, the loo, about which I only have 1 complaint, the toilet paper dispenser is designed so you only get like 2 4x4"sheets at a time. And just a heads up, I think the updated the drainage system but for sure it used to be that the low area between bottom of the hill going up to Stark back the the back of rc track West to start back up to parking lot and play area would turn into a swamp for days after a good rain. Also be a little cautious around the evergreen trees lining Stark as there may still be some loose branches or trees after that hi wind we had last winter that actually blew one tree down. Other than that go enjoy. Even had a working water fountain last time I...

Visibility is not good unless you follow your children around the giant hill to keep a constant eye on them. You have to bring something to slid down the hill on. Most people bring pieces of cardboard. You would think cardboard was gold for the kids. They fight over it if they can't share. So BYOC (Bring your own cardboard). 😆 This is a playground designed to keep your child moving and not sitting for any length time. Which is very needed for all the processed food we all consume these days. My child doubled in weight in 2 years. I am sad and devastated but I am working on meal prep plans and healthy choices for all of us to help her out. So this park is perfect for her. She stays active the whole duration we are there. We walk to the park and never stop moving until we get back home. I have 4 kids, 2 of them are under 4, so it is hard to keep track of them all, all the time. I can't make the older ones follow the younger ones because then they don't get to have fun. It is a constant workout. But that is the life of a mom most of the time anyway. Overall it is good for kids but for parents who need to sit down for a few minutes at a time, not good at all. I am pregnant and hot and out of breath most of the time 😆. I want to sit my heavy butt down for at least 1/3% of the time. So for me this is just an okay park. The healthier I am the more stars I can give. I got...

Ventura Park is an intriguing blend of art and adventure that invites visitors to break free and reconnect with their inner child. There's a certain absurdity in the art installations – like the one that looks suspiciously like a birth canal, with a bold "do not climb" sign that almost begs for rebellion. And, of course, who can resist the temptation? Crossing through with a friend feels like an unofficial rite of passage – a playful invitation to "be born again."

This revamped park is a playground wonderland with clever details: a mound that’s become an impromptu sledding hill, complete with bits of cardboard left behind for daring racers. A bowl swing adds a nostalgic twist on the merry-go-round, while a water play area features a pump and mini dams (though good luck getting it to work since it’s taken a bit of a beating). The highlight, however, might just be the sprawling dirt track, perfect for everything from bikes to remote-controlled cars, and ideal for any kid – or kid at heart – looking to let loose.

Sprawling enough to host everything from water balloon battles to quiet picnics, this park thoughtfully caters to all ages and whims. A permanent restroom seals the deal, making Ventura Park the perfect blend of art, whimsy, and unbridled fun. Whether you come to climb, splash, or just enjoy the chaos, Ventura’s a welcome retreat with just the right...