My ?Fave Five? Urban Parks & Trails
by Kyla Merwin Cheney
Photo: Drake Park, courtesy of Bend Parks & RecRivers and lakes create much-coveted open space in the hubbub of daily life in any city. In Oregon, we have so many rivers and lakes defining our landscape, that nearly every city, town, burg has at least one urban park with a river running through it, or a lake glimmering at its core.
Some parks are small, with low hills for picnicking and just enough green space to shut out the weightier cares of the city. Others parks are vast and expansive, with opportunities to swim, fish, bike, run on wooded trails, romp with the dog, and play sports. From the petite to the super-size, I?ve rounded up five of my favorite urban parks in Oregon, each unique in its own dazzling way.
1. Alton Baker Park / Willamette River
Eugene / Willamette Valley
The city of Eugene has done a fantastic job of building trails and parks around the Willamette River, which flows through its heart. Alton Baker Park is Eugene?s largest developed park and is made up of two major areas: the more developed West Alton Baker Park, and the 237-acre Whilamut Natural Area. You?ll find vast and varied opportunities for leisure and recreation here, including fishing, pathways, picnic tables, ball fields, BMX track, boat launch, dog park, and public art. Wshew!
2. Boardman Marina Park / Columbia River
Boardman, Columbia River Gorge
Without fail, every time I travel along Interstate 84, which follows the Columbia River on Oregon?s northern boarder, I stop in Boardman for a fish burger at the C&D Drive-In and a stroll along the pathway at Boardman Marina Park. This park has a lot going on, with beaches, swimming area, three miles of paved walking paths, RV campground, boat launch, picnic tables & barbecues, playground for kids, horseshoe pits, and places to play basketball, softball and sandlot volleyball. Wow.
3. Commonwealth Lake Park
Beaverton / Greater Portland area
The only thing better than having a lake in the middle of a sprawling city, is having a trail that circles the lake. Stroll it, bike it, run it, but if you?re in Beaverton, Oregon, you must take the time to circumvent the less-than-a-mile paved trail around Commonwealth Lake. Other amenities include fishing pond (stocked with trout), picnic areas, playground, and wilflife viewing. Portland Family Adventures offers a nice summary of the ambiance and adventures available in this sweet city park.
4. Drake Park / Deschutes River-Mirror Pond
Bend / Central Oregon
The Deschutes River runs wild and free through the Deschutes National Forest, and then widens and slows through Bend?s Old Mill District. By the time it reaches Drake Park, it has earned the moniker ?Mirror Pond.? This immensely popular community gathering place teems with activities, particularly in the summer. On any given day you?ll find people paddle-boarding, sun-bathing, picnicking and strolling along the pathway. Drake Park also hosts a number of fantastic events, including Munch-and-Music, Shakespeare in the Park, Bend Farmer?s Market, and more.
5. Geiser Pollman Park / Powder River
Baker City / Eastern Oregon
Moms push babies. Teens ride cruisers. Jocks run. Couples stroll. Dogs walk. And a river runs through it. The perfect urban trail - the Leo Adler Memorial Parkway - cuts a nice, paved swath in the heart of Baker City following the Powder River through an urban landscape. Geiser Pollman Park also hosts community events each year including Miner's Jubilee, Memory Cruise Car Show, Farmer's Market, and the Powder River Music Review. You might also find yourself getting married there, gathering for a family reunion or enjoying a picnic for two or two hundred.
Source: http://www.oregonlakesandrivers.com/content/hidden-jewels-concrete-jungle
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