PortlandOnline

POL Government Bureaus & Offices Parks & Recreation About PP&R History

Our History 1852-2000


South Park Blocks, circa 1882

North Park Blocks, circa 1910

Sellwood Pool, circa 1935

Pottery class, circa 1938

Since 1852, Portland residents have planned, protected, and treasured their parks, natural areas, and places of recreation. We have the system we have today because of this legacy of leadership and public support from the past. It took bold action and foresight to set aside the first park blocks and forest tracts, and later, to develop a citywide recreation program. We will continue to care for this legacy by building on the past to provide for future generations.