North Park Blocks

I believe that it is the most beautiful park near downtown Portland. Is also much quieter than the parks that are down closer to the river. The bathrooms are nicer up the hill because they are not used as much and there's usually always toilet paper and water to wash your hands. Beautiful huge giant trees shade for the summer you can find sunny spots in the winter in cool art installations.

It is a pretty nice park, great place to walk your dog. People talk about the homeless and drug use, yes it is there. This is Portland if you are from here one wo I ld think you would be use to it. But I have never seen anyone harassed by any of the people that frequent the park.They are people, human being's, just like you or I.

A nice park situated in a slightly quieter area of downtown Portland. At the time of our visit there was a brew fest occurring. The grounds looked well maintained. Plenty of trees provide shade ample shade. Several park benches align the paved walkway. Seemed safe enough to visit during the day.

What a great experience. It was quiet and exactly what I needed to decompress after the crap storm I've had over the last few years. It was very refreshing, and the gentleman was nice.

This is the park a block away from home and I can see it every day from my window, unfortunately not my favorite park in town. The trees are dense and tall which means little sunshine and too much shade even during a bright sunny day. The park is frequented by homeless people, sometimes they would just sit on the swing forever. While I definitely don't consider this park unsafe, I wouldn't find a bench to sit down and read a book either. I took these pictures last fall, truly stunning colors, even more impressive to see them in real eyes than in photos.

I took my cat, Pax, on my shoulders to the North Park blocks Art in the Peral on Sunday. There was a great turn out. The art show stretched two full blocks. Many dog on leashes. There was a sax player at one end by the food court.

Some of the largest trees in Portland, enormous towering Elm trees with other trees added in as well. As you go further north there eventually is a basketball court. The Park Blocks will be extended further north as the new development unfolds at the site of the old Post Office. And the PNCA parking lot? That will become a part of the project as well. I have high hopes that the end result will be amazing.

Do not like how the homeless and drug addicts seem to think it belongs to them. Not safe for a single woman (even with my dog). I will avoid at all costs

A nice park for children- swings, a jungle gym, a saucer. Would be nice to take kids here if the unhoused population hadn't completely taken it over. There were men leering at the kids while they played and overall it felt really uncomfortable to be there so we didn't stay long. Take your kids to Couch Park instead- it's much better!

I simply SOOOOO appreciate the clean public toilet located on the south end of NPB!! Great and greatly appreciated. Oh how I verily miss Fup, the Powell's Technical cat whom I used to regularly see and pet. Lotsa children all playing passionately on the play structure there the warm afternoon I walked through. Park Kitchen still a respected landmark restaurant located there. I spied that PK Thai is gone:( Lots of memories walking through---

The North Park Blocks are different then the South ones. They feel a bit rougher. There homeless feel more noticeable because there are fewer other people on the blocks closest to Burnside. There is lots of good art pieces here and one hard to find one. At the North end of the North park blocks there is some really good sports stuff here. A basketball court and bocci ball field? in the middle there is a large playground. It is a great area with lots of potential. It also has its problems (see Tamara C's review she says it well).

A cool little oasis in City of Portland but unfortunately by the elephants there was a congregation of homeless. I don't mind a few here and there and if they maintain the cleanliness of the area. Sadly I saw litter and trash nearly everywhere. A few rat traps. Yes, I saw the trash around the homeless, feet of. I am pro homeless getting help but they cannot help themselves. One elderly African American said she was hungry and could I give her a dollar? I offered her a breakfast bar instead, she didn't want it. I never pull my wallet out as it could be dangerous and am walking my dog. The pros are there are doggie bags offered regularly and there is a automatic refillable dog water bowl. Not certain how clean it is if there are rats. There is a cool play area for kids. Parking is easy on the surrounding streets. I like this park but with the litter everywhere and homeless especially around the benches, it isn't a place to rest and relax. There were a few people smoking and stinking the place up. Yrmv. I expected Portland parks to be better but this is in the city.

There's always something happening at the North Park Blocks (International Beer Festival; Art Festival; Holiday Parade route, etc.). It's an oasis between downtown and the Pearl. The park is usually full of sounds and activities that bring a smile to your face. Little kids are playing in the playground, big kids are playing basketball on the courts, and others are just taking it all in. The trees are changing colors right now, so get off the computer and treat yourself to a lovely fall foliage walk thru the North Park Blocks. PS. In the summer months, you will see some homeless folks out and about.

I like to think that this park was much better in the past, but that is likely FAR in the past. I find this park to be filthy and poorly maintained. Worst of all, it is a point of interest for many homeless people, as they congregate here to sleep, smoke, and do who knows what else. I am thankful I have not countered any trouble with them, but I only pass through this park when I need to. I would never recommend visiting this park, even in broad light.

Went to Portland for a weekend away with my 4-year old and having this park near our Hotel in the Pearl district was great. We only got here once (damn you Pacific Northwest crappy spring), but it filled its purpose. Cute little playground, several blocks of open grass and a basketball court right in the middle of the city. Nice work Portland

on a sunny day - this is a nice place because it's nestled in a slew of trees casting a lot of shade over the grass and play area... on a mild day or mid morning - it's rather cold with all the shade and a slight breeze. The park itself is pretty cleanly kept - the playground however is a pretty beat up metal structure with lots of graffiti on it. Probably not the cleanest thing for your kid to play on but that wasn't really my concern as kids get dirty no matter what you do to them... my concern was the people around the park... you'll get a few families walking by and your occasional jogger but mainly there's a lot of homeless people, some looking pretty cracked out and others just smoking on a park bench. The nice thing is they pretty much keep to themselves but it definitely doesn't make you feel comfortable playing with your kids there. with so many other parks near by i'd recommend bypassing this one if you're with kids and finding another brighter spot.

Shoot some hoops! Dodge dog poop! People watching! Children laughing! Elephant Statues! Other things! Just a few of the amazing activities awaiting you at the magnificent dreamland that is...... the North Park Blocks! I love sitting in this park in summer, watching all the people, enjoying the sunlight through the trees. Bowery Bagels is close, so grab a coffee and a bagel and enjoy the park. Why not?

Everyday for a few days I passed this park. Everyday I stopped for a few minutes to stand, breathe in the crisp, moist air under the misty rain falling from the underside of the clouds and be still. Alone I stand in the middle of the park with the beautiful smoky gray clouds energizing me. I feel so alive. The park feels alive. I feel like I'm healthy, beautiful, and all will be alright. I began to move along, knowing that I'd be happy to see it as I return to the hostel. But when I passed the park on my way to the train station, I was sadden. The park block is one of the little things that makes me to fall in love with Portland and its happy rainy clouds. Gosh! How I miss Portland!

Old timers, junkies and downtown employees seem to like coming here to shoot hoops most days. There are two courts bookending the bocce ball courts on NW Glisan St. Watch out for the bocce folks waiting for a table at Park Kitchen, they might have gray hair but they can be feisty. Both the Nike resurfaced courts are spacious set ups for half court that make for decent 3-on-3 games. More often than not it's just shooting around or a game of Crunch if guys are feeling competitive. I mostly come down here if I want a competitive game before I've got my legs under me for full court action.

The Pearl is a modern, industrial area, with a lot to offer. One of the sacrifices it makes is giving up a lot of the green space that Portland is so famous for. The North (and South) park blocks are a way to combat this. This series of blocks (each 1 city block long and wide) run from Glissan Street (a well known street that cuts through several neighborhoods) to just over Burnside street, which separates the north and south side of town on both sides of the river. Each block contains it''s own feature(s) in order to make being there more enjoyable. There are blocks with jungle gyms, brass statues, benches, running water in bowls (for dogs, yes indeedy), water fountains for people, and LOTS of trees for people seeking...shade? (I guess). In fact, the only major downside, is that there is a fair amount of traffic around these blocks, so a parent or pet owner has to remain vigilant, lest the unthinkable happen. Perhaps a minor one is that around the blocks themselves there are no beckoning store fronts with ice cream, or skateboards, or similar treats which might draw foot traffic. Such shops are only a few blocks away, however, so enjoy the green respite the North Park Blocks have to offer.

Have been dropping by many times since October. Park can be quite nice if you catch it at the right time after the city cleans it, otherwise it is usually a bit worn and run down, with litters and dog droppings. It could be an interesting visit, observing some eclectic folks. But in general it is a place that people mostly keep to themselves, whether having a lunch break or sleeping on the lawn. I'd like to thank those that have taken their time to talk to me, albeit briefly. And I forgive those that ignored me.

It was interesting to visit this park. We were searching for green grass for our dog. I found it interesting that these parks are separated by the streets that run through it. The statues were interesting to look at. A playground for the kids. It was a nice short walk around the blocks. I did not get the chance to visit the other sister park. Maybe on the next trip to Portland....

Perfect place to take my dog when I stayed in a downtown hotel. I was there later in the evening (~9pm) and felt safe, but there were some "interesting/ecclectic" groups of people. Overall a great place for the pups! Looks like it would be a fun time for kids and a relaxing day along the benches as well.

Cute little park to walk down. Come here to people watch and walk your dog/kids. There are a decent amount of what seem like students all carrying textbooks and backpacks. Lots of business people taking their lunch breaks. Plenty of homeless folk. One area by some artistic porta potty in the middle of the blocks smelled like rotting seafood. My friends and I seemed to be the only ones bothered by it though, because a lot of people were just parked on the benches eating their lunch.

Awww, I like the North Park Blocks. They are kind of the homely little sister to the South Park Blocks, what with the South's farmer's market, PSU activities, cool old statues, bustling storefronts.... the North is a bit quieter. A big old elephant statue, playground, basketball court, and a large number of apparently sleepy grungy people are its main attractions. But I like them (it? What's the proper pronoun here?) nonetheless. They are only a few blocks from my home, and there is more of a chill and relaxed vibe than their pretty blonde sister down south, always hustling and bustling with those students and businesspeople. Park Kitchen and Peemkaew Thai are about your only food options--- where is the North Park Blocks coffeeshop, ambitious baristas? And the North Park Blocks do boast that cool doggy water bowl functional art designed by William Wegman, he of the famous weimaraner dog photographs. The park kind of functions as a shared territory, or some might say buffer, between the Pearl and Chinatown. It is peacefully shared by both neighborhoods and I think it's a lovely place to spend a sunny day and people watch a more diverse group of Portlanders than you find in most parks. Educational information: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=447&action=ViewPark

I pass by this place many times on my way home for work, but I really experienced it for the Pride march. Granted yes, it was cleaned up and pretty-fied, but to have a mini park right in the middle of downtown is pretty nice. Lots of trees for shade, basketball courts, and a play area, this place isn't half bad. I probably would be singing another tune at a different time, but I'm going to take it for what it's worth. All major parks in a downtown area have its share of troubles and drama. For one day though, it's not that bad.

5 stars for the basketball courts! Haven't hit all the PDX courts yet but this one is def my favorite so far! Love the vibe at The Blocks with people walking by, playing bocce, or spending time in the park adjacent to the courts. Seen some of the other reviews downgrading the park because of the "homeless" that hang around. I've had nothing but good experiences interacting with them in the park. Adds to the vibe of the park having different walks of life around.

Nice park a good amount of homeless. nice place to eat your lunch if your downtown

What a great park! I think one of the things that make it so special, are the trees... Oh, and that fact that it is beauty and peace in the middle of a busy city.

One of my favorite places to eat lunch downtown. The best are in the middle between Burnside and Glisan as they are quieter and have less people in them. They aren't overflowing with dogs and people and the trees make the park enjoyable. Apparently these and the south park blocks were designed by same person who designed central park.

I'm not sure what happened, but this was our first time visiting Portland, and we walked up to this park just to say to ourselves; "we need to get out of here as soon as possible." There were TONS of homeless people laying and walking about. A man on a bicycle was even propositioning a homeless girl for oral sex. The next few blocks reeked of urine. Such a shame - the elephant statue would have been nice to see up close, but that wasn't happening.