Delta Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids East Delta Park
Owens Sports Complex in East Delta Park, 2008
Type	Urban park
Location	N Denver Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland, Oregon
Area	87.47 acres (35.40 ha)
Created	1950
Operated by	Portland Parks & Recreation
Open	6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Public transit access	■ Yellow Line Delta Park/Vanport 6

Delta Park is a large public park in north Portland, Oregon. It's made up of two main parts: East Delta Park and West Delta Park. A big part of East Delta Park is the Owens Sports Complex, which hosts many sports teams from all over the West Coast.

Discovering Delta Park

Delta Park is located between Interstate 5, the Columbia Slough to the south, and the Columbia River to the north. The park is split into two sections by the Interstate. The part east of the highway is called East Delta Park, and the part to the west is West Delta Park.

West Delta Park's Past

The area that is now West Delta Park was once a city called Vanport. This city was built during World War II to house people who worked building ships. Sadly, a big flood destroyed Vanport in 1948. After the flood, parts of the area were turned into Delta Park in the 1950s.

East Delta Park Fun

The Owens Sports Complex is a major attraction in East Delta Park. It has seven softball fields, nine soccer fields, and several beach volleyball courts. There's also a building for snacks and drinks. The complex is named after William V. Owens, who helped create and manage the city's softball programs.

East Delta Park also offers a special area where dogs can run freely. You'll find a football field, paved paths for walking or biking, picnic tables, a playground, and a volleyball court. The Portland Parks & Recreation Department manages this 85.34-acre park, which is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Trees and Nature

The Urban Forestry Division of the Portland Parks Department has a special collection of trees, called an arboretum, in East Delta Park. These are the types of trees that the division suggests for planting along streets. The division uses this arboretum to teach people how to identify different trees.

West Delta Park Adventures

Portland International Raceway is a big part of West Delta Park. Here, you can watch exciting races with cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

Besides the raceway, West Delta Park also has the Heron Lakes Golf Course. There's another dog off-leash area and beautiful natural spaces. Force Lake, located in the golf course, is a great spot to see many different kinds of birds. Signs around the lake share information about the wildlife and the history of Vanport.

Park History

Delta Park has a rich history, from being a wartime city to a popular sports complex.

Community Challenges

In recent years, Portland has faced challenges with people experiencing homelessness. Some areas, like parts of East Delta Park, have seen an increase in temporary living spaces. The city has worked to manage these situations while also supporting people in need.

Community Efforts

People living in recreational vehicles (RVs) around East Delta Park have formed a community. They have leaders and guidelines, including rules about keeping their areas tidy. These efforts help them live together and follow city rules.

Public Gatherings

In September 2020, a group called the Proud Boys held a rally at the Owens Sports Complex in East Delta Park. About 300 people attended the event. The city of Portland and its Parks & Recreation team did not give the group a permit for this gathering.

Protecting Park Resources

The Portland Urban Forestry Headquarters, located in East Delta Park, has experienced some issues with theft and vandalism. To help keep the site safe, the city now spends money each year to have a guard protect the area.

Delta Park Shopping Center

Next to the Owens Sports Complex is the Delta Park shopping center. Stores like Homeplace Furniture and Design are located here.

Images for kids

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  Owens Sports Complex in East Delta Park, 2008