Irving Park (Portland, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Irving Park |
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Basketball court in the park, 2010
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| Area | 16.26 acres (6.58 ha) |
| Created | 1920 |
| Operated by | Portland Parks & Recreation |
| Status | Open 5 a.m. to midnight daily |
Irving Park is a super fun city park located in northeast Portland, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It's a big park, about 16 acres (6.5 ha) in size, which is like 16 football fields! You can find it at Northeast 7th Avenue and Fremont Street, right in the Irvington neighborhood.
This park is special because it sits on land that once belonged to a man named William Irving. The whole neighborhood, Irvington, is named after him! Long, long ago, part of this land was even a racetrack called the Irvington Racetrack.
What Can You Do at Irving Park?
Irving Park is packed with awesome things to do for everyone! Whether you love sports or just want to relax, there's something for you.
Sports and Games
- Baseball and Softball: There are big fields perfect for playing baseball or softball with your friends.
- Soccer: You'll find open fields where you can kick a soccer ball around.
- Basketball: Shoot some hoops on the basketball courts.
- Tennis: Practice your serve on the tennis courts.
- Volleyball: Play a game of volleyball with your team.
- Horseshoes: Try your aim at the horseshoe pit.
Fun for Everyone
- Paved Paths: There are smooth paths for walking, running, or biking.
- Picnic Tables: Grab a spot at a picnic table for lunch or a snack with your family.
- Playground: Kids of all ages will love the playground with swings and slides.
- Dog Park: If you have a furry friend, there's a special off-leash area where dogs can run and play freely during certain hours.
The park is open every day from 5 in the morning until midnight, so you have plenty of time to visit!
Who Was William Irving?
The park and neighborhood are named after William Irving, who was a sea captain in the mid-1800s. He sailed ships on the Columbia and Willamette rivers.
William Irving came to Oregon in 1849. He got a special piece of land through something called a "donation land claim." This was a way the government gave land to people who moved to Oregon back then. In 1858, he sold his boat businesses in Oregon and moved to British Columbia in Canada.
His land was passed down to his family. In 1887, this land became the Irvington neighborhood we know today. Even Irving Street in Portland is named after him!
