Laurelhurst Park, Urban park in Laurelhurst, Portland, US
Laurelhurst Park is an urban park in Portland with varied landscapes, sports facilities, a lake, and walking paths surrounded by large mature trees. The grounds feature open lawns for activities and can be accessed through multiple entrances around the perimeter.
Laurelhurst Park was acquired in 1909 from the estate of former Portland mayor William S. Ladd, and the city purchased the land in 1911. Superintendent Emanuel Mische designed the park in 1912 following the Olmsted Plan, creating seven distinct areas. In February 2001 it became the first city park listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Firwood Lake, a spring-fed cattle watering hole deepened into a 3-acre pond, once hosted the Portland Rose Festival Queen's Coronation, with the queen arriving on floating boats and decorated rafts before thousands of spectators. Junction City residents held their annual picnic here in the 1930s, and Easter Sunrise Services drew large crowds in the 1950s.
The park is easily reached through multiple entrances, and daytime street parking is available on the surrounding residential roads. Walking paths connect different areas throughout the grounds, with seating available in several spots.
Firwood Lake began as a spring-fed cattle watering hole before Emanuel Mische deepened it into a three-acre lake in 1912. By 2008 sediment had cut its depth from 13–15 feet to about 18 inches, so the city dredged it and added a water aeration and circulation system.
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