Grant Park

Grant Park is a green space in Northeast Portland with expansive lawns, tennis courts, walking paths, and sports fields shaded by mature trees. The park sits near Grant High School and provides varied recreational areas for visitors of all ages.

The park was named after President Ulysses S. Grant, who made three visits to Portland while in office. This naming connects the space to a significant chapter of American history and the 19th-century presidency.

Bronze statues of characters from Beverly Cleary's books, including Henry Huggins and Ramona Quimby, stand in a dedicated sculpture garden. These installations honor the local author and her popular children's stories that shaped many childhoods in the region.

The park is open daily from early morning to midnight and features facilities for baseball, soccer, basketball, and outdoor swimming. Visitors should be able to reach the park easily on foot and choose from different activities depending on season and time of day.

Mark Cotton Field underwent transformation in 2013 through collaboration between Nike and alumni, becoming an athletic space with professional-grade equipment. This renovation brought high-quality sports facilities to the park and demonstrates how partnerships with major companies can enhance community spaces.