Portland's parks are ranked 9th in the nation

Portland ranks 9th in the nation for its parks, according to the Trust for Public Land's ParkScore rankings, matching its previous two years' placements. The city offers 156 developed parks and over 11,000 acres of recreational space, achieving scores of 62 for acreage, 77 for amenities such as sports fields and dog parks, and 86 for access, with 89% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park. Investment in parks stands out, with Portland spending $274 per resident, earning a perfect score of 100 in that category. Despite this, city officials are considering significant cuts to the parks department to address a budget deficit, which raises concerns about future rankings. Equity is a critical issue, as neighborhoods with higher populations of people of color have access to 62% less park space compared to predominantly white neighborhoods.

The city aims to address these disparities to ensure equitable access to parks for all residents. While Portland's parks are a source of pride, local leaders recognize the need for continued efforts to improve access and equity.