Portland's notoriety as an eccentric place has only grown in recent years with the popularity of "Portlandia." However, Portland was way ahead of the curve on this one, transforming a regular old crosswalk into a tiny park that gained fame back in 1971 when the Guinness Book of World Records named it as the smallest park in the world. Measuring in at 2 feet across and just 452 square inches, this little park is easy to pass by without even realizing its fame.
Originally meant to be a place for a light pole, a newspaper columnist named Dick Fagan took the spot into his own hands when the light failed to appear.
Started by Fagan planting some flowers in the vacant spot that was being overtaken by weeds, Mills End Park was born. He named the park after his column in the paper, a reference to the irregular pieces of lumber leftover at the mill.
Over the years, the park has changed regularly, with small shrubs, flowers, and even a miniature-sized ferris wheel.
And them sometimes it is under construction. In 2007, the park was relocated to a planter by the World Trade Center Portland for a year-long construction project on Naito Parkway.
While people flock to Forest Park, billed as the country's largest urban park with over 5,000 acres, it is good to remember we also hold claim to the smallest park as well.
It is so tiny that you may not even notice it as you cruise down Naito Parkway, and instead mistake it for just any old planter in the street.
However, in case there is any doubt, you can read about the park along the road where it has an official sign.
If you are wandering around downtown, be sure to check out this miniature park on Naito Parkway near SW Taylor Street to see what the fuss is all about.
Have you visited the world's smallest park in Portland? You may also enjoy these historical landmarks in the area.
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