Haven't actually spent much time there, but that's in part because one of the good things there brings back painful memories of another tube and place in my old life, the rc track. Awesome park, relatively peaceful for being on ones if the higher traffic main thoroughfares in SE PDX. Slightly rolling hills, plenty of shade trees, what looks like an awesomely updated play area adjacent to the parking lot. Decent ada access though some hills may be a little steep for those with non electric wheelchairs. Reasonably quiet though occasionally loud from playing kids (have very rarely heard any crying or screaming), traffic noise (somewhat filtered by the trees and other vegetation, however what does get through is somewhat reflected back and enhanced by the very slight echo effect off the terrain, mostly effects the West end by playground and parking lot), and on a minimal level from the rc track(which isn't too bad, mostly electric rc's some of which have nosier servos and moters, or on rare occasion 2 stroke gas motors). Oddly I don't think I've ever seen more than 4 or 5 homeless camped there. I don't know if it's still done but used to be\is a reverend named Ray that would show up about 9am on Sundays with home made breakfast burritos, coffee milk juice soda chips cookies. It is also one of the first places I saw the new toilets, the loo, about which I only have 1 complaint, the toilet paper dispenser is designed so you only get like 2 4x4"sheets at a time. And just a heads up, I think the updated the drainage system but for sure it used to be that the low area between bottom of the hill going up to Stark back the the back of rc track West to start back up to parking lot and play area would turn into a swamp for days after a good rain. Also be a little cautious around the evergreen trees lining Stark as there may still be some loose branches or trees after that hi wind we had last winter that actually blew one tree down. Other than that go enjoy. Even had a working water fountain last time I went through

Visibility is not good unless you follow your children around the giant hill to keep a constant eye on them. You have to bring something to slid down the hill on. Most people bring pieces of cardboard. You would think cardboard was gold for the kids. They fight over it if they can't share. So BYOC (Bring your own cardboard). This is a playground designed to keep your child moving and not sitting for any length time. Which is very needed for all the processed food we all consume these days. My child doubled in weight in 2 years. I am sad and devastated but I am working on meal prep plans and healthy choices for all of us to help her out. So this park is perfect for her. She stays active the whole duration we are there. We walk to the park and never stop moving until we get back home. I have 4 kids, 2 of them are under 4, so it is hard to keep track of them all, all the time. I can't make the older ones follow the younger ones because then they don't get to have fun. It is a constant workout. But that is the life of a mom most of the time anyway. Overall it is good for kids but for parents who need to sit down for a few minutes at a time, not good at all. I am pregnant and hot and out of breath most of the time . I want to sit my heavy butt down for at least 1/3% of the time. So for me this is just an okay park. The healthier I am the more stars I can give. I got a ways to go.

Its a nice leisurely walk about through some big trees. You'll regularly find kids hanging out like monkeys in the trees. Super littles have their own park at the south end with water fountains, a couple decent sized play structures and some public restrooms. The school next door has a soccer field and a bigger kid playground that's all joined together on the same field. I cant say how clean the bathrooms are. I've never been brave or desperate enough. *note: from time to time transients go through, occasionally falling on the sleep in the grass or on park benches. Generally, they are quiet and respectful. There's some transients just north across the street from the school but other than being an eye sore in an otherwise charming neighborhood, they take up a space beside a vacant lot so its not like they're hurting anyone.
Playground
Decent sized plenty of room for the littles. Nice big bmx area just north.
Dog-friendliness
dogs on leashes. It is next to a school. Don't be surprised to find a jack russell chime running up to say hi. A couple times other dogs have been testy ... but owners are usually very respectful
Picnic area
Sizable ... there's always gatherings going on over there.

The new Ventura Park is awesome!! There are several areas for the kids to climb on, all with rubber flooring to protect them if (when) they fall. A mound in the middle makes for some fun sliding, people even brought sleds to enjoy from the top, and pieces of cardboard have been present both times Ive visited to really get those racers down the hill. There is a super cool half bowl swing, a modern take on the merry-go-round, and a water play area fit with a (hard to pump because it got broken) pump that flows into an area set with lifting dams. And let's not forget, the fantastic art installation/metal climbing structures in the grass. Lots of area to set up in proximity to the playground. They've included a dirt track for bicycles, rc's, and little legs and toes to get all that energy out. What a fantastic update to this once sketchy playground.

I have been wanting to check this park out for a while. I dont understand the art structures that look like playground equipment with 'do not climb'. I couldn't resist the first one you see, looks like two legs and an opening between the legs resembling a birth canal. Of course, me and my homegirl had to cross through and be born again. come be born again in this park! park was kept pretty clean. some fun play stuff, some broken play stuff. fun times!
Playground
some stuff broken under construction but what they have is fun and functional.
Restrooms
clean. only one portland loo.
Dog-friendliness
yes
Picnic area
yes, lots of space for picnic, cook out, born agaythingy.

Great Park. On the school side there are two more traditional playgrounds. There's a bonus area with two swings and a little donkey. On the other side there's a really amazing playground. The center piece is an AstroTurf hill. Kids (even adult ones) of all ages slide down on cardboard resulting in endless fun. There is often extra cardboard to be had, but it gets cleaned up daily so best bet is to bring your own. There's a cool water feature,but the water pump seems to be broken more often than not. There's also a Portland Loo right by this playground. Aside from playgrounds there's wide-open spaces, soccer nets, trees, some cool sculptures, and a pump track (for bikes).

The incredibly mean spirited Portland Parks and Recreation park rager that ruthlessly patrols this park takes extreme delight in trolling the park for any sign of people using the parking lot or walking through the park grounds at night and maintains a strict policy of no access to outdoor restroom for people playing with their children at the park/playground during the non-summer months. Otherwise, this is an excellent park to enjoy and take your kids to! P.S. Beware of the park ranger trying to made/pepper spray you ifyouare near the park at night (even if you are not even on parks property (for example: across the street at a church).

Ventura Park is a great local park with lots of activities for any individual whether you're looking for a place for a quick picnic. Or if you're looking for a place to jump on a swing set Ventura Park is a great place for any park related activity. Maybe you need to fly a kite and you just don't know it. Look outside. If it looks windy, get yourself a kite and go to Ventura Park. Flying a kite on a windy day is a great adventure for any human. Ventura Park also has a small off-road bicycle course that can be quite captivating on your next outing.

Amazing park with so much to do no matter how old you or your children might be. Lots of shade to relax, or open grassy space for picnics or sunbathing. 4 parks each with fun unique draws to them. There are swings, slides, bouncing discs, water features, a pump track, winding walkways connecting all play areas, and best of all A BATHROOM! so you can easily spend a summer day here with your kids and not have to leave in a hurry with crying kids because one has to tinkle. They really thought of everything here.

There's usually a quiet spot to sit and watch life roll by and I don't know if Portland should have ever built the *lue* loo,Lou, lew,ewwe,,,,nasty steel structures that have nothing on a regular Porta potty except maybe 500 lbs more metal and 50 lbs more trash space and stickier by far!! Who's the genius that engineered such smart greener and we'll? I'm wondering who the dumbfu##$ were who actually paid for a bunch of these junkie boxes all across the city???sorry if my words failed a bit but really

The park itself was updated just a couple years ago. A very good park for kids of all ages. Paths for bike riding, and a few dirt mounds to concur if the weathers right. the schools other two play areas for young kiddos toddlers. Just follow the bike path, and you will see the basket ball court, behind the school, the first set of play equipment, and just around the building is the second area for smaller kiddos. Lots to do in this park, it’s much more than a simple upgraded park.

We love this park to go and use our RC vehicles on the dirt ramp. We do wish it was bigger but it's fun. There aren't many parks around for driving our RC vehicles at. It also has a good walking path. There are a lot of homeless around but we haven't had an issue yet. It is a pretty dangerous street because cars drive way too fast. It's nice to have a place to go and use our RC vehicles and walk around.

This is a nice park just off of a busy street with plenty of parking, so its convenient to access. There are paved walkways. It has a kiddy area. There is a school adjacent to it. It doesn't seem to have a lot of use. It is sadly necessary these days to keep an eye out for safety in any of our cities parks, this isno exception. There are mostly open areas, which helps in winter to have more daylight

very fun for kiddos, creative new play structures including an AstroTurf hill kids slide down on pieces of cardboard like a sled. downside can be the potential camp out in the parking lot, but that seems to have mostly cleared out lately. Good areas of shade and sun depending on your mood, plenty of benches for onlooking parents, paved walking trails, water fountain and restroom available as well.

I like this park and so do my kids. Its connected to a school area and so there is like 3 play structures all with in a block. Enjoy the remodel of the Ventura structure and addition of a bathroom. But, that's the downside as well. The park is now frequented by transients and homeless in their vehicles and they take up the lot and the shaded areas around the structures. And destroy the bathroom.

Most would think this park is negative because they say undesirables frequent there I saw none of that and we help our 1st annual event there to day . It was a diverse group of folks coming through all were friendly and the children have a blast on the hill they have made as a play structure!! It was beautiful and we will be going back ! Check it out it's nice and somewhat secluded.

Decent park. On a plus side it is wide open. Just kinda a shady spot. Day time your more than fine. Night time becomes a different story. Anyways not a bad place if you want to take a slight stroll by yourself or with a kiddo or two. Better options do exist in the area. Lincoln park down the street or North Powellhurst park nearby are much better options.

The recent improvements to this park are excellent. New play structures were added, and the dirt bike track remains. The walking path along that loops the park is 1/3 of a mile. Great for a jog, or a leisurely walk. The only downside, in the evening, it is not kid friendly as there are a handful of people that set up camp in the trees nearby...

This is our neighborhood park. It is a huge park, with lots of green space, walking tracks, a dirt track for bikes, a newly remodeled playground with a water play feature (summery only) at the SW end, and access to the elementary school's playing field and more near the NE end. The walking trails are well lit and we often go after dark.

Planned on stopping, but there was broken glass and a bunch of trash. Didn't feel like making that a thing and went elsewhere. It looked like it had a fair bit to offer, but I get nervous when that was visible from the lot and parents were having to corral their kids away from it. Looked like a nice playground minus that though.

Years ago we brought our niece when they were actually redesigning the park. Now we brought our grandson and it’s AMAZING. The big swing the play equipment is all designed for children with disabilities, a soft place for toddlers to fall. Lovely place with 2 picnic tables next to the play area. Oh and CLEAN!!

This is a well appointed park with pleasant large open areas, far enough from Stark as to be not too noisy. They have a wonderful playground, closed for covid quarantine but well designed and thought out. The lack of maintenance and sheer volume of litter are distractions from how lovely a park it really is.

This park has real potential to be an awesome hangout. Cool modern climbing area, dirt track for model RCs or small kids on bike, sliding hill with AstroTurf big grassy area. Wish the modern play area was bigger- it's pretty small. More fun climbing around the corner at the attached school playground.

Definitely needs some work on the decor as the place looks tired and worn. Mattresses need replacing. Longer than usual for front desk to answer phone. Got charged twice for our one night stay.
Dog-friendliness
Yes but only for one dog. Should have a weight limit as we have 2 under 20 pounds.

This is a wonderful neighborhood park next to a elementary school. There is a pathway around the park so walking or jogging is possible. The children's area has some really kool stuff for the kids to play on. It's right off Stark St so it's very clean and maintained by the city. Has public restroom.

This place is a blast they have a stone slide that has some fake grass on it that you slide down with a piece of cardboard it's so much fun there's basketball courts and large field area there's an RC dirt track there's all sorts of activities and enjoyment for the entire family highly recommend

The dominant feature is the huge sand pit for riding small bikes racing electric cars and simply playing in the sand they also have a really interesting climbing piece across the park and some large climbing pieces for older kids. I would encourage the city to try to repair the water feature

This park is HUGE!!! Not to mention it has some of the coolest, most unique playground equipment I've ever seen. In addition it's got a public restroom (with a hand washing station), water fountain for people and pets, trash cans, pet clean up station, cool art, picnic tables, the works!!

Great for picnicking, large grassy area. And dirt bike jump track for remote control cars or bikes. Odd sculpture for a play structure, small water pump creek play feature. Not really a great play space but does have astro-turff hill for kids to slide down . Bring your own cardboard !

Great local park with many different types of play equipment. There even a track for dirt bikes. Just be aware that as of this review, there is no working restroom or drinking fountain. They're laying the groundwork right now, so it's expect the work to be completed in late spring.

Nice newer play structures, a nice size dirt area to drive your little dirt truck / cars, benches, tables & a pretty relaxing atmosphere. Great parking & the ice cream truck normally shows up when I visit; they take cash or you can use credit / debit & pay pay an additional dollar.

Nice park, bus 20 stop out front, bus 73 up a few blocks, has a long paved walking trail and a remote control car or kids bike dirt track, playgrounds and attached to a school playground. MAX train is one block over and 3 blocks up. Has 1 toilet access and water drinking fountain.

Nice big open park on the grounds of Ventura elementary school. Dog friendly, and bike friendly. Plenty of places for kids to climb on various safe structures. Also great for pick up basketball, or any other sport. It's beautiful in the fall to see the color changing trees.

Beautiful place to hang out, but not the most pretty view of the river. It's best for taking pictures when the cherry blossoms bloom! Also, love the chill atmosphere, lots of people around not in a rush. This location is a nice distance from shopping and good food as well.

I've always been a fan of this park and it's been pretty cool to see it's evolution from a, relatively, simple, rudimentary, sparsely patronize space into the thoughtfully developed, community centric hub that it represents now
Restrooms
There's a Portland Lue here.

I really love how they've renovated the park. The play structures are super cute but also very artistic and fun. They fit in really well with the landscape. Tons of space for events throughout. Nice amount of shade for those hotter days. Just a really nice park overall.

It's one of the kid-friendly places among the parks that I've been to in Portland. The kids love it and so do the adults cause it has a lot of space.
Playground
It has a lot of playing space for kids
Restrooms
There is a restroom to use when you require it

Fun space to play. Playground is different than any other I have seen. Has a water feature that looks like it would be super fun in summer. One downside is there is a parking lot fairly close to the playground so need to closely watch your kids if they are darters!

This park is awesome having paved trail to walk . The only thing we don't like is the fact that city decided to close all restrooms during winter time. How can children play and walk without stress if suddenly they need to go there? I count this fact as insanity.

They reconstructed this park and the kids love it! There's a hill they can slide down on with a piece of cardboard, huge chimes they can make music on, a fun basket type seeing that 3-4 kids can seeing in at a time. Some fun things to climb on and more.

Wasnt bad. Has a new looking play area and a wet pad for summer. Looks like a bike track for pump motion riding. Also walking trails that are paved good and smooth for handicap activities. A restroom is also on this location that looked clean.

The park looked cool looking at it as I did from the bus stop on SE 117th & Stark St.. Unfortunately, there appeared to be a tent inside, which it is why I actually chose to sit right at the bus stop rather then the benches within the park :(

Nice park, with a fake grass hill for cardboard slides. Kids loved and would have enjoyed more if it was not so hot today. A few playground items were closed and / or broken, but all in all, it was clean, nicely, and shaded areas for adults

Under construction right now. Park is typically empty and not maintained grass and field wise. The play are is safe and kept together. The property line between park and school are unclear and the hour your allowed to be here are a mystery.

August and the water for the two water features for kids to play are chained shut so you can't use them. What a shame. Strikers for the musical chimes are missing. Kids do love the sliding hill. Parks need more care as they are so.important.

This park has restrooms. It has an old-style water pump for a well period type of water fun. It has a drinking fountain and, as you can see from all the photos, many different options for playing. As well as swings, there are also large

Awesome park. So much cultural diversity in who visits! Great climbing and sliding. The boys love the mallet and chimes too. The sculptures are a unique touch, although it took us a while to identity the first one, since it's so little.

I rode my bike around the park, hung out with 2 of my close friends, having conversation, pizza, followed by a cigarette and an ice cold soda. It was a great reunion dedicated to us and our days earlier in history visiting Ventura Park.

So nice! Cool area with great kids play area. lots of equipment and walking area for grown ups 2. I highly suggest checking it out if you're in the area and have young children. There are also rest rooms available for public

They have a great updated play area for kids to play and some cool structures to look at as well and if your kid get bored with that playground you can walk a hundred yards to the school and there is 2 more playgrounds lol

Great Park ️ to have a party . Nice play structures & has a number of water features for kids to play with. Also has a permanent bathroom. The park is large enough to have a water balloon fight in too. …

Love taking our dogs here! Lovely playground on one side of the park, plus walking trails and lots of grass for dogs to play! Also a few Pokémon GO stops to play the game with the kids. This is our favorite nearby park!

Cute little play structure, trees to climb and more, cardboard box sledding down a hill in the summer time, swings, and sometimes a free lunch program. I think you should bring your kids here! They might enjoy it …

Excellent family friendly place to ride bikes, use the equipment, fly frisbees, or play soccer, etc. While we were there, an ice cream truck came by so that was a bonus. No picnic tables, bring a blanket. Wear a mask.

With three different play areas to choose from, a musical wind chime/percussion thing, walking trails, a bike pump track, and an interactive water feature, this park is hard to beat. Awesome for wearing out the kids.

It's a good park! There are plenty of things to do and plenty of space to do it. The Gras could use a trim but that isn't too bad. There's a cool RC track that is fun to watch, and the play ground is nice too.

One of the new accesible playgrounds that works for people using mobility aids. Still lots of fun stuff to do even in the rain. Got a little dirt bike track that we drove an RC car on, tons of fun.

Always great at this park - there is still one playground feature fenced off that we’ve never seen work and the water feature loses pieces daily. I don’t think it will be working summer if ‘22

Another good park for you and your pets. Maybe even kids. There's usually a few running around seeming like they are having fun. I don't have any but my puppy likes a big park like this place.

Definitely not as nice as it used to be (and this summer heat is definitely not helping you) but still a good spot to go to chill, relax, listen to some music or talk to a friend …

This is a nice and very cute park. It has a few areas to play with a couple unique structures to play on and with. There's a small area with soccer goals as well as open and shaded areas.

Good small park. Water works attraction didn't work, no water. Place was crowded, lawn needed mowing and bathroom was unusable...plugged with human feces and overflowing. It was a mess!!

Interesting mix of homeless people and toddlers. Seems the restrooms are under construction. Enjoyed the small dirt bike park, and the rather unique play structure.

Cute little park. Fun safe playground for kids of all ages
Playground
Soft equipment and ground
Picnic area
Shaded picnic area close to playground

Great park especially for kids. It is lare with lots of free open space. There is a special bike track also. Animals are welcome, dogs must be on leash

Amazing place and huge. Lots of space for dogs, children, has a track, great for having a picnic and is very very spacious for all activities.

GREAT PARK! We have been going there for years now. But they have completely updated the entire park. The kids have so much fun there.

I went to the park to play a game at night.
Playground
What I could see was that I liked the choices of playground equipment.

I like the new playground and the open spaces. There are some friendly squirrels here. It's nice to walk the path around the park.

NEEDS UPDATED PHOTOS. Fantastic park for all ages. My 4 yr old especially loves the dirt bike track. The astro turf hill is great.

SIttonh in the car smoking cigarettes, watching families enjoy a sunny holiday. Maybe I should have rolled down the windows.

This is a pretty good sized park and has a lot of different features and playground equipment.
Playgr…
More

Clean, bathroom needs help,play structure is dangerous.
Playground
Not a safe place for little kids to play

A great place to take the kids! Great walking paths suitable for scooters and small bikes. Some shade some sun.

Lots of different little adventures. Can spend a whole day, so pack a lunch and get ready for some fun. …

Great park with some cool play features. The floor is lava, dirt bike track, sliding hill. my kids loved it.

It's a decent sized park but severely lacking in trees and shade on a hot summer day needs more trees.

Nice small park for a walk or jogging, with water stations, children playground and free parking lots.

We just ate our panda express in the parking lot. The lot was clean and the park looked calm and neat

Great place to ride bikes. For the more adventurous, you can use the purpose built bike jumps.

We love this playground. Only wish the water feature works my daughter is always disabled.

It is a peaceful place to have fun with the family while we enjoy the nature of the park.

A great place for kids lot to do just a really nice park with an amazing structure

It's very fun! I'd say it is a little bit hazardous if you're not careful.

Nice park, plenty of shade and open space for picnics and bbqs.

Beautiful with power tools n the magic wind amongst the trees.

Fun park! They have a cool hill that the kids can slide down.

Great place to unwind and let my kids have a fun time!

Lots of grounds to run around clean and green

So much fun love this park