Bloomington Park

Bloomington Park Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions in Portland

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Bloomington Park’s Place in Portland

Bloomington Park is a vibrant urban green space nestled in Southeast Portland’s Lents neighborhood. Spanning nearly 13 acres, this park exemplifies Portland’s dedication to equitable, inclusive, and sustainable public spaces. With its accessible playgrounds, well-maintained sports fields, lush lawns, and a calendar filled with community-centered events, Bloomington Park serves as a welcoming retreat for families, athletes, and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re planning a picnic, joining a sports league, or attending a local festival, this guide provides comprehensive information on visiting hours, amenities, accessibility, and the park’s significance within Portland’s cultural landscape. For official updates, see the Portland Parks & Recreation website and the Summer Free For All events page.

Overview and Significance
Park Hours, Admission, and Travel Tips
History and Community Role
Amenities, Activities, and Accessibility
Environmental Stewardship
Events and Community Engagement
Nearby Attractions
Seasonal Activities
Visitor Safety, Policies, and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals, Media, and Interactive Resources
Summary Table of Key Features
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Overview and Significance

Bloomington Park is a beloved community space that reflects Portland’s commitment to inclusive urban development and environmental stewardship. Established in 1988 as part of an initiative to expand accessible recreation in East Portland, the park has grown into a hub for cultural events, youth activities, and neighborhood gatherings. Its open layout and mature trees provide a tranquil escape from the city, while its programming brings together Portlanders from all walks of life to celebrate diversity and community spirit (Portland.gov).

Park Hours, Admission, and Travel Tips

Operating Hours: Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. Some events and facilities may have specific hours.
Admission & Fees: Entrance is always free; no tickets are required for general access or most events.
Location: Situated between SE Steele Street and SE 100th Avenue in the Lents neighborhood.
Getting There:
- By Car: Small parking lot with ADA-reserved spots on SE Steele Street; additional street parking available.
- By Public Transit: Several TriMet bus lines serve the area, with stops within walking distance.
- By Bicycle: Connected to Portland’s bike lane network; bike racks provided.
Best Times to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities and community events; early mornings and weekdays offer quieter experiences.

History and Community Role

Bloomington Park was established in response to community advocacy for equitable green spaces in East Portland, addressing historical disparities in park access. The name reflects the area’s lush flora and Portland’s reputation as the “City of Roses.” Over the years, Bloomington Park has become a hub for multicultural events, youth sports, and neighborhood celebrations, reinforcing the city’s progressive approach to urban planning and civic engagement (Portland Parks & Recreation).

Amenities, Activities, and Accessibility

Recreational Facilities

Playground: Inclusive, ADA-compliant play structures with slides, swings, monkey bars, and a musical play feature.
Sports Fields: Full-size soccer field, baseball and softball diamonds, and a basketball court—available for both casual use and reservation.
Picnic Areas: Shaded and open lawns ideal for informal gatherings; visitors often bring their own chairs or blankets.
Walking Paths: Paved and unpaved trails suitable for walking, jogging, or dog-walking.

Restrooms

ADA-compliant facilities renovated in 2017–2018; open seasonally, with portable toilets available during off-peak months (FHSPost).

Accessibility

Pathways & Playgrounds: All main areas are wheelchair accessible.
Support Services: Translation, interpretation, and accommodation services available.

Dog Policy

Dogs are welcome and must remain leashed unless in a designated off-leash area. Owners are responsible for clean-up.

Environmental Stewardship

Bloomington Park is managed with sustainable landscaping practices, including native plantings and water conservation measures. These efforts support local wildlife habitats and maintain ecological health, connecting the community with Portland’s broader environmental values (Portland Parks & Recreation).

Events and Community Engagement

While not a venue for large-scale city festivals, Bloomington Park plays a central role in local gatherings, recreational leagues, and volunteer stewardship programs. It participates in Portland’s “Summer Free For All” initiative, offering free movies, concerts, and multicultural performances that foster inclusivity and community pride (Summer Free For All - Cultural Events).

Nearby Attractions

Other Parks: Lents Park and Powell Park offer additional recreation options nearby.
Cultural Sites: The surrounding neighborhoods feature local markets, street fairs, and access to the Springwater Corridor Trail.
Historic Exploration: For more ideas, see Portland’s Best Parks and Historic Sites in Portland.

Seasonal Activities

Spring

Community picnics, youth sports leagues, and birdwatching among mature trees.

Summer

Outdoor recreation, family events, and “Summer Free For All” movie nights (TravelPortland.com).
Picnics and barbecues; fields are busiest on weekends and holidays (EverOut Portland).

Fall

Colorful foliage, community clean-up events, and casual sports.

Winter

Walking, jogging, winter birdwatching, and occasional snow play for kids.

Visitor Safety, Policies, and Tips

Lighting: Limited in some areas—use caution after dark.
Weather: Fields may be muddy during rainy months; bring appropriate gear.
Restroom Availability: Seasonal; check ahead during winter or early spring.
General Safety: Remain aware of your surroundings, especially after dark (Urban Abroad).
Homelessness: Some individuals may be present; respect and caution are advised (TravelPortland.com).
Park Etiquette: Respect rules, leash pets, and keep noise levels reasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Bloomington Park’s hours?
A: Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to midnight.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, Bloomington Park is free to visit.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome.

Q: Is the park wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the park features ADA-compliant paths and playgrounds.

Q: Can I reserve sports fields?
A: Yes, contact Portland Parks & Recreation at 503-823-2525.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Small lot on SE Steele Street (ADA space); additional street parking nearby.

Q: Does the park host large events or guided tours?
A: Bloomington Park hosts neighborhood events and city-sponsored “Summer Free For All” activities, but not large-scale festivals or official tours.

Visuals, Media, and Interactive Resources

For photos, interactive maps, and virtual resources, visit the official city website and TravelPortland.com. Images showcase playgrounds, sports fields, and community events, with descriptive alt text for accessibility.

Summary Table of Key Features

Feature	Details
Size	12.87 acres (5.21 ha)
Sports Facilities	Baseball, softball, soccer fields; basketball court
Playground	Inclusive, ADA-compliant, musical play elements
Restrooms	ADA-accessible, renovated, seasonal closures possible
Parking	Small lot (ADA space); street parking
Accessibility	ADA pathways, accessible playgrounds, service animals welcome
Hours	5:00 a.m. – midnight
Community Use	Picnics, dog-walking, sports, gatherings
Reservations	Sports fields reservable via Portland Parks & Recreation

Conclusion and Call to Action

Bloomington Park is a cornerstone of Southeast Portland’s community life, blending recreational opportunities, environmental stewardship, and inclusive cultural celebrations. Plan your visit today to enjoy the park’s amenities, connect with neighbors, and experience one of Portland’s most welcoming public spaces. For real-time updates, events, and travel tips, download the Audiala app and follow Portland Parks & Recreation on social media. Discover more Portland parks and attractions in our related guides.