Flavel Park

Flavel Park Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide: Portland Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Flavel Park, located in Portland’s Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, is a beloved 4.2-acre green space that blends historical significance with vibrant community life and accessible amenities. Established in 1953 during Portland’s post-war expansion, the park honors Captain George Flavel—a prominent maritime figure—through its namesake and continues to serve as a vital recreation hub for local residents and visitors alike (Portland Parks & Recreation; Astoria Museums).

Open daily from 5:00 AM to midnight with free admission, Flavel Park offers a tranquil setting, modern playgrounds, sports courts, picnic areas, and ADA-accessible paths. Its ongoing community events, sustainable design, and environmental stewardship make it a model neighborhood park in Portland’s celebrated urban park system (Travel Portland; Tourist Places Guide).

This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about Flavel Park’s hours, facilities, historical context, travel tips, safety, accessibility, nearby attractions, and special events—ensuring an enriching experience for every visitor.

Introduction
Historical Development of Flavel Park
Community Significance and Social Role
Visiting Flavel Park: Hours, Amenities, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Preservation and Environmental Impact
Flavel Park in Portland’s Park System
Cultural Impact and Community Engagement
Special Events and Photography
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Historical Development of Flavel Park

Flavel Park was established in 1953 as part of Portland’s initiative to provide recreational spaces for its expanding neighborhoods (Portland Parks & Recreation). Named after Captain George Flavel—whose legacy is also commemorated by the Flavel House Museum in Astoria—the park reflects Portland’s commitment to honoring local heritage. Over time, Flavel Park has evolved from a simple playground to a well-equipped community space with modern landscaping, ADA-accessible features, and amenities that serve an increasingly diverse population (Astoria Museums).

Situated in the heart of Brentwood-Darlington, Flavel Park is more than a recreational area—it’s a vital community anchor. Its playgrounds, picnic tables, open fields, and basketball courts host neighborhood gatherings, sports games, and volunteer events that foster social cohesion and local identity (Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association). The park’s accessible design ensures equitable enjoyment for residents of all ages and abilities, supporting Portland’s ethos of inclusivity and healthy, active living (Travel Portland).

Visiting Flavel Park: Hours, Amenities, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours and Admission

Open daily: 5:00 AM to midnight
Admission: Free for all visitors—no tickets or reservations required (Portland Parks & Recreation)

Amenities

Playground: Modern, ADA-accessible equipment for children of all ages.
Sports Facilities: Basketball court, open field for informal soccer or frisbee, walking/jogging paths.
Picnic Areas: Scattered tables and benches, shaded by mature trees.
Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on leash; no designated off-leash area.
Community Features: Little Free Library, garden beds, and open lawns for spontaneous gatherings (Chamber of Commerce).

Accessibility and Parking

Entrances and Paths: Paved and wood chip paths offer good accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs. Some grassy areas may be uneven.
Parking: Limited on-street parking near SE 75th Ave & Flavel St; bike racks available.
Public Transit: Served by TriMet bus lines on SE 82nd Ave and SE Flavel Street; easy bike access via local greenways (TriMet).

Rules and Safety

Hours: 5:00 AM–midnight; please observe posted closing times.
Pets: Dogs must be leashed; pick up after your pet.
Prohibited: Alcohol, smoking, fireworks, and open flames (unless permitted for special events).
Lighting: Limited lighting after dusk; daytime visits are safest.
Security: Park rangers and local police patrol regularly; call 911 for emergencies or 311 for non-emergency city services (Travel Portland).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Flavel Park’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring Southeast Portland. Nearby, discover:

Lents Park: Larger park with additional facilities.
Mt. Tabor Park: Famous for hiking and city views from a volcanic cinder cone.
Woodstock Farmers Market: Seasonal local produce and crafts.
Mt. Scott Community Center: Pool and fitness center.
Johnson Creek: Scenic walking and biking corridor.
Brentwood-Darlington Community Gardens: Local horticulture and community initiatives.

Public transit and bike routes make it easy to combine these attractions with a Flavel Park visit (Tourist Places Guide; Travel Portland).

Preservation and Environmental Impact

Flavel Park is maintained by Portland Parks & Recreation with active support from community volunteers (Portland Parks & Recreation). Initiatives such as native plantings, litter clean-ups, and pollinator habitat enhancement reflect ongoing environmental stewardship. The park provides urban cooling, wildlife habitat, and improved air quality, contributing to Portland’s broader sustainability goals.

Flavel Park in Portland’s Park System

Flavel Park exemplifies the city’s approach to neighborhood-scale green spaces—accessible, inclusive, and community-oriented. As part of a network of over 200 parks, it plays a critical role in providing recreation and connection in Southeast Portland, where private yards are often limited (Travel Portland).

Cultural Impact and Community Engagement

Through seasonal and cultural events, Flavel Park becomes a gathering place that celebrates Brentwood-Darlington’s diversity. Initiatives such as the “Summer Free For All” bring concerts, movie nights, and arts workshops to the park, fostering community spirit and cultural exchange (Portland Parks & Recreation Summer Free For All). Volunteer-led clean-ups and neighborhood meetings further enhance its role as a social hub.

Special Events and Photography

Seasonal Events

Summer Free For All: Free movies, concerts, and arts activities each summer, supported by the Parks Local Option Levy.
Community Clean-Ups: Volunteer events to maintain and improve the park (Portland Parks & Recreation Summer Free For All).
Neighborhood Gatherings: Informal celebrations, birthday parties, and cultural festivals.

Photography

Flavel Park’s open fields, mature trees, and playgrounds provide scenic backdrops for photography, especially during spring blooms and evening light.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Flavel Park’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 5:00 AM to midnight.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, entry is free for everyone.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash.

Q: Does the park have restrooms?
A: Permanent restrooms are not available; check for temporary facilities during events or use nearby community centers.

Q: Are the playground and paths accessible?
A: Most paths are ADA-compliant; some playground features may not be fully accessible. Contact Parks & Recreation for specific questions.

Q: Does Flavel Park host events?
A: Yes, including free summer concerts, movie nights, and community clean-ups.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited on-street parking is available; public transit and bike racks are convenient alternatives.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Flavel Park stands out as a quintessential neighborhood park—rich in history, thoughtfully designed, and deeply embedded in Portland’s community life. Its free admission, generous hours, and accessible amenities make it a welcoming destination for families, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Seasonal events and ongoing community engagement further enhance its appeal, offering visitors a chance to experience Portland’s vibrant culture in a tranquil setting.

For the latest park updates, event schedules, and alerts, visit the official Flavel Park page and follow Portland Parks & Recreation on social media. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app, featuring guided tours and real-time information about Flavel Park and other Portland attractions.