When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Berrydale Park
Why Berrydale Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Berrydale Park, located at 1195 SE 92nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon, is a cherished community space known for its engaging recreational facilities and ongoing modernization efforts. With a rating of 4.3 from 359 reviews, it serves as a vibrant meeting spot for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park offers a variety of amenities including playgrounds and a soon-to-be revamped skatepark featuring specialized elements such as a clover bowl and mini-ramp that cater to skateboarding skill development. Recent renovations aim to enhance the visitor experience by adding new pathways, lighting, and street improvements to promote safety and accessibility. The surrounding sidewalks along SE Taylor Street and SE 89th Avenue have been partially upgraded to improve pedestrian flow, although some connectivity was limited due to local property owner decisions. Berrydale Park is open daily from 5 am to midnight, making it a convenient and welcoming destination for people looking to gather, play, or enjoy the outdoors in Southeast Portland. Its modernization reflects a strong partnership between local government and the community, ensuring that the park’s amenities meet contemporary needs while preserving its welcoming atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Berrydale Park
As of recent, Berrydale Park holds a 4.3-star rating based on 359 reviews.
User reviews of Berrydale Park generally reflect appreciation for its welcoming atmosphere and the diversity of recreational options available. Positive reviews often highlight the well-maintained play areas and express excitement about the ongoing upgrades, particularly the new skatepark and playground facilities that are anticipated to attract a range of users from children to teenagers and adults. Visitors also value the park’s convenient location and extended daily hours from early morning until midnight, contributing to its popularity as a neighborhood gathering spot. On the other hand, some negative feedback centers around the current closure due to renovations and limited sidewalk continuity around the park, which affects access and pedestrian convenience. A few users mention the lack of previously planned comprehensive infrastructure upgrades due to funding constraints and mixed community participation. Despite these critiques, the majority of visitors express optimism about the improvements underway, looking forward to the park’s reopening in fall 2025 with modern amenities and enhanced safety features. Overall, the reviews convey that Berrydale Park remains a beloved community resource, with anticipation for a revitalized space that enriches local outdoor activity and social connections.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Wade Anthony
I walked around this park when I first came back in May of 2024, an old-school park with some items I just had not seen in years, playground equipment, and some rather large trees had toppled. Now it is completely change, the trees were removed, the merry go round too (or was that all in my head), and a glorious new little skatepark is being built right at Salmon and 92nd, it looks pretty righteous
Timothy Monahan
Berrydale Park isn’t the kind of green space that makes postcards or headlines. Tucked modestly in a Southeast Portland neighborhood, it’s small, mostly flat, and quiet in a way that makes you listen harder — to birdsong, to wind, to your own thoughts. It doesn’t try to be spectacular. It just is, and in today’s world, that’s rare and oddly comforting. There’s a playground, worn just enough to show it’s loved. On a weekday afternoon, you might find a parent pushing a stroller past the basketball court, or a few teens dribbling under the slow arc of sun. In summer, the field hums with the low buzz of bees and laughter, the occasional dog bounding freely along the grass. And in spring? It smells like the earth is trying to remember its own name. But Berrydale isn’t just a park—it’s a pause. It’s the kind of place that holds space for what people bring to it. A morning jog, a blanket and a book, a first bike ride. It’s where you realize that not all beauty is curated. Some is just… allowed to exist. And maybe that’s the soul of Portland at its best: not the bold, but the beloved. Not the grand, but the green spaces that give without asking. Berrydale doesn’t perform for your attention. It simply waits — and in doing so, becomes exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Johnna Fravezzi
I still need to bring my family here. Looks like fun. I grew up with metal slides. I can't wait to use them again.
Luana
It's a great park. My boys love to play soccer here. I can't believe these three really tall trees fell over! No lo puedo creer.
Operation Freedom Van
This is a great park. There are quite a few people out here walking their dogs or eating a picnic lunch. There are a number of COVID signs posted but we didn't find any in English so I couldn't tell you what they said. Probably something relaying the social distancing requirements. I would recommend visiting this park. Go on a pretty day, bring your dog and toddlers.
How to reach Berrydale Park
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Why rally at Berrydale Park with your friends? Berrydale Park stands out as an excellent gathering place for groups of friends or family because it offers a unique blend of newly upgraded amenities that cater to a variety of interests and age groups. After an extensive renovation completed in mid-2025, this nearly 70-year-old community park in Southeast Portland has been transformed into a vibrant social hub featuring modern playgrounds, a new skateboarding area, enhanced lighting, and improved pathways. These improvements encourage both active and relaxed social activities, allowing visitors to bond over skating sessions, casual walks, or simply enjoying appetizing picnics. The park’s thoughtful design, incorporating a rubberized soft base beneath play structures, ensures a safe environment for kids to play, making it an inclusive venue for families with young children as well. Furthermore, its location in a friendly residential neighborhood adds to the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that makes meetups feel both fun and stress-free. Whether you want to watch your friends show off their skateboarding tricks or just enjoy a lively outdoor concert, Berrydale Park offers something that makes any group outing special and memorable.
What activities can you enjoy together at Berrydale Park? The park offers a variety of engaging activities that make it ideal for group outings. Skateboarding enthusiasts will appreciate the new skatepark that includes multiple features such as a clover bowl, mini-ramp, and rails designed to accommodate various skill levels—from beginners to advanced riders. This spot is perfect for friendly competitions or casual practice. For families and groups with children, the modernized playground is a highlight. It features swings, slides, and climbing structures set on a cushioned, rubberized surface, which offers peace of mind regarding safety while kids explore and play. The open grassy areas, though newly seeded and delicate, still provide space for picnics, games, or relaxing on blankets and benches. Additionally, the park’s enhanced lighting and pathways make evening meetups comfortable and safe, extending enjoyment well past daylight hours. Visitors can also bike around the park or enjoy nearby sidewalks, making it an active, multi-use social spot suitable for all ages and interests.
Why is Berrydale Park perfect for group meetups? Several factors contribute to Berrydale Park’s suitability for group gatherings. First, its thoughtful design balances active recreation and relaxation spaces, catering to diverse group preferences at the same time. Groups can divide themselves comfortably: some skateboarding, others playing, and still others picnicking or chatting nearby without interference. The installation of modern, safe play equipment means families with young children can visit and feel secure letting their kids explore. The park's improved lighting and sidewalks increase safety and accessibility, which encourages longer visits into the evening and makes getting to and from the park easier. Also, the park's location in a residential area lends a quiet yet lively ambiance, offering a sense of community and belonging. The presence of benches scattered across the park further facilitates socializing, rest, and group conversations, making this an outstanding venue for meetups where people want to both be active and just spend quality downtime with friends or family.
How does the skatepark enhance the group experience at Berrydale Park? The skatepark at Berrydale Park is a centerpiece of the recent upgrades and dramatically enhances the park’s appeal as a meetup destination for groups of all ages. Constructed with a variety of skills-building elements like a clover bowl, mini-ramp, and multiple rails, this area attracts skateboarders, bikers, and scooter riders seeking a dedicated space for practice or casual fun. The skatepark encourages group interaction through collaborative skill-sharing, friendly challenges, and by providing a visually engaging spectacle for spectators in the same group. Skateboarding is a dynamic and social activity, and having this feature in the park broadens the social draw beyond passive park uses. Moreover, the city’s investment reflects community priorities and contributes to a sense of pride among local users. The skatepark is designed to be welcoming to all skill levels, promoting inclusion, which is ideal for groups with mixed skating experience.
What makes the playground at Berrydale Park special for family meetups? The playground has been thoughtfully upgraded with modern equipment placed on a rubberized soft base for safety, making it a standout feature for families visiting Berrydale Park. This area includes classic favorites like swings and slides, but also climbing structures designed to engage children physically and socially, stimulating healthy outdoor play. The playground’s safety features allow parents and caregivers to relax while kids have fun, making it a stress-free environment for family gatherings. Additionally, the playground’s location within the park is well integrated with benches and shaded areas, facilitating comfortable supervision and extended visits. Because the local neighborhood includes many young families, recent upgrades were community-driven and cater to those needs, ensuring the park remains relevant and inviting for the families who frequent it regularly. This makes Berrydale Park an exceptional choice for hosting children's birthday parties, casual playdates, or any outing where kids’ enjoyment is a priority.
What amenities support relaxation and socializing during meetups? Beyond the active play and skateboarding facilities, Berrydale Park offers several amenities tailored for relaxation and social connection, ideal for groups looking to catch up or unwind. New benches placed thoughtfully around the park provide comfortable seating options for visitors to gather, chat, and rest. These communal seating areas promote a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging social interaction. The enhanced lighting across the park extends usability into the evening hours, which is perfect for groups that want to extend their meetups past sunset safely. Additionally, recently installed sidewalks around key park perimeters improve accessibility, making it easier for everyone, including those with mobility needs, to join in the fun or simply stroll with friends and family. The open green spaces, although recently reseeded, are perfect spots for laying out picnic blankets or setting up outdoor games, adding to the park’s versatility as a social venue. Collectively, these amenities provide opportunities for both energetic play and casual relaxation within the same visit.
Why is the location and community around Berrydale Park appealing for hosting meetups? Situated in a residential neighborhood of Southeast Portland, Berrydale Park benefits from a strong sense of community and local pride. Many surrounding residents are families with young children, creating a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere that enhances the park’s welcoming vibe. This neighborhood context means meetups happen in a safe, familiar setting where visitors often already know one another or meet new neighbors naturally. The park’s upgrades reflect community input and growing neighborhood needs, making it a space that truly resonates locally. Its accessibility via several streets, including SE Taylor Street and SE 92nd Avenue, also makes it convenient to gather for locals and visitors alike. The nearby presence of local food carts at events adds an extra layer of enjoyment, ensuring that food and refreshments are easily accessible during longer visits, perfect for extended social gatherings.
How have recent improvements shaped the visitor experience at Berrydale Park? Recent renovations have transformed Berrydale Park into a modern, multi-use community hub that significantly enhances the visitor experience for group gatherings. The $3 million investment doubled the initial budget, allowing for high-quality playground upgrades, a state-of-the-art skatepark, and infrastructural improvements like lighting and new sidewalks. These enhancements respond directly to community requests for safety, inclusivity, and modern amenities, reflecting the voices of local families and skateboarding enthusiasts. The park reopening in July 2025 was met with enthusiastic early use, as visitors quickly embraced the new facilities. Despite some newly seeded grassy areas still maturing, the park is fully functional, inviting, and already a hotspot for social activity. These improvements ensure that Berrydale Park meets the expectations of a diverse group of users, helping it thrive as a premier location for meetups, whether casual or organized events like free concerts or birthday celebrations.
What events and community activities make Berrydale Park a dynamic place to meet? Beyond everyday park activities, Berrydale Park has a history of hosting lively community events that make it a dynamic venue for meetups. Past events have included outdoor concerts featuring local bands, including styles like Cajun and Zydeco music, which offered guests not only entertainment but also unique dining options from food carts, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Such events draw large crowds but still provide ample space for visitors to set up chairs and picnic areas. The mix of music, food, and outdoor recreation ensures that meetups at Berrydale Park are engaging and memorable. Additionally, the city’s planned grand reopening event in August 2025 signals ongoing efforts to make the park a focal point for community celebrations. These kinds of activities foster a strong communal spirit and make Berrydale Park not just a physical space but also a cultural and social landmark, perfect for rallying friends and family.
Why do users rate Berrydale Park highly and what makes it stand out? With a solid rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on over 350 reviews, Berrydale Park earns praise for its cleanliness, safety, and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors consistently highlight the well-maintained play areas and the new skatepark as major attractions that appeal to different age groups and interests. The combination of updated amenities with a peaceful neighborhood setting makes it a pleasant spot for relaxing or active recreation. Positive user reviews also mention the accessibility of picnic tables, the quality of the outdoor experience, and the park’s role as a community gathering space. Its recent enhancements and continued community engagement ensure that the park remains relevant and well-loved, distinguishing it from other neighborhood parks. This positive reputation makes it a trusted and appealing spot to plan meetups where everyone can enjoy a variety of activities in a clean, well-equipped, and friendly environment.