When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Cedar Mill Park
Why Cedar Mill Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cedar Mill Park in Portland, Oregon, stands out as a lively and welcoming recreational destination perfect for gatherings with friends and family. The park offers a variety of amenities and activities that cater to visitors of all ages, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and active fun. Located conveniently at 10385 NW Cornell Road, the park is easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. Visitors can enjoy green open spaces, playgrounds, walking trails, and sports facilities that encourage healthy outdoor activities. Cedar Mill hosts several community events, notably tying in with the nearby Cedar Mill Farmers Market, which runs Saturdays from May through October and features local vendors, live music, children’s activities, and seasonal produce. This combination of natural beauty, recreational options, and community-centered events makes Cedar Mill Park an excellent place to meet up, unwind, and enjoy quality time with friends in a friendly neighborhood setting.
Here's what people think of Cedar Mill Park
As of recent, Cedar Mill Park holds a 4.6-star rating based on 78 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Cedar Mill Park for its well-maintained facilities and family-friendly atmosphere. Many visitors highlight the park's spaciousness, cleanliness, and versatility in accommodating different activities, from casual picnics to active sports and children's play. Positive feedback also frequently mentions the park's convenient location and the vibrant community feel bolstered by nearby events such as the Cedar Mill Farmers Market. Reviewers appreciate the combination of scenic surroundings and functional spaces for socializing and outdoor fun. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues like parking limitations on busy weekends and the need for more shaded areas during summer months. A few visitors have mentioned that certain amenities could benefit from upgrades or increased maintenance to enhance comfort and safety. Overall, the reviews depict Cedar Mill Park as a cherished local spot with a welcoming environment and good facilities, while suggesting some improvements to address crowd management and comfort. The positive aspects strongly outweigh the negatives, positioning the park as a favored community gathering place in Portland.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bokot Bokot
This park is shaded and very ideal for summer weather (if you want a break from the heat). The playground area is cushioned (I don't know what to call it) making it ideal for younger ones. Picnic tables, small soccer field and 2 tennis courts.
Randal Eggleston
A quiet little park. Tennis court, soccer field, picnic tables, play structure for younger children. Portable toilet.
Rowan Hart
Beautiful courts, playground, and soccer field. The path at the rear has access to some short paved and gravel trails down to a creek and playground, great for kids!
C T
A great park with lots of green space and a few benches for picnic. There is a medium sized soccer field and two tennis courts with kids' playground. Parking lot is also of good size. Great place for walking your dog too.
A Brady
Great hidden gem. Recently upgraded in 2019 with paved walking path, picnic tables, playground and swings for small children, and moved the tennis courts making this park a nice neighborhood feature. Enter the Cedar Mill Elementary parking lot then head to the lower lot for parking.
How to reach Cedar Mill Park
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Website: None
Why Cedar Mill Park may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cedar Mill Park with your friends?
Gathering friends or family for an outing at Cedar Mill Park promises a rewarding and enjoyable experience due to the park’s blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and ample space for social activities. Located in the Cedar Mill neighborhood near Portland, Oregon, this 5.9-acre park has been thoughtfully redeveloped to provide a welcoming environment that appeals to groups of all ages. The combination of recreational facilities such as a soccer field, baseball/softball field, tennis courts, and a playground makes it an ideal location for both active pursuits and casual relaxation. What makes Cedar Mill Park particularly appealing for group meetups is its peaceful natural surroundings, enhanced by ongoing efforts to restore native plants and wildlife habitat, providing a pleasant backdrop to your gathering. Its proximity to other attractions like Jordan Woods Natural Area and Jackie Husen Park adds even more options for exploration and outdoor fun. Whether you’re looking for a place to play sports, enjoy a picnic, hike nearby trails, or simply socialize in a green space, Cedar Mill Park offers a versatile setting that can accommodate all these needs. This multifaceted appeal, combined with a strong local reputation reflected in its 4.6-star rating from nearly 80 reviews, underscores why it’s a fantastic spot to rally with friends and family.
What activities are available at Cedar Mill Park?
Cedar Mill Park hosts a variety of activities that cater to group meetups, ensuring everyone finds something enjoyable to do. For sports enthusiasts, the park features a recently upgraded baseball and softball field shared with Cedar Mill Elementary School, as well as a well-maintained soccer field. These facilities make it perfect for organizing friendly matches, practicing skills, or simply enjoying watching the game together. Tennis lovers can also take advantage of the newly installed tennis courts, providing additional active options for medium-sized gatherings. Children in the group will appreciate the modern playground, designed to offer a safe and fun environment for younger visitors to burn off energy and engage in creative play. Beyond structured sports and play, the park’s 0.29-mile trail offers a pleasant walking route that connects to nearby natural areas such as Jackie Husen Park and Jordan Woods Natural Area, ideal for group strolls or short hikes that help deepen the connection with nature. Picnic tables scattered around the park create an inviting space for meals, casual chats, or even small celebrations, further enhancing the group-friendly atmosphere. All these activities combine to make Cedar Mill Park an excellent all-around destination where diverse interests are well served.
Why is Cedar Mill Park the perfect place for a group meetup?
Cedar Mill Park is particularly well-suited for group meetups because it balances accessibility, amenities, and a tranquil natural environment. Located just off NW Cornell Road with convenient parking nearby, reaching the park is easy for local residents and visitors alike. The park’s design encourages social gathering with strategically placed picnic tables and open areas that accommodate groups comfortably without feeling crowded. The thoughtful integration with Cedar Mill Elementary School’s sports fields expands available recreation space, allowing groups to engage in multiple activities within a close-knit setting. Moreover, the ongoing restoration project in the park’s northwest corner, which involves removing invasive species and planting native shrubs, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. This natural care enhances the park’s ambiance and offers a scenic and peaceful environment, which is perfect for those who want to unwind while enjoying time with friends and family. Importantly, the park caters to a wide demographic—from children to seniors—making it inclusive and versatile for diverse groups. Facilities like tennis courts and playgrounds coexist with accessible walking trails, providing options for both active fun and relaxed bonding. All these elements work in harmony to create a welcoming, flexible venue that supports both organized events and spontaneous meetups.
What natural features and trails does Cedar Mill Park offer?
Cedar Mill Park isn’t just about sports and playgrounds—it also boasts natural features that enhance the outdoor experience for groups. A key highlight is the 0.29-mile trail that runs through the park, tracing a route long used by students walking to school but now improved and extended to link with other green spaces nearby. This trail provides an easy, scenic path suitable for walkers or casual hikers who want to explore the neighborhood’s natural beauty as a group. The park is in close proximity to larger nature preserves like Jordan Woods Natural Area and Jackie Husen Park, allowing groups interested in longer hikes or birdwatching excursions to venture further while still starting their day at Cedar Mill. Inside the park itself, ongoing ecological restoration focuses on reviving native plants and removing invasive species, which not only protects the environment but also creates habitats for local wildlife—adding an extra layer of enjoyment for visitors who appreciate nature observation. The natural area in the park’s northwest corner acts as a quiet refuge, a great spot for reflection, photography, or a calm break from more energetic activities. For groups looking to connect with nature without traveling far, Cedar Mill Park offers this balanced mix of accessible green space with a deliberate conservation focus.
Are there facilities and amenities tailored for comfort and convenience?
Yes, Cedar Mill Park has been redeveloped with several amenities aimed at maximizing visitor comfort and convenience, making it well-suited for group gatherings. One of the standout features is the presence of picnic tables, which provide designated spots where groups can comfortably share meals, play games, or simply relax together outdoors. These areas offer an ideal setting for birthday parties, casual weekend meetups, or special celebrations without the need to bring your own furniture. Additionally, the park is open daily from dawn to dusk, allowing flexibility to plan events at various times to suit different schedules. The adjacency to Cedar Mill Elementary School means restrooms are often accessible during school hours, which is particularly beneficial for families and larger groups. There is ample parking close to the park, including a dedicated area linked to the school parking lot, facilitating easy arrival and departure even for sizable groups. Maintenance is handled through the local park district, ensuring clean, safe, and well-kept facilities, which enhances peace of mind for organizers and visitors alike. Together, these amenities make Cedar Mill Park not just a green space but a fully functional venue for hosting enjoyable and hassle-free social events.
How accessible is Cedar Mill Park by public transportation and driving?
Cedar Mill Park is conveniently accessible both by car and public transportation, important factors for groups planning meetups. For those driving, the park is located near NW Cornell Road and NW 102nd Avenue, with a large parking area available adjacent to Cedar Mill Elementary School. The clear signage and straightforward routes from Highway 26 to Cedar Hills Boulevard and Cornell Road make navigation simple, even for visitors unfamiliar with the area. For groups relying on public transit, the TriMet bus #62 service runs near the junction of Cornell Road and Cedar Hills Boulevard, from where it is a manageable half-mile walk east to the park entrance. This makes the park accessible to individuals without cars and encourages environmentally friendly travel options. The proximity to residential neighborhoods and established walking routes adds further convenience for locals looking to meet up without extensive transit concerns. With these options, Cedar Mill Park ensures that meeting up is logistically easy for all participants, whether they prefer driving or taking public transportation.
What makes Cedar Mill Park a community-focused destination?
Cedar Mill Park exemplifies a community-focused destination by integrating recreational, natural, and educational elements in a way that supports neighborhood life and social interaction. Sharing space with Cedar Mill Elementary School, it serves not only as a recreational area but also as an extension of a community gathering place, where families and neighbors can connect through shared interests and activities. The redevelopment efforts funded by local bonds emphasize inclusive access and improving quality of life for residents nearby. The park’s trails and greenways foster connections between adjacent natural areas, encouraging community members to engage more with their environment and with each other. Furthermore, the active restoration project led by the Natural Resources department demonstrates a commitment to sustainable stewardship while creating educational opportunities about native plants and wildlife. Hosting regular visitors and meetups, Cedar Mill Park is a hub where social, environmental, and recreational values converge, strengthening community ties and promoting a sense of belonging. This makes it a particularly appealing destination for groups aiming to enjoy a meaningful and fun experience together.
Why is Cedar Mill Park highly rated by visitors?
With a 4.6-star rating based on 78 reviews, Cedar Mill Park consistently earns praise for a variety of reasons. Visitors appreciate the park’s clean, well-maintained facilities and the diversity of activities available, from sports fields to playgrounds and walking trails. The peaceful natural setting and ongoing efforts to revitalize native habitats resonate strongly with those looking for more than just recreational spaces but also a place to connect with nature. Many reviews highlight the park’s family-friendly atmosphere, noting that it offers a safe and enjoyable environment for children and adults alike. The convenient location and accessibility by both car and public transit also receive positive mention, enhancing the overall experience. The park’s reputation as a community-centered space where groups can gather easily and comfortably further bolsters its standing. Collectively, these factors create a welcoming environment that appeals to a broad audience, explaining its strong, positive user ratings.
In summary, Cedar Mill Park offers a compelling combination of diverse recreational activities, natural beauty, community integration, and practical amenities, making it an outstanding choice for hosting meetups with friends or family.