Nestled in Portland’s Piedmont neighborhood, Peninsula Park is a historic 16.27-acre gem that opened in 1913, making it one of the city’s earliest public parks. Originally a roadhouse and horse racetrack owned by local businesswoman Liverpool Liz, the land was purchased by the city in 1909 for $60,000 through a 1908 bond measure.
Designed by renowned landscape architect Emanuel Mische, with contributions from architects Ellis Lawrence and Ormond R. Bean, the park reflects the early 20th-century City Beautiful movement, blending Italian villa-style architecture with formal landscaping.
Its crown jewel, the city’s first public rose garden, was established in 1909 and today boasts 5,700 roses across 75 varieties, including the iconic Madame Caroline Testout, Portland’s official rose. The park’s sunken rose garden, historic bandstand, lantern-style streetlights, and nearly 100-year-old central fountain add to its timeless charm, drawing over 300,000 visitors in its inaugural year—more than Portland’s population at the time. In 2013, to mark its centennial, 3,000 new disease-resistant roses were planted, preserving Mische’s vision while ensuring the garden’s vibrancy for future generations.
Why Peninsula Park is a Wellness Haven
Peninsula Park is more than a historic landmark—it’s a sanctuary for wellness, offering a serene backdrop for activities like yoga, reading, and quiet reflection. The air is perfumed with the delicate scent of roses, creating a calming atmosphere that soothes the senses and invites mindfulness. The sunken rose garden, with its symmetrical design and vibrant blooms, is an ideal spot to unroll a yoga mat or join one of the park’s outdoor yoga classes, such as those offered through Portland Parks & Recreation’s Fitness in the Park program. These all-level classes, often held in summer, blend strengthening and balancing poses with relaxation, amplified by the natural serenity of the park’s lush surroundings.
For book lovers, the park’s peaceful setting is perfect for diving into a good read. Settle on a bench near the reflecting pool in the rose garden’s center, where the gentle trickle of the fountain enhances focus and calm. This spot is also a meaningful place to reflect on gratitude, as the tranquil environment encourages introspection and appreciation for life’s simple joys. The park’s community center, one of Portland’s first, offers additional wellness opportunities, including yoga, dance, and music classes for all ages, fostering both physical and mental well-being.
Whether you’re practicing yoga amidst the roses, reading under the shade of century-old oaks, or meditating by the reflecting pool, Peninsula Park’s blend of natural beauty and historical charm makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking wellness in Portland. Pack a book, bring a yoga mat, or simply come to breathe in the rose-scented air—this park is a rejuvenating escape for body and soul.
Visit Peninsula Park at 700 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland, OR 97217, and explore its offerings through the City of Portland’s official site: portland.gov/parks.
