Lair Hill Park

Lair Hill Park is a 3.26-acre public park located in southwest Portland, Oregon. Acquired by the city in 1927, this urban green space offers a serene retreat within the bustling city environment. The park is named after William Lair Hill, a prominent pioneer attorney, historian, and newspaper editor who briefly owned property in the area during the late 19th century.

The park features a mix of natural and man-made elements. Mature trees, including a large cedar, provide ample shade and contribute to the park's peaceful atmosphere. A small metal sculpture created by local artist Bruce West in 1978, titled "BW1," adds an artistic touch to the landscape. This sculpture represents a rock grotto that once stood in the park, which served as a gathering place for older men to play chess on hot summer days.

Two buildings of historical significance are located within Lair Hill Park. The main building, constructed in 1918 in the Modified Georgian Revival style, originally served as a dormitory for nurses working at the county hospital. It later housed various institutions, including the Children's Museum from 1949 to 2001. The smaller building, known as the Customs House, was built in 1921 as a branch of the county library. This Italian Renaissance Revival structure is one of seven Carnegie-funded branch libraries in Portland.

Lair Hill Park serves as a community gathering space, offering recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Its location in the mixed residential and commercial neighborhood of Lair Hill makes it easily accessible to local residents and provides a green oasis in the urban landscape.