THPRD is excited to share that La Raíz Park opened in July 2024.
La Raíz Park is a 2-acre park in the Vose area on SW Baker St and SW Lombard St near Vose Elementary School. The concept plan of the park was shaped by community input from hundreds of people throughout the neighborhood.
The park features a multipurpose court, two covered picnic areas, paved and soft-surface paths, open lawn areas surrounded by trees and natural plantings, multiple play areas including a water play feature, and a nature exploration area, plus more.
The park’s name, La Raíz is Spanish for "the root" and honors numerous members of Spanish speaking communities in the district. The name represents the site’s large trees that live in interdependent relationships through connected roots. Like spreading tree roots, the unique paths and experiences that have led people to this land continue to shape the community we live in today as we grow toward the future.
The park also features a welcome circle art mural which we collaborated with IDEALPDX to produce. The lead artist for the design was Daniel Santollo from Tekpatl, Mexico. The welcome circle is titled Raices (roots) and in this dynamic circular mural, the tapestry of the seasons unfolds, cultivating profound connections rooted in community, unity, and family. The words Community, Unidad, Familia and Connection were engraved on remnant basalt stone from the property and placed along the perimeter pathway.
A grassy open lawn with a picnic table makes this a perfect park for a picnic outing. The site also includes a play area with a swing set, multiple slides, a drinking fountain, and a hook to hang celebratory items.