Not far off E. Williamette Avenue and El Paso lies a great playground nestled in a large park covered with beautiful mature trees. North Shooks Run is a neighborhood park with two playgrounds-the classic little-kid and big-kid setup. There is a covered picnic area with four tables (which are starting to show their age) and it is perfect for hanging out in the shade, while keeping an eye on your oh-so-active treasures. Watch your Cheetos, though. The picnic area is home to one very friendly, and fearless, squirrel.
The real jewel of this park is the large playground, which is loosely modeled after a tree fort. One of the things I like best about the large playground is that it has shallow steps all the way to the top, so toddlers can get in on the action too. Plus, the top is spacious enough that two or three mothers with little ones can comfortably fit before heading down one of the three slides. My almost-two-year old likes to stand at the top and yell down to everyone below. It’s a blast.
Although it has seen its share of vandalism (there is some graffiti), N. Shooks Run Park is in fairly good condition. The city recently laid new mulch, and it is kept generally pretty clean. Set immediately off Shooks Run Trail, it is easily accessible to countless neighborhoods in the east downtown area. We are probably extra partial to this particular park because we can walk to it from our house. Major bonus!
There is no public bathroom, so make sure to remind the kiddos to go before you leave the house. Bring a frisbee to toss around or bikes to ride on Shooks Run Trail when the kids tire of the playground.
Be sure to check out this great park soon. Maybe I’ll see you there; I’ll be the one standing at the top of the tree with the happily screaming redhead.
Address: 706 N. Franklin Street
Public bathrooms: No
Picnic area: Yes
Bike path: Yes
