In 1948, on St. Patrick’s Day, the world’s smallest park was dedicated to the city of Portland, Oregon. Mill Ends Park is located in downtown Portland, Oregon, in the median strip of a parkway.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records in 1971, Mill Ends Park is the smallest park in the world, measuring only 452 square inches – that’s just 2 feet across!
Interestingly, Portland is also home to the largest urban forest in its country, covering 6,000 acres.
The space where Mill Ends Park sits was originally intended for a light pole. However, after the light pole failed to appear, local Irish columnist Dick Fagan took matters into his own hands and planted flowers in the vacant space. He named the park “Mill Ends” after his column in the Oregon Journal.
The Creator of the World’s Smallest Park
Dick Fagan, the creator of Mill Ends Park, often wrote about the park’s “goings on” in his column, including the trials and tribulations of the leprechaun colony that lived there. In Fagan’s writings, his friend and leprechaun leader, Patrick O’Toole, claimed that Mill Ends Park was “the only leprechaun colony west of Ireland.”
After Fagan’s death from cancer in 1969, the park continued to be cared for by the people of Portland. Over the years, various items have been placed in the park, including a swimming pool for butterflies, a fragment of the Oregon Journal building where Fagan worked, a horseshoe, and a little leprechaun with his pot of gold.
Legends of the Leprechauns
In 2006, the park was temporarily relocated due to roadworks on the parkway, but it was later moved back to its original location with a festive celebration that included Royal Rosarians, bagpipers, and Fagan’s own family, including his widow Katherine. To this day, the legends of the leprechauns still live on within the Fagan family.
Dick’s son, Pat Fagan, often shared the park’s experience with his own son and was famously quoted as saying, “it’s still the largest leprechaun colony west of Ireland!”
FAQ
What is Mill Ends Park?
Mill Ends Park is the smallest park in the world. It is located in Portland, Oregon, and covers an area of only 452 square inches. The park has a fascinating history, as it was originally intended to be a location for a light pole. However, the pole was never installed, and in 1948, the area was transformed into a park. It has since become a popular tourist attraction in Portland.
How small is Mill Ends Park?
Mill Ends Park measures only 452 square inches in size. To put this into perspective, the park is roughly the size of a small living room rug. Despite its small size, the park is home to a variety of features, including a tiny Ferris wheel, a mini swimming pool, and a small statue of a leprechaun.
What is the history of Mill Ends Park?
Mill Ends Park was created in 1948 after a light pole was never installed in the area. The park was originally intended to be a location for the light pole, but after it never arrived, the area was transformed into a park. The park was named after journalist Dick Fagan’s column, “Mill Ends,” which covered the city’s happenings. Fagan became the unofficial park ranger and would often plant flowers and add decorations to the park.
What can visitors do at Mill Ends Park?
Visitors to Mill Ends Park can enjoy the unique experience of visiting the world’s smallest park. While the park is small, it is home to a variety of features, including a mini Ferris wheel, a small swimming pool, and a statue of a leprechaun. Visitors can also take photos of the park and learn about its fascinating history.
Is there an admission fee for Mill Ends Park?
No, there is no admission fee for Mill Ends Park. Visitors can enjoy the park and its features free of charge. However, visitors should note that the park is only open during daylight hours.
Where is Mill Ends Park located?
Mill Ends Park is located in Portland, Oregon, in the United States. The park is situated in the median strip of Southwest Naito Parkway, near the intersection with Taylor Street. Visitors can easily access the park by walking or driving.
What is the significance of Mill Ends Park?
Mill Ends Park is significant as it holds the title of the world’s smallest park. The park has become a popular tourist attraction in Portland, with visitors from around the world coming to see the tiny park. Additionally, the park has a fascinating history, as it was originally intended to be a location for a light pole, but was transformed into a park after the pole never arrived.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.