Harper's Playground

Harper's Playground in Portland's Arbor Lodge neighborhood is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtfully designed inclusive playgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. Built to honor Harper Frydenlund — a local girl who uses a wheelchair — the park reimagines what a playground can be when designed for children of all abilities to play together.

Every element of Harper's Playground was designed with inclusion at its core. The accessible swings can accommodate children with mobility devices. Wide ramps allow wheelchair users to reach elevated platforms.

The circular, interconnected layout ensures kids can navigate the entire space without barriers. Sensory panels, musical elements, and textured surfaces engage children with diverse sensory needs.

What makes the park especially meaningful is the opportunity it creates for kids of different abilities to play alongside each other — something that typical playground designs rarely achieve. Siblings, classmates, and friends of varying physical abilities can genuinely share the same play experience.

The playground is beautifully maintained and sits within a larger park that offers additional green space and a calm neighborhood feel. The design is striking enough that families visit just to see it, not just for their children to play.

For families with children who have physical disabilities, sensory processing differences, or other accessibility needs, Harper's Playground is a must-visit Portland destination. For families without those needs, it's a reminder of what intentional, compassionate design looks like — and the kind of place that tends to make parents stop and reflect. Admission is free, making it accessible to all.