Park Blocks

As you can see by the plaque the old park blocks used to be called the Hitching Post Square.  This is the place where the pioneers of Eugene tied their horses up so they could conduct their business.

Most people drive by the Park Blocks all the time but don’t know they are designated as a park.  These two city blocks are better known as the place downtown that’s home to the Saturday Market and the Farmers Market.  On the days when there is no market set up, you will find this a pleasant place to hang out and watch the people and the traffic pass by.

One of the prettier sights at this location is the water fountain. When you sit in the West Park Block you hear the water, the wind blowing in the tall trees and sounds of the city.  There are many benches to sit on while you observe the goings on about town.

Often times you will see an artist downtown sketching or a painter with an easel set up working away, seemingly oblivious to the other people around them.  Besides the artists taking in the sights, you will also be interested to know that these parks were a significant part of Eugene’s history.   There are plaques commemorating the early pioneers that donated this land to the city.  Eugene Skinner and Charnell Mulligan were the two pioneers that shared their land claim, allowing the citizens of Eugene to have such wonderful park spaces.

Besides the obvious, there is always something interesting to see downtown from these Park Blocks.   When it comes to snacks, you might enjoy a bite to eat or a shaved ice from one of the food vendors that set up their rolling shops on various days.

You don’t have the luxury of a bathroom on site so a Buck’s is located on the south east block for your convenience.  When you do a quick inventory of the Park Blocks you get; shade, benches, grass, sounds, a place to go for food, history, markets, vendors, artists and even a port-a-potty.  You might enjoy visiting these blocks as each time you go you will see something new and that’s guaranteed.  Check out the park and enjoy your experience, then walk to a close by Bistro or sidewalk cafe for a real city experience.

Written by Alison Silveria for DiscoverEugene.com

Photos by Alison Silveria