Address: | Summit Ave & Skyline Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403, USA |
Phone: | +1 541-682-4800 |
Site: | eugene-or.gov |
Rating: | 4.6 |
Working: | Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours |
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Sodindo Banana
(Originally posted on Yelp 7/17/16) Having grown up in Eugene - and *southern* Eugene, no less! - it occurred to me only just today to really take a solid walkthrough of this park, having seen only bits & pieces over the years. Im seriously wondering why on earth I didnt do this before the age of 40. And Im glad I did: this place is the absolute epitome of ~GOOD~ Eugene, as opposed to the more typical facade/image of the city, which is to say "progressively zany" (read: childish, attention-starved, "artistic" grandstanding). Hendricks Park is none of those things. The utter absence of ideological ostentatiousness is breaktakingly refreshing... not least in light of the outrageous abomination that the more centrally-located Alton Baker Park has become. No, Hendricks Park is a magnificent example of building *with* nature. Right from the get-go (if youre walking there via Summit Ave, as I was this morning), youre introduced to the Rhododendron Garden so subtley that its not even entirely clear where civilization ends & the park begins. From there, its like one long organically-interwoven system of benches, paths & beautiful flora. I cant even put into words how remarkably tranquil something man-made turned out to be. Youre right alongside residential neighborhoods, but you never really feel like it. From there I circled around the smaller immediate paths past the shelter (very nicely built, without Eugenes usual Im-weird-and-therefore-special construction silliness) to the info sign at the parking lot, then followed one trail out to a bench (and some sort of relic/ruin of something at the head of the offshoot to the Ribbon Trail), then back along another. Of course there was one fly in the ointment of the overall experience, however, and you might guess what it is... the peace of the forest being obnoxiously shattered by some a§§hole blasting sh!tty music from a yellow Volvo. Yep, just sitting there for at least 20 minutes. Because we all escape out into nature just to be loudly bombarded by some rude pr!ck, right? Eugene is a place where sheer arrogance passes continually for "culture", and yet I can never quite get used to bullsh!t like this. It wasnt even 9:00 in the morning, but the primal urge to be a d!ck to a captive audience waits for no one, it seems. Obviously, though, I cant hold this against the park itself (though in my ideal world the city really would pay for a rent-a-cop to babysit these inevitable douçhebags!), and I refuse to allow the overall experience - not to mention this reviews rating - to be ultimately tarnished by the actions of a vulva in a Volvo. ;)
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Z Simpson
Hendricks has well kept hiking trails throughout its hilly thicket, diverse native ecosystem advocacy, covered picnic areas, wheelchair accessible restrooms, and plenty of parking. This park is divided by 4 roads I believe, so there is probably more to see even if you think youve been through it all. Its gorgeous when the rhodedenron garden blooms each spring, and there is a giant magnolia that is beautiful too. Great park
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Patrick W. Deegan
The best botanical park in Eugene with a wonderful offering of rhododendrons, witch hazels, American beauty berry, and other non-natives for color during the long gloomy spring; shade for the brightest of summer days; and a good native garden near the shelter. A strong community of volunteers helps to keep the park in good condition against runaway ivies and other noxious plants.
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stephanie bennett
This park is over 80 acres and has 12 miles of trails. The best time to go is late spring when at the rhododendrons are in bloom, but it is a beautiful spot anytime of the year. There are places that overlook the city and so have great views. There are quite grassy spots to relax. You will quite often...
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Adam Rolfson
Great look park, that said... This place is confusing! Finding the parking lot you friends parked at is impossible. The park exists among residential houses and there is no road that goes around the whole park. You will find yourself leaving the park accidentally trying to find who you are meeting there.
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Allison Walbridge
I highly recommend this place during springtime and summer. It is a huge beautiful garden with tons of trails and wildlife. Ive seen deer, rabbits, butterflies, and even a turkey once. Absolutely peaceful, they have a picnic area and tons of benches throughout if you find a spot you like.
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Tabitha B
Gorgeous park to get away while still in the city. The gardens are amazing when in full bloom and still relaxing when not. The trails are nice too. I recommend parking at Spring Blvd trailhead and hiking Ribbon Trail into Hendricks Park for about 2 miles of beautiful exercise.
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Virginia Parker
Great back drop for pictures! an amazing place to walk the trail and see plant after plant welcoming the spring! Also has great views of Eugene. Easy to reach. Trails are easy to walk. Lots of open area for picnic, lounging, playing etc. . . . Keep your pet on a leash!
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Joseph Bennett
Great back drop for pictures! an amazing place to walk the trail and see plant after plant welcoming the spring! Also has great views of Eugene. Easy to reach. Trails are easy to walk. Lots of open area for picnic, lounging, playing etc. . . . Keep your pet on a leash!
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Gloria Lopez
Great back drop for pictures! an amazing place to walk the trail and see plant after plant welcoming the spring! Also has great views of Eugene. Easy to reach. Trails are easy to walk. Lots of open area for picnic, lounging, playing etc. . . . Keep your pet on a leash!
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Steven Hespen
Its like being out in the woods, but with flowers. Best time to go is one week before Mothers day. The rhodadendrens and azaleas are in full bloom. Lots of jogging trails. Picnic tables and open space. The jewel of Eugene.
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Private user
Fantastic wooded park for walking, trail running, and for a simply, peaceful time. Many different trails and networks that you can use for your long runs. Has water fountains and relatively cleaner bathrooms.
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Snufkin ga
Beautiful, quiet, serene, peaceful little garden park. It was raining the day I went but the flowers were starting to bloom, the people were respectful of the park and it was a nice place to go for a walk
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Caleb Hoffmann
This park is a must if you are looking for a place to walk around trails in Eugene. It oversees the city and is full of greenery and beauty! Its also a place to get a great hill workout in for running!
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Patrick Neve
The rhododendron garden and park constitute a nice mix of flora and fauna in an urban setting. Great place for a walk in the woods, a picnic, a photo shoot, or just a quick lookout at sunset.
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Ken Moszeter
Many paths through the gardens plus several trails through the woods. Benches are available in the gardens for relaxation, enjoying the landscape. Fantastic place to bring the kids.
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JennNation 16
In my honest opinion, this is the most magical spot and Eugene! everything is so well kept up with! So sad about the last ice storms and the swings being gone though. :(
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Don Baty
A beautiful location to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of Eugene. Spectacular flower display in Spring with an amazing collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
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Alex Chagovetz
Pretty pretty pretty nice dog park. Little muddy after the rain (so always) but large enough to give the puppies a proper romp and lots of butts to sniff.
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Kylie O_O
Its a nice park with both a place to hike, and a flower garden sort of situation. Its got picnic tables too. It can be crowded sometimes on sunny days
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Steve Sears
Another place I love to go when the flowers are in bloom. We use to go every Sunday and site among the flowers watching the bees are humming birds