Way down W. Amazon Dr. on Martin st, in the Fox Hollow neighborhood, is a pretty little park with a wilderness feel. Here is Frank Kinney Park on google maps.
We came down W. Amazon and turned right on Martin. We then went passed the park and turned around so that we could park right next to the play area. They have an accessible parking spot which is always nice to see. Martin St. is a nice quiet neighborhood, so it doesn’t feel too nerve-racking to park on the street. The park is also separated from the street by lots of plants.
Did you ride your bike? They have bike racks and water fountains. You can see a little dog bowl of water and there were definitely a lot of dog-walkers as well as joggers who would come through this park for water. With an attachment to the Amazon trail system, this is a popular spot for everyone using the outdoor spaces in this area. It’s neat to see people in the community enjoying the outdoors together. However no bathrooms or potties here.
There’s a little path around the park, although there are a lot of dandelions growing in it, so it may not work great for little bikes. There are picnic tables and also some shady areas in the grass to sit on.
This park also has the beautiful tile work we see at so many parks in town.
So, the play area!
It’s not a big one for swings, but it does have one baby swing and one regular swing.
We also have a 2-kid motorcycle bouncer.
A merry-go-round spinner. You can also see the doggy bags, trash, and some benches on that side.
The main play structure is mostly made of wood and has a nice rustic charm.
It’s actually very similar to the play structure in Rosetta Park, except for that the one in Rosetta is made of plastic and it has a slide! So unfortunately, there is no slide on this structure for the kids who live for sliding.
There is a great climbing wall, as seen above. And the below picture shows a rope where kids can climb down. I know it’s a drop that makes some parents a little nervous.
There’s a nice lounging area under the structure
And a shady hut to be a little play house or fun hidden area.
Frank Kinney also has a sand play area with water in the summer months.
The sand pit area always seems to have some buckets or Tupperware for kids to play with, which I think is really nice of someone or some people who are keeping it stocked up.
Behind the sandy area is a pretty field for playing and running and lots of dandelions.
There’s also a connection in the back to a little trail loop that we did.
There’s a little work-out area that the kids enjoyed
And be advised about cougars and bears: this park is so close to the real wilderness experience at the edge of Eugene!
Being pretty far out, another issue was that I didn’t have cell service in the park itself, only when we went on the little walk. So this might be a big downside, unless you are ok with being unplugged. Verizon did seem to have service in this area, though. But it does make you hesitate and think about “what ifs” in cases of emergency when you really need a phone.
Frank Kinney Park may be on the outskirts of Eugene, but I love seeing all the trees and hills of the close-by forest. It’s a quiet park where you can hear the birds and chirps of insects. It also has such a nice wood play-structure, even if there is no slide. I like to be there with friends so that the no cell-service doesn’t make me so nervous. Even though it’s a drive, it’s a park with a nice feel and worth visiting sometimes.