In A Landscape: Laurelhurst Park

Laurelhurst Park was once part of Hazel Fern Farm, a 486-acre estate owned by William S. Ladd, a two-time Portland mayor and the developer of Ladd’s Addition. Known for his prized Jersey cattle, Ladd played a role in shaping Oregon’s early livestock industry before the land was sold for residential development as East Portland grew.

In 1911, the City of Portland purchased 32 acres of the property, including a spring-fed pond, and established Laurelhurst Park as a public green space. Designed in 1912 by park superintendent Emanuel Mische in the naturalistic style associated with the Olmsted Brothers, the park features Firwood Lake, open meadows, picnic areas, and walking paths. A recognized example of the City Beautiful Movement, Laurelhurst Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

The IN A LANDSCAPE concert takes place on the open lawn near Firwood Lake, with listeners free to settle in or move through the surrounding paths during the performance.