The World’s Ex-Smallest Park Fits Inside a Portland Traffic Median at Just Two Feet Wide

The #2 Smallest Park in the World

Mill Ends Park in Portland started in 1948 when journalist Dick Fagan planted flowers in an empty light pole hole in the median of SW Naito Parkway. This tiny circular garden, measuring just 452 square inches, held the Guinness World Record for the world’s smallest park from 1971 to 2023.

A park in Nagaizumi, Japan, now holds the record at 2.6 square feet. Despite losing its title, Mill Ends Park remains a beloved Portland landmark, known for its leprechaun stories and its survival through many city changes.

How the Park Was Created

Dick Fagan worked at the Oregon Journal newspaper office in 1946 when he spotted a hole in the street median below his window. The hole was meant for a light pole, but workers never installed it.

Instead of leaving it empty, Fagan went down to the street and planted flowers there. The city didn’t officially recognize it as a park until 1976, making it the only park started by a newspaper writer’s creative idea.

The Park’s Connection to Leprechauns

Fagan wrote stories about the park in his newspaper column called ‘Mill Ends,’ named after leftover pieces of lumber. He created tales about Patrick O’Toole, who he said was the park’s head leprechaun.

Fagan claimed the park was the only leprechaun colony allowed west of Ireland. He wrote these stories from the late 1940s until he died in 1969. People still leave small items like tiny horseshoes and plastic leprechauns in the park today.

How the Park Survived City Changes

The park has stayed in place through major road construction projects. In 1978, workers had to dig up the park when they rebuilt SW Naito Parkway, which was called Front Avenue back then.

They kept the park safe in a greenhouse until the road work was done. When they put it back, they made sure it was in exactly the same spot, within 1/8 inch. The park went through another move during road work in 2006 and was carefully replanted again.

The Park’s Size and New Record Holder

Mill Ends Park is 452 square inches around, about two feet across. It held the record for world’s smallest park until March 2023. The new record holder is in Nagaizumi, Japan.

This park has a wooden stool held up by a rock, with a small bush around it. It takes up 2.6 square feet, which is slightly bigger than Mill Ends Park but qualified under different Guinness World Record rules.

The Plants in the Park

The park’s plants change as the seasons change in Portland. The main plant is a small bush in the middle that gardeners trim to keep small.

Portland Parks workers choose plants that can grow well in the tiny space but stay short enough for drivers to see over them. They’ve planted small Douglas fir trees, miniature roses, and native Oregon plants that don’t need much water.

Where the Park Is Located

The park sits in the median of SW Naito Parkway at Taylor Street, where Portland’s old waterfront businesses used to be. People can walk to it from either side of the street. It’s near Tom McCall Waterfront Park, making it part of Portland’s network of green spaces.

How the Park Is Maintained

The city spends less than $200 each year to take care of Mill Ends Park, making it Portland’s least expensive park. Even with this small budget, it gets the same protection as larger parks. Downtown Portland Clean & Safe workers help keep the park clean, and office workers nearby tell Parks staff if they notice any problems.

How People Help Care for the Park

Local businesses and people who live nearby help watch over the park. They work together with city workers to keep it looking nice.

Throughout the year, people add seasonal decorations to the park. They place tiny holiday ornaments, small flags on national holidays, and other decorations that match different times of the year.