Don’t blink, you might miss it. The world’s smallest city park, Mill Ends Park, is officially 452 square inches (0.00007205784 acres).
Spanning a mere 2 feet in diameter, this diminutive park boasts a rich history and a charm that belies its size. Established in 1948, Mill Ends Park is a testament to the imagination and whimsy of the the people of Portland.
The park’s origin story begins with a journalist named Dick Fagan, who noticed a hole meant for a light pole outside his office window in 1948. When the pole failed to appear and weeds started to grow, Fagan took matters into his own hands. He planted flowers in the hole and declared it the “world’s smallest park.” The park was officially recognized by the city of Portland and named Mill Ends, after Fagan’s popular column in the Oregon Journal.
Mill Ends Park has become a cultural landmark and a symbol of Portland’s quirky charm. Over the years, it has hosted a range of whimsical events, from miniature art exhibits to small-scale concerts. The park has also been the home to a variety of inhabitants, including a leprechaun colony purportedly discovered by Fagan himself, adding to the folklore surrounding this tiny patch of greenery.
Despite its size, Mill Ends Park has garnered international attention, holding the Guinness World Record for the smallest park in the world. It serves as a reminder that beauty and significance can be found in the smallest of places.
Visitors to Portland often make a point to visit this pint-sized park, provided you can find it.
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