Glenn Otto Community Park

People at the beach area on the Sandy River at Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale

This 6.38 acre park is the most heavily used park in the Troutdale park system. Access to the site is off East Columbia River Highway. It is bordered by the Sandy River on the east, Beaver Creek on the west, and a few residential properties on the south.

Facilities at Glenn Otto Park include a swimming beach, riverfront access, picnic area, children's playground, open play area, restroom building, meeting hall and the caretaker's home. The Sam Cox Great Room and the covered picnic areas can be reserved for parties, picnics, etc., and the Annex can be reserved for meetings, presentations or training, by contacting the Reservation line at 503-674-7297. Please note that alcohol and pets are NOT allowed at Glenn Otto Park. Park hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from April to September and from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from October to March

The park is also home to Sugarpine Drive-In, a popular restaurant among tourists and residents alike. The building the restaurant occupies was originally built in the 1920s as a gas station and later operated as a tackle shop. 

For most of the past 20 years, the American Medical Response (AMR) River Safety Program has provided two lifeguards — and typically a third or even fourth when temperatures and/or crowds increase — at the Glenn Otto Park beach area on the Sandy River from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Anyone entering the river at Glenn Otto Park is strongly encouraged to wear a life jacket as the current is swift and the water is cold. 

Mr. Glenn Otto served the City of Troutdale for many years as a Planning Commissioner, City Councilor, and Mayor. During his tenure of service to the City he negotiated the purchase of Troutdale's first park site located along the banks of the Sandy River and provided leadership in the creation and improvement of the park.

The City of Troutdale wanted to honor Mr. Otto's illustrious career of devoted service to the City and his vision and guidance in acquiring and developing the riverside park site, so the name of the park was officially changed from Troutdale Community Park to Glenn Otto Community Park on July 20, 1996.

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Welcome to Glenn Otto Park
Beach at Glenn Otto Park in the foreground with the Troutdale Bridge over the Sandy River in the background
Lifeguard stand at Glenn Otto Park
Walking path in the woods at Glenn Otto Community Park
Pathway into Glenn Otto Park with fir trees the Sam Cox Building on the left