Mix Park was the City of Oregon’s first public park. Originally called "Thistle Park" it was deeded to the City of Oregon in May of 1920 by Mrs. Lida Mix Slagle and her husband. The park, one city block in size, originally included the Slagle’s home. Tom Seyster of Oregon drew the original park design, which included sidewalks, a playground, wading pool, tennis court, trees, shrubs and a fountain. Mrs. Lucretia Benedict donated $1,000 for the park landscaping in memory of her uncle William Guilford, of which maple trees are all that remains of the original landscape.

In 1923, the fountain in the center of the park was built as a gift from Emma O’Byrnne in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Reuel Mared Peabody, who were pioneers in this area in 1836. The fountain included two exposed aggregate concrete figures modeled after Lorado Taft’s "Fish Boys of The Fountain of the Great Lakes" at the Art Institute in Chicago. The only city park in Oregon until the 1950s, Mix Park was eventually leased to the Oregon Park District in 1995 for 25 years.

The renovation of Mixed Park began in April 2000 and was completed in November. The renovation design was specifically drawn for an ornamental/tradition park, and included a fountain plaza, benches, light poles and fixtures,

and an Activity Center.

The park district chose Cedar Forest Product's "Parkaire Activity Center" because of its quality, beauty and flexibility to customize. Customization included limestone wainscoting on the restroom portion of the building, a roof cupola and a more tradition roof pitch. The new center provides visual beauty and functionality, which is highlighted by the fountain plaza and the 70 trees that were planted as part of the renovation.

The final addition to the park will be the placement of a 13-foot bronze statue of Chief Blackhawk and Abraham Lincoln, sculpted and cast by local artist Jeff Adams. The statue will be set in the park by the end of this year. 901600