Over the years, Holladay Park has been a magnet for criminal activity, from robberies and assault to murder.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police shut down Holladay Park in Northeast Portland for several hours after a fight involving dozens of people sent two women to the hospital Thursday night.

“Yesterday everything kind of got crazy,” said Laneya Ross, who passed by the park after the fight and frequents the area.



“I feel kind of nervous, you never know what's going to jump off,” said Ross. “It just makes me more alert and aware of my surroundings.”



Holladay Park sits between the Lloyd Center mall and the MAX line. Over the years, it’s been a magnet for criminal activity, from robberies and assault to murder.

In April of 2011, 14-year-old Shiloh Hampton was shot and killed outside the park. His killers were aiming for rival gang members, not Shiloh.

“We're out here as a result of the death of a young man,” said Pastor Vernon Baker, a volunteer with ‘Connected.’

Volunteers walk around Holladay park every Friday afternoon.

“We're not police, we're not security,” Baker said. “We're just engaging in the park, trying to establish relationships and make this a safe and viable place for families.”



Pastor Baker said crime near Holladay Park has gone down over the years and hopes it's due, in part, to their effort. After Thursday night’s fight, he believes what they’re doing is more important than ever.