The offices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland are located across from the park on Ocean Avenue.

[3][4] In 1921, William Martin Payson left a bequest of $2,500 to the city to pay for entrance and gates to the park.

It is named in honor of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who grew up in Portland's Wadsworth-Longfellow House.

Payson Park has multiple sports facilities, including a playground, baseball and softball fields, and a basketball court.

[8] It was the only municipal park in the United States to offer free skiing and riding lessons.