Fountain Surfing 101: Five Portland Water Features for a September Soaking
Monday, September 01, 2014
Portland is flooded with outdoor fountains, with 21 dotted throughout the city. The one that started the ball rolling was Skidmore Fountain, installed in 1888. It's purpose at the time was to present men, dogs and horses with a free cold beverage on a hot day. Today the interactive fountains offer a refreshing way to cool down during the summer months with waterfalls, jets and shallow pools. And hey, if you bring your horse along, the offer still stands!
But which one to choose? Bill Naito or Teachers Fountain? Ira Keller or Jamison Square Fountain? Check out the water-drop rating system throughout the article to help you find the best fountain for you.
Salmon Street Springs Fountain, Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Most popular interactive fountain Salmon Street Springs Fountain. SW Salmon Street & Naito Parkway
3 1/2 Water Drops: Salmon Street Springs is a popular and family friendly fountain with plenty of benches on which to perch and enjoy the waterfront view. SW Salmon Street & Naito Parkway
Bill Naito Legacy Fountain, near Burnside Bridge
This interactive fountain is dedicated to businessman and civic leader Bill Naito, The fountain has an Upper Plaza with lively water spouts, and a Lower Plaza that features water jets. Bill Naito Legacy Fountain is located right next to the Saturday Market (also open Sundays). Keep in mind that the Upper Plaza water sprouts are turned off to make more room for the market. The Lower Pavillion is a great location to fritter away time during Market hours with a ginormous turkey leg in hand from My Brother’s Famous BBQ.
2 1/2 Water Drops: Closure of the Upper Pavilion during Saturday Market hours is a bummer, but there is plenty of grassy space for a picnic near the Lower Pavilion and great food only a few steps away. SW Naito Parkway and the Willamette River & W. Burnside Bridge & SW Ash Street
Tidelike flow at Jamison Square Fountain. 810 NW 11th Ave.
Jamison Square Fountain, Jamison Square Park
Travel into the Pearl District by streetcar to reach beautiful Jamison Square Fountain. This fountain is a hot spot for children and parents because of the wading pool and tidelike flow. Make a game of climbing on top of the stone joints with their uneven levels. Don’t forget to take photos of the 30-foot Tiki Totems, and the red granite sculpture known as Rico Pasado or Centennial Bear, also in Jamison Square Park.
3 Water Drops: Jamison Square fountain offers a family friendly atmosphere and is easily accessible by public transportation. 810 NW 11th Avenue
Ira Keller Forecourt Fountain, Keller Fountain Park
Get into a meditative state at the Ira Keller Forecourt Fountain. This noninteractive fountain offers a place to reflect or to enjoy an invigorating conversation about the 21st Century with your anarchist friend. Listen to the 13,000 gallons of water per minute chute down into pools while the mist gives you goosebumps.
2 1/2 Water Drops: It’s an oasis in the city, but as it isn't interactive, swimming or wading is banned. SW 3rd & 4th Avenues between Market and Clay Streets
Teachers Fountain, Director Park
Completed in 2010 and located along the MAX line, Teachers Fountain is the city's most modern. As its name suggests, the fountain is dedicated to those “who educate and inspire.” The fountain includes jets, burbles and a shallow pool. The downhill shallow pool water is recycled through a sanitary system and circulates back into the fountain. Stick around after the sun goes down to see “Mercurial Skydance,” a neon-colored light display by Dan Corson.
3 Water Drops: On Saturday sit at one of the empty tables and watch teenagers flock to the park dressed as anime and superhero characters. 815 SW Park Avenue
Find more information on other fountains in Portland here.
Homepage Photo Credit: joseph readdy via Compfight cc
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