The city of Portland is home to a wide variety of public fountains, many of them flashy enough to wow any plumber. Portlanders appreciate having fountains where they can play and cool off in the summer months. The Portland Water Bureau maintains the city’s fountains, which are plumbing marvels studied by tour groups and art students alike. Here’s a guide to enjoying Portland’s fountains this summer.
1. Keller Fountain, SW 3rd and Clay
Designed in 1971 by Angela Danadjieva, the Ira Keller Esplanade Fountain is simply stunning. Its blocky vertical face features “cliffs” where aquatic-minded Portlanders enjoy perching on a hot summer day. Those more interested in sunbathing often sprawl out on the grassy areas surrounding the fountain. This gem in Portland’s plumbing system evokes the geography of the Cascades in the Pacific Northwest.
2. Rose Petal Fountain, SE 106th and Stark
Located at 106th and SE Stark, the Rose Petal Fountain was designed in 1978. One of the only fountains in the area, the Rose Petal Fountain’s three spouts shoot recycled water over a rock installation known as Stark Street Island. . Because it’s one of Portland’s lesser-known fountains, the Rose Petal Fountain is wonderful for those hoping to have fun in the sun without fighting the crowds.
3. Skidmore Fountain, SW 1st and Ankeny
Dedicated to the memory of Portland’s first businessman, Stephen G. Skidmore, the Skidmore Fountain was designed to allow dogs, horses and humans to drink from its elegant spouts. Located deep in Old Portland, the fountain’s elegant design was inspired by the fountains at the 1878 Paris Expositions. According to a beloved Portland story, native brewmaster Henry Weinhard offered to pump beer through of the Skidmore Fountain at its opening in 1888. Its central location in Old Town makes the Skidmore Fountain a lovely place to enjoy a Saturday market lunch or anywhere else. number of food carts in the center.
4. Salmon Street Springs, SW Salmon and Naito Parkway
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, or simply “Waterfront Park” to many Portlanders, features one of Portland’s most famous and popular water features: the Salmon Street Springs fountain. This display of 137 jets is called a “guessing fountain” because it’s nearly impossible to predict where the water will come from next. An underground computer runs this Portland plumbing water show. The Salmon Street Fountain is a wonderful place to people watch.
5. Holladay Park Fountain
Like Salmon Street Springs, Holladay Park’s fountain’s programmed nozzles shoot water in playful arcs over the heads of passers-by. Designers Murase Associates and Tim Clemen included a programmable valve and nozzle system to add an element of spontaneity to the fountain.
As you can see, Portland plumbing is anything but boring once you know where to look. Even if you’re not a plumber, Portland has water features that will delight and fascinate your mind while refreshing your body. So the next time the summer sun makes you feel exhausted, pack some sunscreen and a picnic lunch and head to one of Portland’s charming water features.