Portland's
Jamison Square
By
Alexa Meisler
For Oregon.com
Portland
offers more parks than any other city in the nation and one of the best on a warm
sunny day is Jamison Square. Located in the artistic Pearl District, Jamison Square
is an interactive fountain offering wonderful water fun that is safe for kids
of all ages. Pack a picnic, roll up your pants, dress the kids in their bathing
suits for a day of splish-splashing fun for the whole family. Once you go your
kids will be begging to go back.
Jamison Square
810 NW 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503-823-7529
About
Jamison Square: The park is named in honor of the late William Jamison, whose
presence was pivotal in the development of the Pearl District. He was a co-founder
of the Jamison-Thomas gallery, considered one of the first galleries to open in
what would become the art enclave of the city - the Pearl District. He is also
credited with initiating the popular "First Thursday" showcase of galleries
in the district.
Tips: Please use caution while enjoying this
fountain. Like all streams and waterfalls, slippery surfaces, rapidly moving water,
and pools of water require careful attention.
Getting there: To
get to Jamison Square from West Portland, take US-26 East to I-405 North and take
exit 2B toward Everett Street. Merge onto NW 14th Avenue. Turn right at NW Lovejoy
Street. Turn right at NW 11th Avenue.. From East of Portland, take I-84 West.
Take the exit onto I-5 North/US-30 West toward Seattle. Take the 302A exit (for
Weidler Street) toward Rose Quarter/Broadway. Merge onto NE Victoria Avenue. Turn
left at NE Broadway. Turn right at NW Lovejoy Street. Turn left at NW 11th Avenue.
Jamison Square is located located between NW Kearney and Johnson and 10th and
11th Avenues. | | Jamison
Square encompasses a full city block and attracts hundreds of families and children
on warm days and weekends. The park's grand opening was in 2002 and the main element
of park is cascading water that spills over tiered stone steps until it fills
a pool, drains out; repeating the process all day long. For
anyone wondering- the fountain continuously recirculates disinfected and treated
water. The result is kids have a constantly fresh supply of water to wade and
play in while adults can sit on the steps and visit while watching their kids
play. There is also a lawn area where you can spread out a blanket for a picnic
or catch some rays and where the fountain action is all visible. The city even
offers folding chairs for use while hanging out at the park. If
you don't bring lunch, there is a hot dog concession stand, a very kid friendly
coffee shop as well as a few sit down restaurants on the park block.
 Babies
can sit and splash with mom or dad at the waters edge, or venture up to play near
the steps where water comes pouring down in mini-waterfalls. Older kids take advantage
of the whole space, traversing the steps and running in and out of water-filled
area. Everything from beach balls to bath toys seem to make it to the park and
into the water. Colorful
art tiki totems by artist Kenny Scharf adorn the sidewalk attesting to Portland's
ever increasing amount of public art. Live musicians also frequent this popular
spot adding some true ambience and mood to the experience. Although I am a local
and my son and I come to hang out quite a bit, I always have the feeling I am
on vacation when we come to Jamison Square. Something about the park, water and
the live music transports me to a space of relaxation. At
night the park continues to stay busy with the dog walkers and people coming in
and out of the restaurants. The fountain is turned of in the winter and during
Christmas a tree is placed in the middle of the square.
All photos provided by Alexa Meisler
|
