Jamison Square

810 NW 11 Avenue
Portland, OR

Submitted by: James Farnam

A civic square with an amazing interactive fountain.

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Why It Works

A full city block with the most amazing interactive fountain that attracts hundreds of families and children on warm weekends. The water spills from in between tiered steps until it fills a pool, drains out and repeats the process all day long. The result is that kids have a constantly fresh supply of water to wade and play in and adults can sit on the steps and visit while watching their kids. There is also a lawn area for picnics form which the action is all visible.

Acreage: 0.96
Acquired in 2000

What Makes Jamison Square a Great Place?

It is located downtown and surrounded by high density housing with a trolley line going right by.

Many people, very inviting, good seating on the fountain steps or on benches or grass.

Highly active use in summer for wading in and splashing.

The space is very conducive to social interaction among both friends and strangers.

Contact Info:

Portland Parks and Recreation Department: 503-823-PLAY
pkplanning@ci.portland.or.us

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User Comments:

03/01/04 Jon Winslow said:
I am absolutely amazed when I see just how popular this small park is on a summer day. It is only 200ft x 200ft, but you will easily find hundreds of people in the park from the neighborhood as well as all over the region, sitting, playing, sleeping, lying, etc. Kids love this park and it is even quite busy late at night with the dog walkers and people coming 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. The park's grand opening was in 2002. Keep an eye out for another new park opening 3 blocks north of Jamison Square with a wetlands theme.
05/04/04 Lins F said:
I went to this fountain with my friends for a school project, and I was amazed at how beautiful it was! We had gone to just look at it but we ended up staying for over an hour. There were people reading, little children playing in the fountain, and people eating lunch on their breaks. It was a great place, with a wonderful community atmosphere. It was perfect!
03/21/08 lango kurt said:
Hey Fred, this is a peter walker design. What do you think about that?

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