Portland’s favourite green space is where the locals go to escape the bustle of the city among fountains, cyclists and tree-lined paths.
Set in the centre of Portland, along the banks of the Willamette River, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a superb example of sound city management and planning. Opened in 1978 on the site of a former highway, the park took its name from the former governor of Oregon who pledged to help in the beautification of the west banks of the river.That idea has developed into one of the city’s most prized green spaces, where locals come every day for a jog, cycle, walk or sit-down among the wide, tree-lined paths along the river. You’ll quickly forget that you’re in the heart of a major city as the beauty and tranquillity of this picture-perfect park envelop you. There are a number of notable monuments and memorials dotted throughout the area also, in particular, the Japanese-American Historical Plaza, which commemorates Japanese citizens interned in prisoner-of-war camps during World War II.The park is a busy place throughout the year but really comes into its own during the summer months. A number of the city’s favourite festivals are hosted here, including the Waterfront Blues Festival in early July and the Oregon Brewers Festival in late July. August sees the Oregon Bite food festival and the colourful Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival is held every November.Aside from the festivals, most people come here to simply escape the city heat during summer and the 185 jets of the Salmon St. Springs fountain are always full of kids looking to cool off when the temperatures rise.The longest-running arts and crafts market in the U.S., the Market Pavilion, is held here on weekends from March to December and is one of the best places in the city to pick up locally made souvenirs of your visit – as well as delightful culinary treats at the international food court.
