Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

History and Creation

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a 36.59-acre urban park located in downtown Portland, Oregon, stretching along the western bank of the Willamette River. Opened to the public in 1978, the park was created following the removal of Harbor Drive freeway in 1974, a significant milestone in the urban freeway removal movement.

The park was renamed in 1984 to honor Tom McCall, the Oregon governor who supported the beautification of the west bank of the Willamette River. It spans 1.5 miles from SW Harrison Street in the south to NW Glisan Street in the north, bordered by Naito Parkway to the west.

Park Features and Memorials

One of the park's notable features is the Battleship Oregon Memorial, constructed in 1956 to honor an 1893 ship nicknamed 'the Bulldog of the United States Navy'. At the base of this memorial, a time capsule was sealed on July 4, 1976, set to be opened on July 5, 2076.

Another historical element is the Founders Stone, which pays tribute to Portland's founders, William Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy.

Water Features

The park is home to Salmon Street Springs, a fountain dedicated in 1988 and named through a public contest in 1989. Designed by Robert Perron Landscape Architects and Planners, this interactive water feature is controlled by an underground computer that alters the patterns of its 185 water jets.

The fountain has three main cycles - misters, bollards, and wedding cake - and can recycle up to 4,924 gallons of water per minute through as many as 137 jets simultaneously.

Japanese American Historical Plaza

Between the Burnside Bridge and the Steel Bridge lies the Japanese American Historical Plaza. This area features 100 cherry blossom trees that typically bloom between mid-March and late April, offering a spectacular sight during spring.

The plaza serves as a memorial to Japanese American history in the Pacific Northwest, including a tribute to those forced into internment camps during World War II.

Events and Activities

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Portland Rose Festival, Waterfront Blues Festival, and Oregon Brewers Festival.

It's also the site of the Portland Saturday Market, the largest continuously operated outdoor arts and crafts market in the United States. The park serves as a green corridor through the city, offering residents and visitors alike a place for recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings.