Lovejoy Fountain Park

Historic Design

Completed in 1966, the park was designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin as part of the Portland Open Space Sequence. Named after Asa Lawrence Lovejoy, one of Portland's founding fathers, the park serves as a counterpoint to the nearby Pettygrove Park.

The park is part of a larger urban renewal project from the 1960s and forms a key component of the Portland Open Space Sequence. This sequence of parks and fountains, designed to provide welcoming public gathering spaces, has been recognized for its innovative approach to urban landscape design.

Striking Fountain Feature

The park's main feature is a striking concrete fountain that abstractly represents the natural landscapes of Oregon. The fountain's design mimics the waterfalls and streams found in the nearby Cascade Range, with water cascading over stepped terraces and collecting in quiet pools.

The concrete structures, formed using board-formed techniques, recall the rugged terrain of the High Sierra, a landscape that inspired Halprin's design. The park's design encourages visitor interaction, inviting people not just to observe but also to engage with the water features.

Park Layout and Elements

Vegetation in Lovejoy Fountain Park is primarily kept to the perimeter, allowing the central fountain and plaza area to remain the focal point. This interactive element makes the park particularly popular during warm weather.

On the western end of the park stands a large wooden lattice pavilion, designed by architects Charles Moore and William Turnbull Jr. This structure provides a sheltered space within the otherwise open plaza, offering visitors a place to rest and observe the fountain.

Heritage Recognition

In March 2013, the Portland Open Space Sequence, including Lovejoy Fountain Park, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its significant contribution to landscape architecture and urban planning.