Forecourt Fountain in Portland, Oregon
Credit: Old Sarge | ©Old Sarge
My daughter and I arrived breathlessly at the second balcony level of Keller Auditorium, after climbing the stairs all the way to the top. Outside a wall-to-wall bank of windows, we could see the fountain across the street, with dozens of children climbing and wading through it. "We'll stop by after the play," I promised.
As I write this, it's only April, but Ira Keller's Civic Auditorium Forecourt Fountain is already on for the season, providing free entertainment for parents and children before and after productions at the Keller Auditorium in downtown Portland. We stopped by after attending an Oregon Children's Theater performance.
The fountain, designed by Angela Danadjieva for Lawrence Halprin Associates, opened in 1971, and has been a popular place to cool off for Portlanders ever since. We played in the fountain often when I was a child, even though we seldom attended performances at the auditorium.
Forecourt Fountain is composed of concrete terraces and platforms, creating various waterfalls, pools, and streams. There are calmer, shallower areas for wading, along with deeper pools to explore, and narrow rushing streams to dip feet in (and squeal over). There's even a passageway leading behind one of the waterfalls - a cool retreat on a hot day.
There are no lifeguards or attendants at the fountain, so parents should use caution and closely supervise children while playing in or near the fountain. There are high drop-offs and slippery surfaces to watch out for, in addition to the usual dangers associated with water.
The City of Portland has worked to keep the fountain beautiful and safe for Portland. The city completed a major restoration of the fountain in the mid-1990's, fixing loose rock on the concrete surfaces, leaks between the blocks, electrical components, lighting fixtures, and the chlorination system.
The city also makes sure that the fountain's water has chlorine levels equivalent to those in public swimming pools, in order to protect public health.
As I write this, it's only April, but Ira Keller's Civic Auditorium Forecourt Fountain is already on for the season, providing free entertainment for parents and children before and after productions at the Keller Auditorium in downtown Portland. We stopped by after attending an Oregon Children's Theater performance.
The fountain, designed by Angela Danadjieva for Lawrence Halprin Associates, opened in 1971, and has been a popular place to cool off for Portlanders ever since. We played in the fountain often when I was a child, even though we seldom attended performances at the auditorium.
Forecourt Fountain is composed of concrete terraces and platforms, creating various waterfalls, pools, and streams. There are calmer, shallower areas for wading, along with deeper pools to explore, and narrow rushing streams to dip feet in (and squeal over). There's even a passageway leading behind one of the waterfalls - a cool retreat on a hot day.
There are no lifeguards or attendants at the fountain, so parents should use caution and closely supervise children while playing in or near the fountain. There are high drop-offs and slippery surfaces to watch out for, in addition to the usual dangers associated with water.
The City of Portland has worked to keep the fountain beautiful and safe for Portland. The city completed a major restoration of the fountain in the mid-1990's, fixing loose rock on the concrete surfaces, leaks between the blocks, electrical components, lighting fixtures, and the chlorination system.
The city also makes sure that the fountain's water has chlorine levels equivalent to those in public swimming pools, in order to protect public health.
Comments
PrincessMegan
(Guest)
(Guest)
06/09/2009
I live in Portland, and my children and myself Love this fountain! Yes it could be dangerous, I suposse, but a watchful parent shouldn't be too concerned. There are usually a lot of families playing at once and everyone kinda helps keep an eye out. This is a Greatly refreshing place on a hot day. Definately recommended!
Mary
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/23/2008
The fountain looks completely unsafe and would probably not have been able to be installed as is if it's original intent was to have children jumping and playing in it - concrete and sharp corners with slippery surfaces are perfect spaces for split heads and other injuries - be wary of your children playing in this space.
Great article!
My kids live there but we never visited this place. Interesting.
this is so cool, I'm envious!
Aniko
(Guest)
(Guest)
05/09/2007
That looks like a big fountain! It's greatthat they realize kids are going to get in it anyway, instead of just putting out signs that it's prohibited, and not caring about water quality.
Oh - I love Portland! It is one of the most underrated cities in the country. Nice article.
Neat image you posted, sounds like a unique experience.
Fountains are such great entertainment for kids- though your description of the drop offs gives me pause... Nice article.
Oh now that sounds (and looks) like fun.
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