The Portland Water Bureau has proudly maintained Portland’s municipal decorative fountains since 1988.

Maintenance
Maintaining these fountains is no small feat. The Portland Water Bureau employs one full-time “Fountain Man” who spends his days ensuring that Portland’s fountains are in working order, safe for public enjoyment and running efficiently. The bureau turns the fountains off for the cold weather months to prevent water from blowing or freezing on surfaces. This “down time” also provides an opportunity for maintenance and repair projects.

Efficiency
Most of Portland’s decorative fountains recirculate water to minimize water use and run-off. The bureau has installed meters to gauge water use and electrical consumption.

Health and Safety
The health and safety of Portland’s fountains, especially its interactive fountains, is a top priority for the Portland Water Bureau. The bureau cleans fountains regularly, monitors operations and chlorinates the interactive fountains to the level of a swimming pool.

Aesthetics
The Portland Water Bureau works with the Regional Arts & Culture Council to maintain aesthetics at each fountain. Sculptures undergo restoration when needed, in order to present the art as originally intended.

Rules to Follow When Visiting the Fountains

• Look but don't drink! The water flowing in decorative fountains is not for drinking. To conserve water, most of these fountains recycle water.  
• Be safe! Although people enjoy splashing around in the interactive fountains, (Jamison Square, McCoy, Holladay Park, Salmon Street Springs), there are potential dangers for unattended children.
• Please use caution at all fountains. Slippery surfaces, rapidly moving water, and pools of water require careful attention.

Downtown Fountains Walking Tour
The Water Bureau maintains beautiful fountains throughout the Portland area and the largest concentration of them lies within the downtown area. Take this opportunity to discover and explore downtown Portland and her treasure chest of unique artwork — Portland’s fountains. Unlock their secrets and ponder their history as you wind your way through this bustling area of the city on a 2.6-mile, self-guided tour.

Click here to download a Downtown Fountains Walking Tour brochure.  If you would like a paper copy of this brochure mailed, please email the Webmaster.  

Current Repairs and Updates

• Carwash Fountain - Out of operation for graffiti removal
• Chimney Fountain - Out of operation for the winter season
• Elk Fountain - Out of operation for repair
• Ira Keller's Forecourt - Out of operation for the winter season
• Holladay Park Fountain - Out of operation for electrical repair
• Kelly Fountain - Out of operation for the winter season
• The Rose Petal - Out of operation for the winter season

Fountains, Location and Hours

Animals in Pools
Location: SW Yamhill & Morrison between SW 5th &6th Avenue
Hours: On all day for spring/summer/fall seasons

Bill Naito Legacy Fountain - Interactive
Location: Waterfront Park near the Burnside Bridge
Hours: All hours, except Fridays from 3:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Shuts down automatically at 40 degree F, and turns back on at 45 degrees F.
The Upper fountain is off when the Saturday Market is on site.

“The Car Wash” (Officially Untitled)
Location: SW 5th Avenue & Ankeny Street
Hours: Currently off for repairs (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during spring/summer/fall)
Wind gauge shuts the fountain off fairly often, must be very calm conditions

Chimney Fountain
Location: North of SW Lincoln between 3rd & 4th Avenues
Hours: Currently off for repairs

The Dreamer
Location: Pettygrove Park, SW Third Avenue between SW Market Street & Harrison Street
Hours: On all day during spring/summer/fall seasons

Elk Fountain
Location: SW Main between 3rd & 4th Avenue (Between Chapman Square and Lownsdale Square)
Hours: On all day during spring/summer/fall seasons

Holladay Park Fountain - Interactive
Location: Holladay Park at NE 11th & Multnomah
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during spring/summer/fall seasons
Hours: On all day during spring/summer/fall seasons

Horse Trough Fountain
Location: NW 31st &NW Thurman Street
Hours: On all day for spring/summer/fall seasons

Ira Keller's Forecourt Fountain -  Interactive
Location: Between SW 3rd &4th Avenue, and Market & Clay Street
Hours: On all day for spring/summer/fall seasons

Jamison Square Fountain -  Interactive
Location: Between NW Kearney & Johnson, and NW 10th & 11th Avenues
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during spring/summer/fall

“Kelly Fountain” (Officially Untitled)
Location: SW 6th Avenue & Pine Street
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during spring/summer/fall

Lovejoy Fountain      
Location: Between 3rd & 4th Ave on SW Mall Street
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during spring/summer/fall

McCoy Fountain - Interactive
Location: North Trenton Street & North Newman Avenue
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during spring/summer/fall seasons

Pioneer Courthouse Square Waterfall Fountain 
Location: SW Broadway between Yamhill &Morrison Street
Hours: Waterfall feature is controlled seasonally by Pioneer Courthouse Square

The Rose Petal 
Location: 106th & SE Stark Street
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during spring/summer/fall seasons

Salmon Street Springs - Interactive
Location: Naito Parkway at SW Salmon in Waterfront Park
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during spring/summer/fall seasons

Shemanski Fountain (Rebecca at the Well)
Location: On the Park blocks between SW Salmon & Main Street
Hours: On all day for spring/summer/fall seasons

Skidmore Fountain 
Location: Between SW Burnside & Ankeny, 1st & Naito Parkway
Hours: On all day for spring/summer/fall seasons

Teachers Fountain - Interactive
Location: SW Yamhill & SW Park Avenue in Director Park
Hours: Typically on 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Scheduled by Portland Parks & Recreation for special events, see
Director Park calendar