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The City of Portland, Oregon

Portland Parks & Recreation

Healthy Parks, Healthy Portland

Phone: 503-823-7529

1120 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204

More Contact Info

Fountains

  • Skidmore Fountain Located between SW Burnside and Ankeny, SW 1st and Naito Pkwy

  • Jamison Square Fountain Located at NW 11th Avenue and Johnson/Kearney

  • Shemanski Fountain Located on the South Park Blocks between SW Salmon and Main Streets

  • Teachers Fountain Located in Director Park at the corner of SW Yamhill Street and Park Avenue


For current information, please see our new webpage - https://www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/splash


Decorative Fountains
portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?ShowResults=yes&AmenityTypeID=17
Portland's decorative fountains are beautiful and cleaned regularly, but they are not safe to play in or drink from. 

Interactive Fountains
portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?ShowResults=yes&AmenityTypeID=88
Interactive means people can play in the fountain or water, and that the water is chlorinated to the level of a swimming pool. Be aware that while the fountain is cleaned and chlorinated, the water is not suitable for drinking.


Rules When Visiting 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, Teachers at Director Park), 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.

Maintenance
The fountains are turned off during 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. Meters have been installed to gauge water use and electrical consumption.

Health and Safety
All of the fountains are cleaned regularly, and the interactive fountains are chlorinated to the level of a swimming pool.

Aesthetics
We work 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.