Jamison Square

City park · Pearl

Jamison Square

City park · Pearl

2

810 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

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Highlights

Sunny urban square with a fun tidal fountain and totem poles  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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810 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 Get directions

portlandoregon.gov

Information

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810 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 Get directions

+1 503 823 7529
portlandoregon.gov

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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16 Best Things to Do in Portland, Oregon

"Jamison Square has been a neighborhood fixture since 2000, when the Pearl District was just beginning to transform into the trendy, highrise-lined shopping and dining destination it is today. Positioned between the Portland Streetcar lines that run along NW 10th and 11th streets, the park was part of early plans to revitalize the neighborhood, and the first of three open spaces created by PWP Landscape Architecture, the firm that also designed the National 9/11 Memorial in New York. Today, it’s a bustling social hub that welcomes a steady stream of dog-walking residents and visitors drawn to its artwork. The park’s most famous feature is its fountain, which mimics a tidal pool. Then, of course, there are the four 30-foot Technicolor aluminum totem poles flanking the park edges; also known as the Tikitotemoniki Totems, they’re a 2001 abstract art installation by artist Kenny Scharf. If you look closely, you’ll see that they double as covers for the Portland Streetcar’s wire poles." - Jen Stevenson

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-portland-oregon
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Jamison Square – Park Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"What's the story behind this park? The Southeast has Laurelhurst Park, North Portland has Peninsula Park, and the Pearl District has Jamison Square, a neighborhood fixture since 2000, when the stylishly urbane neighborhood was just beginning to transform from a rundown former rail yard, warehouse district, and artists enclave into the trendy, highrise-lined shopping and dining destination it is today. Positioned between the Portland Streetcar lines that run along NW 10th and 11th streets, the park was part of early plans to revitalize the neighborhood, and the first of three open spaces created by PWP Landscape Architecture, the firm that also designed the National 9/11 Memorial in New York. Today, it’s a bustling social hub that welcomes a steady stream of dog-walking residents, visitors drawn to its artwork and rare public loo, and, come summertime, hordes of joyous fountain-bound children gripping drippy Oregon-strawberry cones from nearby Cool Moon Ice Cream. If we're visiting, is there anything we should be sure to see? The park’s most famous feature is its fountain, which mimics a tidal pool; water flows from the low-slung brown bricks that separate the dog park from the water, forming a gentle pool that brings kids delight on hot summer days. In the northeast corner of the park, find "Rico Pasado" (“Rich Past"), artist Mauricio Saldaña’s ruddy granite sculpture of a bear, commissioned in 2006 by the Portland Pearl Rotary Club in honor of both the Rotary International Centennial and the neighborhood’s long-gone four-legged former residents. And, of course, who could miss the four 30-foot Technicolor aluminum totem poles flanking the park edges; also known as the Tikitotemoniki Totems, they’re a 2001 abstract art installation by artist Kenny Scharf. If you look closely, you’ll see that they double as covers for the Portland Streetcar’s wire poles. So to wrap it up, why would you recommend Jamison Square to a Portland visitor? On your leisurely walkabout from downtown Portland to Nob Hill’s trendy 23rd Avenue, use this park as a prime people-watching rest stop. Pet a passing French bulldog, watch toddlers brave the fountain, or sit on a bench and read whatever you just bought at Powell’s City of Books . During the holidays, bundle up and sit in the square with a peppermint mocha and watch the Christmas lights twinkle." - Jen Stevenson

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/portland/jamison-square
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WiLL One Of The Chosen

Google
Family friendly baby fountain. Has a mini wade pool, ice cream shop and Starbucks around the corner and food up the street. The perfect little spot to get wet, with plenty of shade spots and picnic area. Not a lot of tables, and a few benches. But overall very enjoyable for the kiddos!!

The Gospel of Grant

Google
Fun, awesome small fountain great for younger children. Some of the down on their luck folks hang around, but aren’t rude; and I didn’t see one single needle! Played in the fountain with my son and we had a blast!

Tony H

Google
Well, on one of my adventures in Portland, I stumbled across Jamison Square City Park, which was a lovely place to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery. It was peaceful and calming. There weren't many loiterers, such as the unhoused. It was really nice, just sitting on a bench, sipping on some coffee ☕ while eating some sweet bread 🥐 that I got from a nearby cafe. When I visited, the fountain ⛲ was not on, which was a bummer. It looked really nice in the pictures, but I would definitely come back here again. I would definitely recommend it. 👍

Jared Walter

Google
This place is so nice. They're always doing something here decorating it for every single holiday that there is. The walkways are wooden, even the benches are wooden. They have a public restroom. There's also like a water display. There's a bunch of nice stores around there that you can go to while you're there checking out the park.

Stephen Sanchez

Google
Great park to bring the kids. And, it's got a great water feature.

Levi Bre

Google
So far this is definitely my favorite fountain for the kids to play. It’s in the beautiful Pearl and is a beautiful park. Yes sketchy characters every now and then just like every other park downtown but every time I come nobody is disturbing the place. The water completely drains about every 20 minutes so I’m sure it’s more on the cleaner side. Super fun and safe for smaller kids. Lots of shade to chill in and even just get your feet wet.

Lynette May

Google
Nice-ish park! I love the water feature! There is a waterfall staircase that children were playing on to cool off from the 90 degree heat that day. Lots of trees around this park too! Unfortunately, there was garbage blowing around the perimeter and a couple very dirty homeless people digging in the trash and walking around and through the park. It was unsettling especially near where children were playing in the middle and in the water feature! I wish that these people would receive the help they need. They didn’t seem happy.

Aurora Eklund

Google
The squares in Portland are great for two activities I do often; eating lunch and people watching. Jamison is a small square but with plenty of seating. Its an open brick courtyard with several decent trees on a green grassy area and 5 or 6 doubled-up (back to back) park benches along the the side walk. Set in amphitheater style with big stepping stone structures for sitting on, or performing. On my last visit I watched a woman striking dramatic poses for selfies. And a man in his 40's was walking around carrying his pants and desperately asking everybody if they had a bar of soap he could use. I usually observe something amusing in the squares. This wasn't the first time I had seen this man in a frantic state carrying his pants. There's also a statue of a bear in there. Always a little unexpected, but I find comfort in it.
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Meg T.

Yelp
In the wintertime, without the fountains this space is cute, but definitely in need of further sculptures to carry the lack of activity with no water. We haven't been back since our first drop in, since unlike the "Animals in Pools" there just isn't enough to come back for. Generally a bigger fan of LoveJoy and Keller, this space seems to be a bit more for parents with little ones who can play in the water when it's warmer outside than anything else. So I just don't see us returning.
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Mitzie A.

Yelp
Nice splash pads. But I'm almost positive my son caught Hand Foot & Mouth here. Came a couple months ago and witnessed a homeless person using it as a rinse station.
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Nidhi T.

Yelp
This is another fun water park in Portland. There's water cascading down a couple steps. Kids of all ages are climbing up and down these steps frantically, getting their water play on. They do have a lot of fun. I have a couple issues though- 1. This park gets really really crowded on warmer days. 2. The water current can be very strong and it is easy, especially for younger kids, to slip there and get seriously hurt on the hard stone steps. Children (of all ages) running around frantically doesn't help that either. If you chose to venture out though, as I still have, there is a shady grassy lawn overlooking the fountains where you could put a picnic mat down. And at least one parent can lounge there a little, while the other keeps a close eye on the kid.
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E P.

Yelp
This park has a water feature where kids can play on the summer. The water is chlorinated, I could smell the chlorine. It is a great place for the kids to play and cool off in the summer. The park has plenty of areas to sit and relax but parking on the area is limited. There are a few food places surrounding the park and even a really great ice cream shop. Great for families with kids. Not sure about pets unless you are sure your dog is friendly and you are the type to clean up after them as kids are running around barefoot. I thought the park was beautiful and wish we had similar parks in the Santa Cruz area.
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Katelyn P.

Yelp
This place is so nice. They're always doing something here decorating it for every single holiday that there is. The walkways are wooden, even the benches are wooden. They have a public restroom. There's also like a water display. There's a bunch of nice stores around there that you can go to while you're there checking out the park.
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Jen K.

Yelp
I saw this park on a sunny Saturday and it was clearly one of the focal points of the Pearl District. Very cool tidal fountain with recirculating water that spills over the rocks and forms a shallow pool then drains. It was entertaining a ton of tots while others relaxed in the large grassy areas, had a picnic with food from one of the local eateries or worked on their laptops accessing free wi-fi. Wi-fi at a park - how very Portland! The park is relatively new, so when the trees mature a little bit more they will provide some much needed shade. As one of those afflicted with the classic English complexion, I always look for trees so I can lay down and read a book in the shade of its glorious branches (one of my favorite things in life) while the kids frolic nearby.
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Mark B.

Yelp
This park is a favorite of kids. There is no playground but on a nice day when there is water, it's packed and loud. The water is not alwAys there. Sometimes it is a nice paved plaza with steps at one end. According to Wiki they wanted to discourage skateboarders, so the added off and on water running over the steps that gathers at the bottom forming a pool. There is art in the square and views of nice buildings. When not overrun with kids it's a nice place for a picnic. The buildings around it sell lots of food. Across from the park, Cool Moon sells ice cream.
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Roger M.

Yelp
Jamison Park--an urban amusement park for any age. The police ride on horseback often here and chat with you. You may see Love Bomb Go Go marching band from outer space, performing crazy stuff. Scenic--tall trees and 30-foot modern totem poles made by an artist cover steel supports and line sidewalks in the middle of live work spaces, shops & high-rises. Cascading waters run over rocks, an urban beach, where kids play-some skinny dip a time or two without diapers (come on mom's, cover those butts). Oh yea, bring a chair or blanket and sit on the pavers cuz the grass is commonly used for doggie business. There is sand to play games like Bochee ball. TV commercials are shot here! Hungry? In our directions, step across the street to Cool Moon ice cream, Starbucks Ho Lips pizza, classy & casual Jamison restaurant--and more food like Japanese, Chinese, American--lots of places to shop. Go by bike, walk or take the streetcar because parking is a premium on warm sunny days. Spend a day at the Jamison Park, then, spend that money on the local shops too! All in all--a good day, a good time in the park!
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Tiffany O.

Yelp
This little gem is a real blessing. Portland is experiencing a real summer and we need free outdoor water play options. Jamison Square is great. Cascading water comes down a set of 3 stone high waterfall and build a small arched pool. The water fall stops after a few minutes and drains completely and then begins again. There is also a boccie ball court behind the water fall area as well as a grassy shaded area in front. There are many businesses around and a public bathroom stall on the comer.
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Hanson S.

Yelp
Cool park to take the kids to. Ice cream shop across the street, Piazza Italia a block away with great spaghetti for the kids. FYI, bring an extra set of clothes for the kiddos. They can't resist getting wet. I don't know how many parents had kids begging to touch the water with their feet only and ended up soaked, but I wasn't the only parent surprised at how soaked my kids got. I was speechless.
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Shannon H.

Yelp
This review is difficult to write because depending on the day of the week and time of the year you go it varies greatly. I went last week and it was the most peaceful, gorgeous, relaxing, heavenly places on Earth at that very moment. However I've also gone during the summer when school is out, the fountains are going, and the amount of kids running around screaming, throwing things, being loud, and generally just being kids makes me nervous that if I lay down and try to relax with my headphones I run the risk of a toddler crashing over me or a toy lodged in my face. Plus even my headphones can't drown out the high pitched squeals surrounding me. I would normally give a park of this caliber 4-stars because it really is lovely. On sunny days like last week I love that I'm able to park, find a shady spot (or sunny if I'm in the mood), throw down a town and have a perfect little haven right there in the city. Great for picnics, as long as your group is reasonably sized. Excellent for date picnics, as long as you avoid the kid filled times. Also you're surrounded by places to grab ice cream, coffee, and many other goodies that can enhance your visit there.
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Robert H.

Yelp
We are going to write a review about Portland history. In the way back, the Pearl District was warehouses and rail yards. http://www.yelp.com/biz/lovejoy-columns-portland-2 It was home to homeless. Do not go there neighborhood to some. William Jamison opened the first espresso bar in Portland in lower SW downtown near Mothers. He then made a gallery, the Jamison Thomas Gallery. With two other gallerists, Jamison founded First Thursday in Portland in 1986. The Jamison Thomas Gallery was the first and only Portland gallery to operate in Portland and in a major art center, New York City. Thomas is son in law to the late artist-actor Dennis Hopper. After his gallery downtown, and that twin gallery in New York, operated by Thomas, William Jamison opened the first art gallery in the Pearl District. People then thought the neighborhood was scary and dangerous. The gallery was the first in Portland to show the work of self-taught artists in the realm of today's Juxtapoz and Raw Vision. Later he died before AIDS drugs. Tragically for an artist and gallerist, the disease claimed his eyesight before he passed. But he graciously received visitors at the gallery, blind, recognising many by their voice. His employees continued with his artists, opening the Froelick http://www.yelp.com/biz/froelick-gallery-portland and PDX Contemporary http://www.yelp.com/biz/pdx-contemporary-art-portland galleries. This fountain and park, designed by an internationally famous landscape architect, Peter Walker, was named for Jamison who brought art to the neighborhood before it was named the Pearl District. Before Portland was cool, before Richard Florida and before Portland became a hipster magnet. I would say that I was a critic of the fountain at this park. But then I worked production for a performance which was set in the fountain and pool. The water is filtered as would be any public pool, and it is interactive in a small child way. Poop proof. Brilliant! Jamison park has an immediate experience for families and all, and a narrative connection to history which families of all ages can connect! One of Portland's finest parks!
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Adriana G.

Yelp
My little family of four stumbled upon Jamison Park on our first day in Portland. With temperatures nearing 90 degrees in the late afternoon, it was a welcome treat. There was no way we were going to keep our kids out of the fountain. Designed with a rough sandstone-like material, the fountain consists of several large steps over which small waterfalls cascade, pooling at the bottom. This is obviously a popular spot for families, and there were many children, most of them small, playing in the fountain. I had to warn my 7 and 8 year olds not to knock down any of the little ones. I even got in on the fountain action myself, kicking off my shoes and dipping my feet, a welcome little adventure on the hot day. My kids really enjoyed it. I definitely had paranoid mom moments, especially about other people's kids running around. No one wants a toddler to fall face first into hard rock, and that's a definite possibility here. There are lots of benches, a nice lawn, and a whole other side of the park I didn't even see. Another nice touch is that there is a public restroom stall here that is extremely clean and well-maintained. Lovely spot to visit. Glad we wandered by.
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Rusty M.

Yelp
They should close down Jamison Square immediately, lest it cause more Californians to drop everything and move to Portland... After spending about 45 minutes there around dusk on a warm Monday, knowing it was our last night in Portland, and getting ready to drive back to SF the next day, I felt strong pangs of longing to stay. Jamison Square represents so many of the great things about Portland. The streetcar rumbles past, signifying the real promise of public transportation when done right (try it in SF to appreciate the difference). The park was clean, and the mix of ages/genders/races/classes using the square was quite diverse, like Portland itself. The water feature could have been blocked by fearful officials (what if a child slips and falls?) but it was not, and it was a hit for kids from about 10 months to 14 years old. Sigh. Well done, Portland. The City That Works indeed...
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Ron T.

Yelp
The area might be cute, fine, dandy and all. But when the breeze and sun comes out, the place and surrounding area reeks of dog poo. I love how it can make you feel safe with all the lights at night and the accouterments that it attracts Pearlites and their trophies and pets to lounge around. Given the space, they could use some local musicians to play during a sunny summer afternoon. This is to mask the little brats that cry a lot. The toddlers could also use some entertainment for themselves such as clowns, balloon artists and jugglers. And keep your kids leashed. It's not my fault if my Gucci loafers end up on someone's back because they are being obnoxious. I don't want to scuff my shoes for some snot laden tyke. Parents: Be responsible and learn how to teach your kids how to behave in public. Kids: Enjoy and don't be a whiny little brat. If you end up stumbling on some dog poo, blame the mayor and the world. It's a cruel world out there. Learn how to shake it off and wash your face on the water feature provided. Bring your own soap too. I love snoots and their snots.
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Jana C.

Yelp
Perfect warmth, sun, fountain on, shade to rest the weary body after Forest Pk hiking, Cool Moon, and the streetcar!
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Toma C.

Yelp
The park was clean and on a warm day the kids going swimming in here yes that's what I said I couldn't believe my eyes but I guess there aren't any bacteria's and parent find it clean.
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Ansley B.

Yelp
Great in summer. Lots of families, kids, and dogs occupy the area with picnic blankets, ice cream and bathing suits to stay cool. Great location.
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Andrew H.

Yelp
This can be a cool little park when the weather is warm out. I was there in 45 degree weather and it was raining. Not much fun there. I will say architecturally, this place is pretty cool. A Mini amphitheater area. A wooden sculpture you can climb on. Two large "totem" pieces of art and the whole park surrounded in a pathway of wood and trees all hidden within the Pearl district. I happened upon it by accident and snapped off some cool photos. I believe they also had water elements as well for the warm weather, so my kiddo would enjoy coming here when the sky is nice and blue and no rain in the forecast. Great find.
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Rob D.

Yelp
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Other than that, I enjoy this park immensely in the warm months (as do my kids). If you fear children running amok, splishing, splashing, laughing, screeching, crying... all on a warm summer day, then steer clear of this park and its amazing fountain. Never been in spring, fall or winter... I would imagine that on rare sun kissed days during those seasons, the fountain is awesome to warm your body on (without fear of the water running 'cause its only on in the summer). Good places nearby to walk to (with kids): - Ice cream shop - Pizza - Laughing Planet
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Naurry K.

Yelp
Jamison Square is the well-needed respite from the trappings of the Pearl District. Its park benches, trees and landscape architecture is always adorned for the season -- in the summer, the brick-laid open space is filled with water to escape the infrequent-but-scorching heatwave. In the winter, the trees are dressed in their formal attire of twinkling lights, and a large Christmas tree occupies the area that was once a summer wading pool for children. There is always something here whether it be kids splashing in the summer time or the solo couple dancing to Christmas music. Or the silly man on one knee proposing to his girlfriend in the rain.
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Tyler B.

Yelp
I was very impressed with this interactive fountain. Water was deep enough to play in but not too deep that you had to worry about younger kids getting into trouble. The square was filled with families of all ages. I did not find anyone that was suspicious or who raised any concern for allowing my family to play here. Great part of town.
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Ryan C.

Yelp
Park had nice yellow leaves in September and a fountain like a waterfall. Sat here for only about 15 minutes, but my Osprey backpack got stolen. Had to file a police report online.
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Marlynn S.

Yelp
If you have kids, this place rocks.It is difficult to go to the Pearl District with my kids and NOT go to Jamison Square Park. We were walking around this weekend with them and my 2 year old kept gravitating toward the park. She's no dummy: she knows when those fun fountains are close by. The sound of the water cascading over those steps is her Sirens Song. This urban park is a lovely refuge for families on hot days but that's also when it can get too crowded. Love that it's right next to the streetcar so we can hop on board for our next adventure pretty quickly. Wish there were more shady spots. Love the fountain with retracting water. Wish there were a pool boy to feed us hungry, wiped out moms some grapes and fan us. Kidding. And yet, if ever there were a place in Portland for that to actually happen, Jamison might be it. It is in the Pearl District, after all.
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Kemi A.

Yelp
I really like this square/park. Small, but does the trick. When it gets warm out, come here and relax on the rocks and let the sun sink in (but wear sunscreen, people!). During the afternoon you see a lot of business people and families come by, but everyone is really cool and friendly. Take a nap, have lunch, read a good book, you can do it all here.
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Liana M.

Yelp
The water play for kids is priceless. The homeless population in the park takes it down a couple of notches then one puts 2 and 2 together and figures the fountain doubles as a shower at times???? The weather was great the day we went, the grass was green and there were a couple other families enjoying the fountain. Water was clear but there still some dirty parts on the edges.
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Annalisa R.

Yelp
It was a super hot day and this park looked to be the perfect and fun place for the preschoolers age group and their parents and caregivers. I was with my Bordercollie and it was way too exciting for her to see squealing running children and water spraying everywhere. I dont recommend letting your young border collie pup see that place...it was torture for her, Lol!
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Regina A.

Yelp
I am on a home trade here in the Pearl District, this square is a lovely little space to walk through. Like most areas here in the District it is very well maintained. It's a bit of a short cut as you can walk diagonally through what appears to be a whole block. Good place to walk your dogs I suppose. During warm weather days, from what I understand, they've got water cascading down a wide (low and safe) group of steps, its a great place to cool off for the children. There are a number of benches to sit and relax on, on fair weather days. I would definitely recommend this space as a good place to step out of your apt, home, or loft for some good outdoor air.
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Brian M.

Yelp
I would give this park 4-stars, but I feel compelled to counter the childless, kid hating, lonely people down-ranking a children's park. As it is clearly a park designed for children - it is great for children of all ages. The tide pool allows any age to enjoy playing in water. The amount of grass is limited and the city seems to bring out some chairs on busy days for families to have more places to sit. There is enough shade to watch the kids play while you remain out of the sun. Parking is more difficult here than most places in Portland. However, compared to other big cities like SF & Seattle, you'll be happy to know that it is possible to find a spot within a block or two. The area has a lot of restaurants for food and I have seen Voodoo Donuts pull up a mobile truck to sell the city's famous pastries. To the child-haters's chagrin, the restaurants have been very kid friendly (as I am sure their profits go up when the park is busy). It isn't a perfect park - but it is the only tide pool public park that I know downtown or inner east-side. It is worth the visit. Last, to the people who dislike kids - just don't go to parks designed for children. There are plenty of better parks to walk your dog in.
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Laura N.

Yelp
Unless followed by "ing lot..." I thought that the mythical "Urban Park" was a preposterous fantasy. It's not. Freddy Olmsted was right, and the proof is in the adorable pudd'ns running around all nakey like on what feels like the first day of summer. Waterguns and spiderman sandals met picnic blankets and library books. Free wi-fi for those of us who want to remain connected, and a large water fountain for those who do not. The only time marker is the street car that passes silently every 15 minutes. We do live in a beautiful city, don't we?
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Anastasia B.

Yelp
I think I caught the cooties here the other day from a half-pint who was throwing a tantrum on the sidewalk. Poopy dogs. Poopy diapers. This park is my worst nightmare.
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Emily D.

Yelp
Great fun for kids. Tons of shaded seating for adults and a fun clean water play area for the kids. Street parking available for parking. Lots of cute shops to eat and shop. Overall great free attraction in the Pearl.
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James H.

Yelp
During a quiet July weekday afternoon back in 2007, I sat with a woman on the steps of the Jamison Park Fountain. There was a slight chill in the air (chilly perhaps for someone who grew up in Florida), but the sun shone down, warming our arms. We watched a small Asian toddler wade through the water erupting from between the stones, soaking his diaper, playing in the wetness, and gazing longingly at his grandmother when the water would disappear. It always returned, to his delight. A pair of sisters, no older than eight, danced along the waters edge while their younger brother jumped straight into the deepest part of the water, much to the consternation of their exasperated parents. This being a weekday, few others wandered into the park or sat on the fountain. We listened to the sounds of the cars and the streetcars and the people, the children laughing and splashing. It's the closest I've been to a perfect moment.
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Sara G.

Yelp
Yuck! Lots of kids, lots of stinky wet dogs, and lots of kids. Maybe it's just not my cup of tea, but I'd rather hang with the addicts in the North Park Blocks or soak in the manufactured tranquility of Tanner Springs. I do like the Birth Control Park joke, though...
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Cindy G.

Yelp
Also a great place to take a little evening stroll under the twinkling lights of the trees and stars with your honey.
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Brad C.

Yelp
Seasonal change, night and day. Summer day water park = tons of screaming kids. Winter day dry = adults eating and reading. Rainy weather shortcut people moving through quickly. Morning or night adults and dogs. (please pick up after your pet, dog shit is always disgusting) Bums skirt by but don't stop, no needles, no beer cans. I like this park because it has many lives crisscrossing through it. I visit at different times to enjoy its attributes with different people or by myself. Trees, grass, stone, sand, water, benches, boardwalk.
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Albert K.

Yelp
I totally happened upon this place by accident. We were in the area grabbing some sushi at Yama, and just decided to take a walk after lunch. What a pleasant surprise. First off, this place is flat out beautiful city park. It is places like these that make me love the city of Portland. It brings a bit of the outdoors into the heart of the city. It is a great place to lounge or to dip your feet. It is also super kid friendly and even has bathroom on site. If you are in Portland and in the Pearl, you should grab an ice cream at Cool Moon and pop a squat around the water.
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Lorri E.

Yelp
Honestly, I would probably give every Portland park five stars, just because I am a big fan of Portland parks, in general. What other city pays so much attention and dedicates so much land to parks? Wherever you live in Portland, you are probably only a stone's throw away from a park. I consider this one of the best things about Portland. In the industrial Pearl District (which you either love or hate, and honestly sometimes I am torn), you need some open spaces between all the concrete and glass of high rise condos. So, as part of the city planning for this area when they "re-manufactured it" in the 1990s, a couple of city park gems were planned. Jamison Square is one of them. History lesson from Portland parks: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=1140&action=ViewPark What I love about this park is that it draws people out on sunny days, like moths to the flame. It's a great Portland gathering space. Yes, indeed it is full of little yappy city dogs and toddlers in diapers playing in all the great fountains (which is kinda gross if you were thinking of wading in there yourself), but it is still cool. This is a great place for people watching and just hanging out. It is in a very accessible location, and right on the MAX/streetcar line. If a crowded urban park isn't your thing, then head to any one of the other nearby parks with more grass and trees, like the Park Blocks or another Downtown Park: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?ShowResults=yes&SubAreas=6
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Alexandra S.

Yelp
A great place to relax while the kids go wild! The water fountain here is madness, but it is happy madness. Our kids love it, though I would say they are getting a bit old: the weekend scene seems to be more 3 to 5 yr-olds. Tips: bring water pails or other water toys since the fountain and wading area is very simple.
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Nikki S.

Yelp
My doggy kinda grew up here. It's not a dog park, but it is the nearest park to where i used to live, and everybody would bring their dogs there. My pooch annabelle saw her first snow here, and had her first crush, and won "wettest dog" two times in a row when they had their annual doggie fair...sigh. i miss portland. But anyway...this park would get crazy full of people in the summer when it would get super hot. parents would bring their kids to play in the fountain, and it was kind of awful the way people behaved when they got a little sweaty. It was painful to see how people acted like the dogs were so bad, then would let their kids run around like nuts and go to the bathroom in the water. We wouldn't come here much in the summer-time, 'cept at night when the nasty parents were gone. And at night, when the city's quiet and you can hear the streetcar in the distance, what a pretty little park it is.
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Stephanie H.

Yelp
Summertime in Portland means outings to Jamison Square. Where else can you get a really cool rock/fountain/waterplay area than right smack dab in the middle of the city? Here. What I love about this place is it's so random. Just literally in the middle of office buildings and shops, lies this super attractive, lively, urban water hole. Structured for kids and adults, Jamison Square is the cool-down place to go if you're in the city. If not, be a tourist like me and my family and come here and experience one of the best places in Portland.
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Daniel M.

Yelp
Portland Parks & Rec FTW! Jamison Square is the bomb. Such a fun park!
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Aimee A.

Yelp
I like Jamison Square. I've never been on a hot summer day when there were any screaming children around but my first real memory of this place was my boyfriend getting off work, telling me to meet him there so we could have dinner at a nearby restaurant (I forget the name, an Italian place though) and me taking the street car up there from our place near the south waterfront. He was sitting on the upper bricks facing away and I ran all the way from the street car over to him, he picked me up and spun me around. Everything about it felt like an old movie. I've also been at night which is extremely quiet and peaceful and was pleasantly greeted by a nearby condo-dweller playing classical guitar from their balcony :)
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Kalani C.

Yelp
I had arranged to meet a friend and her baby girl, Izzy, at this park before heading to dinner in the area. A beautiful, sunny summer day was enfolding and a multitude of kids were enchanted with the water features' ebb and flow. A beautifully planned park with shaddy trees and green grass patches where parents hold fort. A welcome respite to the summer heat. I sat on the fountain soaking my feet and imagined drinking an awesome margarita. Children's laughter filled the air, what an infectious sound.
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Laura M.

Yelp
Fabulous people-watching. Fun for the kid. Across the street from seriously awesome ice-cream. A winner, for sure.
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Lisa P.

Yelp
Those few extra sunny days we get in Portland are perfect to spend lounging at the Jamison Square with a book and an iced coffee in hand. The location is nearby to some awesome coffee shops like Christopher David and parking isn't that hard to find either.
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Christy H.

Yelp
This park is a very well kept fun little spot for families, dogs, and cute couples wanting to relax. This area is fairly empty when the weather is gloomy but as soon as the sun comes out it is packed with people, mostly small children playing in the water. This spot was really a great idea and put in a perfect place in Portland. If you are missing out on any kind of back-yard sense from living in the Pearl and you have small children, this will be a great spot to hang out and have some fun in the sun. The fountain or "water wall" as I like to call it is really great for kids. The water comes out of tons of grooves between big blocked rocks and quickly fill about a foot and a half of "pool" water for the kiddos (and sometimes the "dog lady"). All the kids here have a great time splashing around with other kids. Some parents stand in the water with them or watch from a very short distance on the nice grass area. There is a ton of choice here between shade and sun. The park has some really great trees providing most of the lawn with shade but there is also spots of sun for those looking to get a little color. The lawn is well maintained and for the amount of dog traffic I was surprised at how nice it was. There really should be a small food cart or here to sell some lunch food on the cheaper side. The choices around here are pretty pricey and if you want to get food to go you may be waiting for up to 45 minutes to get your order. There is a guy that serves up kettle corn but it would be nice if there were other options. It would be a great idea to get a small band to play some music here as well.
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Christina G.

Yelp
Nice place for the kiddos to get play and get wet. There is some nice shade to sit in as well, an ice cream shop across the street and a pizza place too. Parking is on the street and usually easy to find. It does get a bit crowded but what do you expect
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Marls D.

Yelp
This place is so awesome in the summer. They even have one if those fandangled stainless steel bathrooms. Best placed one so far But with those bathrooms it also attracts....street people and their pets. My feeling is they use the park as their to "freshen up" otherwise this place would 5 stars
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Ryan N.

Yelp
My family and I were looking for a good lunch spot where the kids could run around for a while, and Jamison Park for the bill. We were able to sit in the shade and enjoy our food truck Burritos while keeping an eye on the kids (2, 4, & 8) playing in the fountain. The park is near a few busy intersections, so be sure to stick close to any little ones who like to suddenly sprint away from you.