BIG SPLASH RIBBON CUTTING
Portland Parks & Recreation and The Halprin Landscape Conservancy (HLC) are pleased to announce that restoration of the four historic sites within the Portland Open Space Sequence is complete. Work has wrapped up on repairs to each site within the sequence: Keller Fountain Park, Pettygrove Park, Lovejoy Fountain Park, and the Source Fountain. All of these decorative fountains are now open once again.
“The Halprin Sequence is a unique series of public plazas and fountains,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “This restoration means they will be enjoyed for generations to come. Thanks to all the project partners, especially the Halprin Landscape Conservancy.”
First conceived in the 1960s, the Portland Open Space Sequence is comprised of Keller Fountain, Pettygrove Park, Lovejoy Fountain and The Source Fountain. The fountains, pathways and plazas are located along tree-lined pedestrian malls between SW 1st and 4th Avenues and between SW Lincoln and Clay Streets.
“It’s been more than 50 years since the first park was christened,” said Bob Naito, board president, Halprin Landscape Conservancy (HLC). “This restoration project has been our focus for several years and we’re grateful for the enthusiastic support of the south downtown business community, neighborhood residents, and property owners. We’re honored to help refresh and reinvigorate these parks for a new generation to enjoy.”
The renovation began in July 2018 and addressed aesthetics, accessibility, safety, security, and maintenance issues. Work included improvements to wall and concrete structures, joint sealing, paving, underground utilities, stormwater drainage systems, walkway and fountain lighting, electrical service modifications, and ground features. Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry replanted trees as part of their normal purview.
“The Portland Open Space Sequence is a jewel of our City,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long. “And thanks to the efforts of the Halprin Landscape Conservancy and the dedication of City Council, the parks are restored for the benefit of all. We appreciate all the funding, dedication, and hard work.”
The HLC will support a total of 11 summer events that are free and open to the public. Events include:
JULY 25, 6:30 PM a Portland Parks & Recreation Summer Free For All #SFFA Concert in the Park at Lovejoy Fountain Plaza
JULY 24-SEPTEMBER 4, Wednesdays, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM The Sounds of Summer Noontime Concert Series entertains the neighborhood and invigorates Pettygrove Park with seven weekday concerts
AUGUST 25 11 AM-3 PM Lovejoy Fountain Plaza is once again a stop on the Sunday Parkways Green Loop bike ride.
Restoration refurbished key City parks
The Portland Open Space Sequence was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 2013. In December 2016, the City of Portland worked with the Conservancy to generate local support and create a voluntary local improvement district to restore the historic fountains and plazas. $2.15 million was provided by the LID and $1.7 million by the City of Portland for the Portland Open Space Sequence Restoration Project.
The Halprin Landscape Conservancy (HLC), a nonprofit founded to activate, maintain and restore the Portland Open Space Sequence, mobilized the effort and work began to restore the Sequence in July 2018. Funding of the campaign came from an innovative voluntary local improvement district (LID), in which property owners in the surrounding area agreed to assess themselves to pay for repairs that qualify under State of Oregon regulations. The LID was approved and finalized by Portland City Council in December 2016.
The HLC is a volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to preserve, maintain and activate the Portland Open Space Sequence. As stewards, they partner with neighbors, businesses, community organizations and Portland Parks & Recreation to ensure the Sequence is clean, safe, and active for today and future generations.
