Thank you .. ‘Dirt du Jour’

for the glowing review! "Go ask Alice ... where all the best vineyard gardens are. She's an erudite charmer; you'll have fun!"

Portland

Iconic Ira Keller Fountain: Portland

In the book, 1001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die …there’s an entry I wrote for an iconic 20th Century Modern public space in Portland, Oregon: Ira Keller Fountain Park.

Ira’s Fountain: Dedicated by the City of Portland to Ira C. Keller – “Strength and Beauty Come From Us – Not From Tyranny”   ~   You may wish to download a self-guided Walking Tour Map on the Portland Parks & Rec web site to experience the downtown’s trove of fountains.  Designed by Angela Danadjieva, associate of renowned American landscape architect, Lawrence Halprin, the interactive water feature achieved the goal of providing access to water so that people might revel in its sensory pleasures. The city of Portland acknowledges how fountains can enliven a neighborhood, and to that end, offers such pleasurable spots for families and friends to gather.

In this city that celebrates fountains, the Ira Keller fountain reprises in all its contemporary angularity the wondrous power of the natural world, encountered an hour or so outside the urban environment.

Mt. Hood  –   Copyright: Alice Joyce

As in the crags and commanding waterfalls of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, the lure of rushing water produces a compelling, profound effect on our sensibilities. Explore Portland and you won’t be disappointed. The city itself is a vibrant hub for adventures of all kinds, from wine and foodie fun to street festivals, markets, and proximity to rejuvenating outdoor activities.

Multnomah Falls ~ Copyright: Alice Joyce

Eco-friendly in every way, the city boasts convenient public transportation, a haven for cycling, and a wealth of green spaces. And stay tuned for additional features on the parks, gardens and scenic wonders of Portland and environs.

Columbia River Gorge  ~ Photo Copyright: Alice Joyce

3 comments to Iconic Ira Keller Fountain: Portland

  • Nice! I have a friend who works for Oregon State Parks, so I’ll pass this along to him, if you don’t mind. AND, he’s a landscape architect! =)

  • What a beautiful fountain. I like that it was designed to be experienced, not just admired from afar. I miss seeing fountains as regular focal points in towns. It seemed in Europe most towns and villages had a fountain, often in the town center. Here they just don’t seem to be as plentiful, and the few I do see are often sans water!

  • An incredible landscape! I wouldn’t be able to stand on that platform like a cut bridge on top of the waterfalls. That is so scary, but the snowcapped mountain is always amazing and elegant.