A Celebration of Spring (and Summer) in Portland
By John Gorman
Portland conducts its own “Fountain Equinox.”
On Thursday, April 6 2006, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard gave the thumbs-up signal for fountain operators to officially fire up the Ira Keller Forecourt Fountain for the long-awaited spring and summer seasons. In a short ceremony, the Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) acknowledged the Portland Water Bureau for its stewardship of this famous Portland fountain and landmark.
A wonderful, inviting block full of terraces and platforms, Forecourt Fountain proudly nods to the region’s abundant waterfalls. Designed by Angela Danadijeva for Lawrence Halprin and Associates, the water fountain has been a popular downtown meeting destination for generations of Portlanders and visitors since its completion in 1971.
In 1978, the fountain was renamed after Ira C. Keller, noted civic leader and first chairman of the Portland Development Commission.
A major mid-90s renovation for a Portland institution.
While the Water Bureau works constantly to maintain the fountain true to Halprin’s vision, a thorough renovation was undertaken in the mid-1990s. Costing nearly three-quarters of a million dollars the renovation addressed aging and structural problems. Procedures included:
• Restoring loose rock on block surfaces
• Restoring shifted blocks to original configurations, grouting to seal major leaks
• Bringing electrical components up to code
• Updating lighting fixtures
• Upgrading the chlorination system to further protect public health
In 2005, Water Bureau engineers fine-tuned the fountain’s pumps and motors during the winter season (when the fountain was off), reducing its electricity consumption by 17%.
In typical operation, the fountain pumps 13,000 gallons of water per minute.
Have fun—but be careful as always!
The Portland Water Bureau asks that you please be especially careful while enjoying this large, highly interactive fountain. Like all streams and waterfalls, slippery surfaces, rapidly moving water, pools of water and high drop-offs require care and attention. Please stay back from edges to prevent falling accidents.
The Ira Keller Forecourt Fountain is located between S.W. 3rd and 4th Avenues and Market and Clay Streets in downtown Portland.