815 SW Park Avenue
Director Park (officially Simon and Helen Director Park) is a popular public park built on top of a large underground parking garage. The park was designed to be a place where people can relax, play, enjoy art, and attend community events right in the heart of the city.
The park was named for Simon and Helen Director whose family were generous supporters of the arts, parks and public spaces in Portland.
Director Park is different from many parks you might have seen. Instead of lots of grass and trees, it looks more like a European plaza made of light granite paving stones. It has wide spaces for walking, places to sit and talk, and a glass canopy that provides shade and shelter. There is also a café where people can buy food and drinks.
One of the most fun features of Director Park is the Teachers Fountain. This fountain was donated by a local family and is dedicated “to all who educate and inspire.” It has a shallow pool and gentle water jets that flow and splash, and many children (and adults!) enjoy playing in the water when the weather is warm.
Director Park also hosts many events and activities throughout the year, including music and art shows, markets, community gatherings, and performances. Some years there can be more than 300 events scheduled in the park.
Because the park is in downtown, it is close to many shops, restaurants, and public transportation, so it’s easy for people of all ages to visit. The park also has a giant chessboard and interactive spaces that make it fun for families and friends.
Director Park is known as a great example of modern public space because it brings people together in a busy city area. It’s clean, welcoming, and lively, and many visitors like to spend time eating lunch, playing in the fountain, or just watching people go by.
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Discussion Questions:
Notice how this park feels more like a city plaza than a grassy park. Ask students why they think a hard-surface park works well in a busy downtown area.
Why do you think a city would build a park on top of a parking garage?
Look closely at the fountain, paving, or structures. Do you see shapes, patterns, or materials that make the park feel special?
The Glass Canopy – Stand underneath it. Does it feel different than standing in the open plaza? What do you think it protects people from?
Vocabulary: canopy, urban
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State Standards:
Social Studies 3.11. Describe how individuals, groups, events, and developments have shaped the communities and regions. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.12. Compare and contrast the history of the local community to other communities in the region. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.17. Use a variety of historical sources (artifacts, pictures, documents) to identify factual evidence. Historical Thinking