Esther Short Park
A five-acre gem in the heart of Vancouver, Esther Short Park is the oldest public square in
the state of Washington. It was established in 1853, when it was bequeathed to the city by its namesake. Today, it is anchored at its southeast corner by the 69-foot Salmon Run Bell Tower, made
possible by generous donations from Burgerville founder and philanthropist, the late George Propstra and his wife Carolyn.
A Glockenspiel diorama emerges from the tower on a regular schedule to depict a story of the
Chinook Indians.
Some years ago, Esther Short Park was unkempt and crime- and drug-ridden. Mayor Royce Pollard, responding to citizen complaints, made the park's renovation his personal project.
A little over a decade later,
the park had transformed into the inviting community hub it is today.
Propstra is credited for spurring new development in the park, first donating $2 million to park improvements
and then, later, contributing $1.3 million to build the bell tower. Private donations of $3.6 million and
city investment of $2 million were used in 1998 to redevelop the park. The playground equipment, donated by the Angelo
family, is constructed in a Victorian theme that reflects the history of the park. Other amenities include an
oval walkway with radiating walks connecting perimeter sidewalks to the surrounding development and streetscape,
a gazebo, bronze sculpture, restrooms, rose gardens and a pavilion/bandstand. The park has proven to be a catalyst
that has contributed to a surge of economic development in downtown Vancouver.
The city's first piece of public art, a bronze statue of "The Pioneer Mother" was ceremoniously
unveiled in 1929. She still stands at the north entrance to the park. Various other attractions, including a
skating rink, a wading pool and a railroad engine, have since come and gone.
Find out more about city public art.
Don't miss free Summer Concerts and movies at Esther Short Park!Noon concerts begin July 6, and Riverview Six to Sunset concerts begin July 7.
Get the complete schedule at www.cityofvancouver.us/concerts. Come join the fun!
Visit the Vancouver Farmers Market, on Esther Street along the west edge of the park,
every weekend from Spring through Fall.
The site serves as a venue year-round for a variety of public and private events, programs, concerts,
and other activities.
Reservations for special use of Esther Short Park are handled by Kimberly McFarland,
the Special Events Coordinator at 360-487-8630.
An area has been designated in Esther Short Park for people wishing to participate in Free Speech.
Technically, the entire park is available for Free Speech activities, unless closed to the public
through a special event permit. Click here for a map and information on the Free Speech Area in the
park.
Facilities
 |
Play equipment |
|
Paved walkways |
|
Benches |
301 W. 8th Street
W Columbia St. and 8th St.
Vancouver, WA 98660
I-5 to Exit 1C-1D
W on Mill Plain Blvd
South on Columbia to 8th St.
Fees
Metered parking only.
Hours
5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Esther Short Park is a part of the Esther Short Neighborhood.
|
