Esther Short Park

Esther Short Park

605 Esther St.
Vancouver, WA 98660

Amenities

  • benches icon Benches
  • historical icon Historical
  • open lawn play area icon Open Lawn Play Area
  • Paved Trails
  • playground icon Play Equipment
  • Play Equipment - Inclusive
  • Potable Water
  • toliet icon Restroom
  • icon of building Shelter without Tables
  • icon of swings Swings

605 Esther St.
Vancouver, WA 98660
( Downtown Vancouver )

Hours:
M-F: 5AM - 10PM
Weekends: 5AM - 10PM

Directions

Park Rules and Policies

size: 5 Acres

Amenities

  • benches icon Benches
  • historical icon Historical
  • open lawn play area icon Open Lawn Play Area
  • Paved Trails
  • playground icon Play Equipment
  • Play Equipment - Inclusive
  • Potable Water
  • toliet icon Restroom
  • icon of building Shelter without Tables
  • icon of swings Swings

Esther Short Community Park is the oldest public square in the state of Washington. Located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, Esther Short Park is a hub for community and culture.

Esther Short Park is home to the City’s first fully inclusive playground, which features a zero-entry merry go all, play hill, music garden, swings for all abilities and a Roxall see saw. This innovative playground was designed in consultation with Harper’s Playground, a non-profit that creates inviting playgrounds for people of all abilities.

Water Feature

The water feature at Esther Short Park includes a waterfall that cascades down a path of boulders, providing climbing and seating options for visitors of all ages. Learn more about water feature rules and operating status.

Clock Tower

Built in 2002, the Salmon Run Bell Tower and Glockenspiel consists of 25 cast bronze bells, four 6 ft tower clocks, and a rotating diorama that highlights the story of Chinook salmon. The bells are controlled by a carillon, struck by individual strike mechanisms. That means the sound comes from the bells themselves, and not a recording. Each bell ranges in size from 20 to 400 lbs. The Salmon Run Bell Tower underwent a restoration project from 2024-26 to maintain this Vancouver landmark for generations to come.

Esther Short Park serves as a year-round venue for a variety of public and private events, programs, concerts and other activities. Discover the exciting special events happening this year.

Want to plan your event in Esther Short Park? Explore park permit fees for public and private events.

Parking spaces around this park are metered with various time limits. Take a look at the City’s parking map to plan your trip.

Maintenance

Need to report a maintenance issue? Fill out an online service request form with Public Works. If the issue is urgent (water line break, downed tree, etc.) call 360-487-8177.