Tuesday, April 10, 2007

April 12 Fountain Design Celebration at Noon

Landscape architecture is not shrubbery. It encompasses the design and preservation of the land in which we live. It may include designing a park, plaza or campus. But it includes zen-like efforts of non-design, such as preserving the Columbia Gorge from development, designating it as the country's first and only National Scenic Area.

The Olmsted family, the country's most famous landscape architects, designed Central Park. Here they are responsible for the elm-lined Park Blocks, Forest Park, Laurelhurst Park and Ladd's Addition's plantings. How would Portland be without their efforts?

Another special spot in Portland's designed landscape downtown is the unbuilt SW 3rd street from Market South for a few blocks. It's a tree lined walking plaza, an oasis. If you have the time Wednesday April 12, at noon, the City is turning on the block size fountian, a great summer wading spot, at 3rd and Clay. That's outside the Civic Auditorium. Afterwards, take a walk South.

Noon Free