Director Park
Downtown Portland’s Director Park is a European-style, granite-paved plaza that replaced a parking lot in 2009. Located just two blocks from Pioneer Courthouse Square, the park features ample outdoor seating and a fountain, and plays host to occasional events in the summer. Director Park is also home to the Portland Visitor Center, an important stop for anyone seeking assistance during their trip to the city.
Director Park bridges the gap between the South Park Blocks and North Park Blocks, which were historically planned to run continuously through downtown Portland. Upon its opening, The Oregonian called the park “a cozier den to the living room that is Pioneer Courthouse Square.”
Park Features
A 25-foot-high glass canopy shelters a terrace with café tables and chairs — a perfect spot to munch on lunch from a nearby food cart. Come sundown, the canopy’s dynamic light installation enlivens the square.
Encircled by hand-crafted wood benches, Teachers Fountain is a busy summer park attraction, attracting families with its shallow, splashable waters.
Portland Visitor Center
Need help planning your time in Portland? Start your trip with a visit to the Travel Portland Visitor Center in Director Park. Travel Portland’s team of devoted resident experts are ready to provide maps, insider tips, brochures and recommendations.
The Visitor Center, which relocated to Director Park in summer 2019, also hosts occasional events and pop-ups from local businesses.
Location & Hours
Portland Visitor Center
877 SW Taylor St.
Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
1-888-503-3291
503-427-1372
The Visitor Center is open on weekends, seasonally.
Why is it called Director Park?
Local developer Jordan Schnitzer donated $1.97 million for the plaza and asked that it be named for his maternal grandparents, Simon and Helen Director. Simon immigrated from Russia and arrived in Portland in 1910, while Helen came from Poland in 1915. The pair met in Portland in 1915 and had three daughters, June, Ruth and Arlene. (Arlene is the namesake for the nearby Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.)
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