Cathedral Park (Portland, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral Park |
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St. Johns Bridge and grassy area of Cathedral Park
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| Location | N Edison Street & Pittsburg Avenue Portland, Oregon |
| Area | 23.31 acres (9.43 ha) |
| Created | 1968 |
| Operated by | Portland Parks & Recreation |
| Status | Open 5 a.m. to midnight daily |
Cathedral Park is a really cool park in Portland, Oregon. It's located right on the east side of the Willamette River. What makes this park special is that it sits directly underneath the huge St. Johns Bridge. The park got its name because the bridge has tall, pointy arches that look a lot like the inside of a grand cathedral!
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History of Cathedral Park
How the Park Began
The land where Cathedral Park is today was once part of a town called St. Johns. The famous St. Johns Bridge was finished in 1931. However, there wasn't a park under it at that time.
In 1968, the city of Portland bought the land under the bridge. For a while, it became a place where people would dump trash. But local residents wanted to make it beautiful. They worked hard and raised $7.5 million in the 1970s to build a park.
Opening and Special Events
Cathedral Park officially opened on May 3, 1980. Since then, it has hosted many fun events. In 2008, a special sculpture called "Drawing on the River" by artist Donald Fels was added to the park.
The park's outdoor stage has also been used for performances. In 2013, a group called Atomic Arts put on their final "Trek in the Park" show there. The park's boat ramp has even been used as a meeting spot for peaceful protests.
Fun Things to Do at Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park is a great place to visit! It has lots of things for people to enjoy.
Walking and Picnics
You can find several walking trails that wind through the park. There are also picnic benches, perfect for having lunch with friends or family.
River Access
The park has a floating dock that goes out onto the Willamette River. This is a great spot to enjoy the water views. There's also a boat ramp on the north side of the park, which is handy if you want to launch a boat.
Jazz Festival
One of the most exciting things about Cathedral Park is its small outdoor stage. Since 1980, the city has held an annual summer jazz festival there. The Cathedral Park Jazz Fest is a big deal because it's the oldest free jazz festival west of the Mississippi River!
Weddings and More
Many people think Cathedral Park is a beautiful spot for weddings. Its unique setting under the St. Johns Bridge makes it a very popular choice for special events.
