There have been some rumors swirling around regarding the Elizabeth Caruthers Park fountain being shut down for the summer. The fountain had been running
back around Mothers' Day weekend, but has been noticeably dry for the last few weeks. Further, the Portland Parks budget cuts were being implicated as the reason for said shut-down.
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| Dry E.C. park fountain on June 10 |
The Portland Parks & Rec
budget posted online did not provide any details on this. So, I contacted the
Portland Parks Commissioner (Nick Fish) to investigate!
I promptly heard back from the Commissioner's office with the following:
"...The fountains are shut off during the winter months, and are
inspected in the spring to ensure there are no repairs needed. The Parks
Bureau has informed me that the Caruthers Fountain should be on in a matter
of days..."
Very good news!
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| E.C. park fountain on Mothers' Day |
As I thought about it, I was really quite sad to envision our summer without this fountain. We don't really have any other child-friendly features or playgrounds in the neighborhood or within walking distance. And with the
growing numbers of babies and children in the neighborhood, this fountain gets used! It has become a meeting point and a focal point in our little park.
That said, I think a playground would be a very nice addition...anyone else?!
