Well, it is summer, and the kids are home for 12 weeks. The sun is out; the kids are bored and ready to go. So, we have been planning little day trips to help occupy their time and entertain them. In a continuing series, we will review local Portland area attractions and parks.

On one of the hottest days of the year, we decide to go to Jamison Square Park. It is located in downtown Portland, at NW Johnson and NW Kearney. The focal point of the park is a water fountain. It cascades from stone joints into low pools. The fountain circulates treated water with energy efficient pumps and motors, so it is very clean H2O. We got to the park and were able to find parking immediately. However, one big huge down fall of the park is the 90 minutes time limit that is placed on the parking spaces. This cost us $2.50.

Important information to remember about parking here, you can use your debit/credit card in a machine to pay for the spot. The machine will then print you a ticket to put in your window. Additionally, you have to pay for parking on Sunday’s in some places downtown now. So, please be cautious. On a final parking note, be sure to lock your vehicle due to the high traffic in this area.

We promptly found a place in the shade, and lined up our towels. My little man, who is nearly 6, immediately raced off to play in the water. My 10 year old girl sat and scoped the place out. She finally broke a single comment, “Uh, it;s okay, I guess,” then she was off wading in the water.  My late tween daughter slumped to the ground. Let out a sigh, and gave me a look that assuredly stated, “This is so lame, I can’t stand it Mom.” Then she proceeded to get on the internet with my Itouch.  So far, I thought it was going okay. However, even though it was a weekday, the park became very crowded. 

After about an hour of play, and constant whining from my eldest daughter, it was time to move on. We walked about only about a ½ block, and we managed to find a pizza restaurant. We shared some lunch and chatter. The food was good.  If I had prepared a sack lunch, or eaten from a street vendor, it could have been a fairly inexpensive day.

All in all, Jamison Square Park is a Great play place, for the under 10 years of age crowd. Be ready to play, as you will not be able to just sit and watch your child. The park is inundated with so many people, that it is very hard to keep track of your kids. If you have more than one child, it is nearly impossible to stay close enough to talk. Be sure to bring towels and sunscreen. An important note: there are no restrooms readily available.