It is considered as one of the best tourist destinations out there. Portland’s Water Fountains have the history and the design that lasted for generations and is admired tremendously still by everyone. Aside from the fact that it is low cost to enjoy the sights of these fabulous fountains, it’ll give you also all the benefits of the water flowing. It gives all people passing by whether they are residents of Portland, passersby, and tourists that calming and relaxing effect of a water fountain flowing. But for most sightseers and tourists’ reason for visiting the fountains of Portland are the history and the masterpiece of art on its design and the craftsmanship that was put on each of those fountains. Portland, being surrounded with rivers, is one of the most fountain-centric U.S. cities. Because of the pride of Portland with its fountains, the local government established a bureau that maintains 17 decorative fountains and a municipal bureau that maintain 120 fountains. Portland, have been winners of local and international design award as a testament to the efforts and pride that they have on their fountains.

Get the most information that you need before you start your pilgrimage. The Portland Water Bureau is the best option for you to get all the information that you need. A free copy of tour map is given away to tourist by the Portland Water Bureau which can be downloaded or you can request a hard copy.

All of Portland’s fountains are easy to find and are accessible to local transport within the “Fearless Square” of the city’s TriMet bus and MAX light-rail networks some of Portland’s water fountains are near Portland Streetcar’s main routes. On your tour, there are certain things that you need to follow in order for us to continue enjoying the beauty and entertainment that they provide. First and foremost, Portland’s Water Bureau reminds us NOT to drink the water!

Portland’s water fountains are made for our admiration and not for drinking. Besides, the water from the fountains is chlorinated that equal to the value of that on swimming pools. There are fountains that are safe for animals to drink to.

On your tour, it might be wise to bring with you cameras or sketchpad to preserve the memories of your visit in your admiration to these wonderful work of art. You might want to bring in swimsuits and other gears for tourist who wants to do a little more than sightseeing. Throwing of coins on Portland’s outdoor fountains is strictly forbidden. It might be better for everyone that instead of throwing those coins for a wish, that you donate them instead to Portland Water Bureau and other local organizations that will put your money in to good use as it will help maintain and do some necessary repairs to the fountains. Most of Portland’s water fountain runs from 6:30am until 8:00pmfrom Spring to Fall and Portland’s drinking fountains runs on time intervals.

The Dreamer Fountain situated at Pettygrove Park, near SW Third Avenue between Market and Harrison is not on its best shape as it was on 1979, the year it was installed. Dreamer Fountain has a sound structure based on the most recent evaluation done but some of the welding seems have cracks in several of its places. As a result, some of the caulking of the fountain basin has deteriorated as well as oxidization and deterioration on the protective coating found on the aluminium brass.

Portland Development Commission installed the Dreamer Fountain in 1979 and sculptured by Manuel Izquerdo. This bronze sculptured fountain is made of “yellow metal” or malleable brass. Manuel Izquerdo hammered the fountain forms forming round shapes.

Portland’s City Council gave the responsibility to the Portland Water Bureau for the maintenance, operations and renovation of all Portland’s fountains that include the Dreamer in 1988.

Another attempt was made in the restoration of the Dreamer and it happened on 2006. Cracks on seems have been repaired, surface was cleaned and caulking problems has been surely addressed.

Since fountains ages every day and restoration has been tasked to the Portland Water Bureau. A grant of $27,550 approved by the Portland City Council from the Water Bureau to the Regional Arts and Culture Council, to provide necessary expertise for the restoration and maintenance of The Dreamer. Jonathan Taggart, a professional and a well-known conservator has been tasked on the repairs, cleaning and repolishing of The Dreamer Fountain. Joseph Taggart has worked on the Elk Fountain in the past whose task is to restore the fountain to its vibrant look and has been called to perform another miracle on The Dreamer. Joseph Taggart has removed coating in the sculpture, inspected the fountain inside and out, welded the crack in the seams, cleans and repolished the surface, and the recoating the surface reviving The Dream to its vibrant glow.

The Water Bureau not only have the task of restoring The Dream but also tasked to develop a maintenance plan with the conservators to ensure that The Dream’s sculpture and basin will function as it should be. Other maintenance includes skimming leaves that are floating and the removal of debris that may damage the fountain. The draining and replacing of water when needed is also included in the action plan. The operating engineer tasked by the Bureau will hose out the water from the fountain removing any dirt and debris on a monthly basis keeping the fountain clean and away from damage. There are many outdoor fountains similar to this and the other fountains around Portland that are available for any garden or yard setting.

The general objective of the bureau is to bring life to the once sleeping fountain and make the fountain gleam like never before bringing more life to the community for many years to come.

Located on the Park blocks between SW Salmon and Main of Portland, Oregon stood the Shemanski Fountain. Also known as the Rebecca at the Well, Shemanski Fountain was a gift to the city by a well known clock salesman and businessman as his thanks to the city for it kindness that they have shown to him. Carl Linde designed the fountain as an Italianesque trefoil design. Oliver Laurence Barrett designed the cast stone structures that surround the bronze structure.

According to stories, Rebecca offered to draw water for Abraham’s servant and many camels to as much as half a ton. Rebecca’s act of kindness and her act of service has revealed that she is the bride. In 2004, the Regional Arts and Culture Center or the RCC along with the Portland Water Bureau has joined hands to have the serene landmark restored to its initial glow. Another repair was made on the Shemanski Fountain when vandals took the fountain off her base in 2007. The damage was extensive and the repair of the fountain cost the city thousands of dollars to have it fixed and have it working again. The Rebecca fountain fell off and came in to contact with one of the drinking fountain bowls breaking some of the sandstone casting that encases the bronze bowls. The base of the Rebecca needed to be recast and the statue needed to be reinstalled and it took several months in the shop to have it done. And on the 20^th of September 2007, the Shmanski Fountain was turned back on for the entire public to enjoy, looking brand new restoring a little piece of Portland’s history.

The entire fountain was then again forced to be shut down until replacement for the brass nozzles that was stolen off the fountain’s bowls in early 2008. Due to the age of the fountain the replacement parts are no longer available and needed to have the other nozzle taken off and have it recast. You too can have a beautiful cast stone fountain for your yard or garden, which are available in many different styles.

The Pioneer Courthouse Square Water Fountain is affectionately known as a Portland’s living room among Portlanders. Lying in the center of downtown Portland, Oregon, United States, occupying a full 40,000 square foot (3700 square meters) of real estate is the fountain. Pioneer Courthouse Square lies in the boundary by Southwest Morrison Street on the North, Southwest 6^th Avenue on the East, Southwest Broadway Street on the West and the Southwest Yamhill Street on the South.

The Pioneer Courthouse Square is equipped with its own water fall located at SW Broadway. Designed by Architect Will Martin, The Pioneer Courthouse Square was created in the year 1983 when the entire property was purchased for the use as a public square.

The Pioneer Courthouse Square has been called “Portland’s living room” ever since the property was purchased in the late 1970’s. This vast project has nothing been short of mesmerizing. Over the years, the Pioneer Courthouse Square has deteriorated substantially and will be in need of some repairs. The city then commissioned $120,000 for immediate repair and complete restoration of the symbolic and civic treasure of Portland in the year 2006. The Pioneer Courthouse Square has a full cycling capacity of 900 gallons of water per minute and recycles 300 gallons of water every minute as well.

The restoration project of the city government of one of their prices treasure, the Pioneer Courthouse Square has been completed on the year 2006 and the total project cost was approximately $122,000. The project consist of fixing of the leaks, corroded parts has been cleaned thoroughly. The bronze part has been cleaned and polished removing the green pigment that has covered over time, granite surfaces has been cleaned as well and regrouted places that needed it. And replacements were made as well to different surfaces to prevent leakages.

Situated between 3^rd and 4^th on SW Hall in Portland, Oregon, the Lovejoy Fountain stood tall and proud as one of Portland’s beautiful art pieces. Designed by Lawrence Harprin and Associates the Lovejoy Fountain was created in 1968 for the Portland Development Commission. Lovejoy Fountain was named after Asa Lovejoy who co-founded Portland along with Francis Pettygrove. Lovejoy Fountain was created for the sole purpose of celebrating North West’s natural beauties, the ever gorgeous waterfalls and landscape.

It was Lawrence Harpin’s creativity that led to the creation of the Lovejoy Fountain Plaza in 1968. Halprin’s vast experience and knowledge that includes sculptural fountain, renewal design and urban planning is the foundation of his creativity. Because of this expertise, Halprin was able to create different landscape on which he incorporated with beautiful water fountains. His trademark can be seen in all his creations as fountain artwork were incorporated to existing environment. The entire design process was equally important as the final product as what Harpin used to say telling us that he always put his heart into all of his works.

The Lovejoy Fountain is an Earth surface contoured into the landscape of the entire Plaza. Halprin’s methodological design methods are manifested in his design of the Lovejoy Fountain Plaza. Multi-step concrete adds a contemporary look to the overall design to this magnificent urban architecture, the Lovejoy Fountain Plaza.

Halprin successfully anticipated the fountain’s final use as it was strategically placed in the midst of a natural park like setting amidst the towering and splendid trees. The Lovejoy Fountain Plaza is an excellent place for a romantic picnic and a relaxing afternoon to spend with your loved ones.

Lovejoy Fountain Plaza is known for its stunning beauty but precaution is advised while near the fountain as it is considered as a falling hazard because of its slippery surfaces, rapidly moving water, pools of water and high drop off similar to that of any streams and waterfalls. Also there are many modern designed Floor Fountains for those who want the tranquility of flowing water incorporated with art in their own home.