Terry Schrunk Plaza

Hidden away beneath the hustle and bustle of city hall is one of Portland’s lesser known gems. Terry Schrunk Plaza is a perfect respite from the downtown business grind with its sizable amphitheater, beautiful plants, and a miniature Chinese garden. Its natural beauty makes it a scenic spot for a nice picnic or lunch.

A green oasis among the concrete buildings, Terry Schrunk Plaza is named after one of the longest serving mayors in Portland’s history. As mayor from 1957-1973, Schrunk campaigned on a program of Urban Renewal. This plaza serves as a testament to providing an urban landscape which is both inviting and blends with the local surroundings.

Whether it is a weekday or weekend, there are always people enjoying the plaza. Surrounded by tall buildings, you will feel like you have escaped to a scenic hideaway. Taking up a whole city block, the park is large enough to accommodate the weekday lunch rush without feeling crowded.

Its long rolling grassy hill is perfect to bring a blanket, book and lunch. On sunny days, you will forget the busy feeling of downtown and can soak in the surroundings. In the springtime, flowering plants and bushes line the park and give it a colorful presence. Neighboring Chapman and Lownsdale Squares are also interesting to explore as they have a number of statues and historical plaques. 

In the northwest corner of the plaza is Lake Tai Rock, a gift from Portland’s sister city of Suzhou, China. According to the plaza’s sign, the rock’s shape “represents the potent power and wildness of nature.” This distinctive rock helps to give the park its unique combination of natural wonder in downtown Portland.

While some locals may be unaware of this pleasant plaza, it can be the perfect secret for your friends and visitors. Whether it is part of a leisurely stroll through downtown or a lunch stop destination, Terry Schrunk Plaza proves that Portland can create natural beauty in an urban landscape.

HelloPortland Tip: Located only a few blocks east of the Portland Art Museum, the plaza makes a perfect jumping off point for a fun day in Portland.
 

- by William Crane, Portland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

William Crane

William Crane is an accomplished print and online journalist (http://www.william-crane.com) His work covers a variety of topics including features, local community news, sports, music, and political/social issues. Graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. in Journalism, William's writing has appeared in a variety of different publications including the Stranger, Capitol Hill Times, the Skanner, Backfire Magazine, and the Internationalist.