A little over a decade ago an invitation to hang at Esther Short Park for an afternoon would have been met with raised eyebrows and something to the effect of “Eew!” or “Why?” The park was flanked by an abandoned brewery and rundown warehouses. Boasting not much more than a small play structure and a hangout for vandals, the park was dark, dilapidated, and all together uninviting. Downtown in those days translated into one thing: Portland.

Terry Snyder, a Landscape Architect for the City of Vancouver’s Parks Department, says the park’s evolution into the central hub it is today is the result of a commitment from a group of pioneers who envisioned a progressive public space.

“We first looked at the area surrounding the park and knew that was where we had to start. We wanted to bring the park blocks up to a higher standard,” recalls Snyder.

This included making sure the initial design of the park increased visibility as well as invited retailers into the area to help draw people downtown. Construction on the Angelo Building, which houses a variety of retailers on its lower levels and condos above, broke ground in the late 1990s. Remodeling of the park itself followed a few years later. Original designs for overhaul of Esther Short weren’t very lofty, so the community, with a generous donation from Burgerville founder George Propstra, stepped in to add the plaza and clock tower in hopes of creating a metropolitan multi-use space.

Flash forward another few years and now huge chunks of my springs and summers are spent in the park. On weekends we load up a backpack, grab a couple of water bottles, and trek down to Vancouver’s urban mecca. My husband enjoys leisurely jaunts down Eighth Street sampling fresh fruit and sipping locally roasted coffee. My preschooler zips around the gazebo on his bike and tries to pop a wheelie on his training wheels. From the farmers market to the water fountain, the playground to summer concerts, the park is a bustle of activity. On any given Saturday the park hosts political rallies, recycled arts fairs, Tibetan and Hawaiian festivals, and an array of charity walks. This is not merely happenstance, but rather the result of careful and astute planning.

According to Cara Cantonwine, Program and Event Coordinator for the City, the park rental fees are some of the most competitive throughout the entire Portland and Vancouver area.

“When the park was redeveloped a group of community members helped to set the price low to encourage non-profits and other organizations to hold their events here,” says Cantowine.

Renting a comparable space in Portland like Pioneer Courthouse Square would cost thousands of dollars more comparatively, and the amenities Esther Short offers are unbeatable.

“We are a full service park,” reports Cantowine. “Anyone who rents the park is assigned an attendant who oversees the event. We’re able to offer full electricity, water, vehicle access for loading and easy set-up as well as a stage complete with lighting and a state of the art sound system.”

And the Glockenspiel, or bell tower, isn’t just for show. It can actually be played. The city keeps a roster of musicians on hand who will hand play the bells.

The commitment to keeping costs low has translated into high demand for the park. Forty-two events are booked in Esther Short through spring and summer 2009. First and foremost the park is an open public space. The city doesn’t allow more than five fenced events each year, although technically the park is never closed. Even when an event requires fencing, the playground and bathroom facilities remain open.

Cantowine says some charity walks and fundraisers have been so successful, they’ve more than doubled in size.

“For non-profits it’s a great venue for building an event, because not only is the price affordable, but the park itself is such a draw,” she said. “ New events can start and really grow because of the captive audience that’s built into the park.”

Captive audiences like toddlers scampering through the water fountain and sunbathers soaking up an extra dose of Vitamin D on the lawn can hang all spring and summer downtown. And yes, I’m referring to the ‘Couve.

Upcoming Esther Short Park events

Saturday, May 2 — Kicking off the season is the Southwest Washington Humane Society’s 18th Annual Walk/Run for the Animals. Participants can opt for a 5k fun run or take a leisurely stroll with Fido in a 1.5 to 3 mile walk. Over 25 vendors will fill Esther Short with items to pamper pooches. The SWHS will also host a low-cost Microchip clinic in the park

Saturday, May 16 — Community volunteers will scour downtown in Downtown’s Spring Clean Op. Garbage duty begins at Esther Short and extends along the waterfront. The event begins at 7:20 a.m. Kids and families are welcome to join the sanitization crew. An after party with food, prizes and more will follow.
For a complete listing of events in Esther Short visit the City’s Community Calendar at www.cityofvancouver.us/calendar.

Kate Dyer-Seeley is a mom, a writer, a coffee junkie and avid reader. Her column appears every other issue in The Voice.