Bill Naito Legacy Fountain

(click to magnify)

Waterfront Park at SW Ankeny Street, the setting of the venerable Saturday Market, is transformed and crowned by a splendid fountain.

A poem carved into the steps at this interactive water feature pays homage to the collective contributions of the many cultures that made Portland the vibrant city that it is.

The late civic leader Bill Naito had long imagined a fountain on this site, comparable in quality and activity to the Salmon Street Springs Fountain. His daughter, Anne Naito-Campbell, came to the Foundation with the wish to fulfill her father's vision. Working in partnership with community leaders representing the diverse people of Portland, we raised $800,000 toward the creation of this tribute.

The fountain opened in August 2009 to the delight of hundreds of children, residents, and visitors alike, who have a new place to play downtown.

In October, 2012, Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park was honored by the American Planning Association as one of the "Great Public Spaces in America." We are pleased and proud to having contributed to the greatness of this magnificent Portland landmark.