Rebecca At The Well Shemanski Fountain, created by Oliver Barrett and Carl Linde, came to Portland in 1926 as a gift from Joseph Shemanski. With water, sandstone and bronze, its recreation of Abraham searching for Isaac's bride is captured with motion and grace. If you have your dog along, you are both welcome to have a drink. Shemanski, a local man, was a dog lover, and the fountain has two drinking platforms, complete with one for pooch.
Closed now
The only thing that could improve the Portland Park system is a trail connecting the parks, providing a continuous route encircling the city. In 1999, such a path was completed. This achievement was a 1904 brainchild of the Olmsted brothers, landscape architects for Portland. The 40-mile loop is actually 140 miles of trail. From Kelley Point Park to Powell Butte to Tryon Creek to Forest Park, the four corners of the city are covered. The trail provides access to hiking, biking, canoeing and camping.
This fountain lives and breathes just like the people who call this city home. Salmon Street Springs starts rather slowly in the morning, with just a few spurts. As the day builds and the people begin to congregate—eating their lunch and walking and biking around it—the fountain's force increases. By the end of the day, the fountain is worn out and ready to slow down, just like the townspeople getting home after work. This is a great place for kids of any age to get wet and cool off on a hot Portland day.
