director park
Director Park is Portland’s place to meet. A welcoming downtown gathering space known for its splash-worthy fountain, the iconic Glass Kiosk retail incubator (currently home to Marsh & Mallow), and a vibrant calendar of signature events with many open and free to the public.
Beyond daily enjoyment, the park thrives through community partnerships, cultural programming, and event rentals that keep the space active, inclusive, and alive year-round.
the HISTORY
Opened in 2009, Director Park (officially Simon and Helen Director Park) transformed a longtime surface parking lot into a modern urban plaza in the heart of downtown Portland.
Designed by Laurie Olin and ZGF Architects, the nearly half-acre park sits above a 700-space underground garage and features its signature glass canopy, fountain, and flexible event space. It is part of a decades-long vision to reconnect Portland’s historic Park Blocks.
Funded through a public-private partnership and named in honor of Simon and Helen Director, the $9.5 million park has become a nationally recognized example of how intentional design can revitalize a downtown block.
Heartbeat of
Downtown Activation
Director Park is the heartbeat of downtown activation, the home base for Bloom Tour and a launchpad for some of Portland’s most beloved signature events. From the color-drenched installations of Bloom Tour to the cultural celebration of Frybread Fest, to the the playful creativity of Geek Week, the park consistently transforms into a stage for community, culture, and connection.
With its flexible design, iconic fountain, and glass canopy, Director Park isn’t just a backdrop, it’s an engine for foot traffic, small business support, and unforgettable shared moments in the heart of the city.
Watch us soar with a steady beat of Summer of Love activations this year and see below how you can get involved in supporting this beloved plaza.
