Tom McCall Waterfront Park — Attraction in Portland

Used to be five star when I first moved here in 1986. Not now. Tom McCall would be appalled at the plants they chose to adorn the park's name plate with his name on it. The plants look remarkably Californian. Long time locals know his saying about visitors. "Come, but don't stay." Well. They're here from everywhere.

Portland is having severe growing pains. Traffic Gridlock is now worse than ever due to clever traffic redirects. Especially here on Naito Parkway. There's no way here for those of us who need to cross through town for doc appointments on the hill. Broadway is only good going south and it's always having construction lightly mixed with heavy traffic.

Waterfront Park is home to ever changing events. Most require entry fees which calls for fencing off the park and making ugly the scenery. A nice restaurant aptly named McCall's is now used by Rose Festival organization paid for with our water bill payments.

Park is also home and day center for many of Portland's homeless. When I worked downtown in late 1980s it was easy to walk, run or bicycle through the park without ever seeing one homeless camper. Back then it was difficult to find a place to rent skates or a bicycle for the day. Times change.

If you are young and healthy the current system works. You'll find that once you're walking challenged all this traffic redirect makes life difficult. If you want to enjoy all the bike paths, don't get old or at least plea for making them friendly to wheel chairs with battery assist. It's the ADA rules that paid for all the cuts in the corners of our sidewalks. Not sure that I can find other nice things for us around town. I'll say: Sidewalks are still the best bike paths around. As long as you're not using the streets for training for race day sidewalks are good. The park had lots of sidewalks.

If you're seeing geese, watch your step. Obvious reasons. Pet owners: Not an "off leash" area. It's also expected that you'll pack off your pet's poo.

On street parking is mostly non existent nearby. Lots of pay garages and lots. Expect bumper to bumper accordion traffic for sure going North on this street. Forget hurry. Oh. Here in Portland it's customary to not honk your horn. Exception is when you see that cousin, sister, or friend you haven't seen in years. It's how we keep our city quiet and mostly friendly. Join the...

All in all, and in general, this is a great place to walk year around with caveat about days and times.

PROS: Great people watching | Oregon Maritime Museum | Saturday Market on Saturdays and Sundays | Fleet Week | Summertime events | Running and walking during no peak hours | Always close to good restaurants just across Naito | Cherry blossoms in Spring | Large grassy areas along entire Waterfront path | Plenty of public restrooms (Portland Loo's) | Safe during day-light hours | Walking access to all the bridges for crossing on foot | Plenty of room to stage family events or just to hang out | Friendly geese!

CONS: Can host a number of homeless day or night | Kind of sketchy after hours - homeless hangouts near Steel Bridge, Hawthorne Bridge, Burnside Bridge, well all the bridges that span the waterfront - If you plan on exercising after hours, wear lights | You will see an occasional drug needle | Some folks do not clean up after their pets - watch out when you and your kids play in grassy areas | Sometimes the homeless lock themselves in the public restrooms (Portland Loo's)

OVERALL: Look, all places have their cons. The scales are tipped in favor of the PROS. If you can soak in all the goodness that the waterfront has to offer, the CONS mentioned will be a fleeing memory. Just keep your wits about you, especially after hours. ALSO, please keep in mind that the City of Portland does an outstanding job maintaining the grounds and amenities. I don't think I have ever witnessed the park void of a few city vehicles and employees cleaning or performing some type of maintenance or general work during...

The park runs directly alongside the Willamette river with beautiful views of all the bridges, downtown and the east side of Portland. There are lots of activities, currently it is Rose Festival season and a large part of the park is turned into a fabulous carnival with rides, beer/wine garden, those lovely fattening deep fried foods typical of fairs and festivals. There is live music and an adult as well as family atmosphere. Many other festivals, running races, and other cool events, especially beginning in May through October take place almost every weekend. It also a nice place to stroll or bike, with plenty of ways to rent a bike by the hour or day. One one section there is a Saturday Market, that is actually all weekends. It is a juried market with a lot of local artisans, live music, food, as well as adult and family atmosphere and beverages. On the South end there is a great water feature that young and old can cool off in. Lots of grassy area, trees, and plenty of space for all. It really is a terrific place to have in the city. Especially considering it used to be an Interstate highway! Transportation is a cinch, the MAX runs right alongside so no need to pay for parking! Especially if you are visiting our city, the public transport system is the BEST I've ever seen or used on the west coast! Leave your car at home, or your hotel! The area is also VERY handicapped accessible for all disabilities, as I have mobility impairments myself, and I never am concerned about...