Esther Short Park and Playground — Attraction in Vancouver

Esther Short Park wasn't always this nice. I remember, growing up, it was a hotbed of drug use and shady activity, before the revival of downtown kicked off. Fortunately, like its namesake, it is a plucky survivor with a history of overcoming adversity. Things are very different now.

These days, Esther Short Park is a fabulously maintained green space with a small rose garden, multiple fountains, a cobbled plaza popular with skaters, bell tower, a playground (currently being rebuilt after a vandal set fire to it, for some dumb reason), a bandstand, and public restrooms. The adjacent Vancouver Farmer's Market (every weekend, from March to October) is often lumped into the park's list of features, followed on its heels by the Fall Market, which runs through December.

Throughout the year, myriad events are hosted here, some free and open to all ages, others ticketed and more exclusive: the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival, 4 Days of Aloha, Dia De Muertos, movies in the park every Friday night in the summer, Craft Beer & Wine Fest, and several others. Event when events are not taking place, the park is a true gem downtown, perfect for just lazing away the day, having a picnic, kicking a ball, tossing a frisbee, playing in the fountain, or taking the dogs for a walk.

In a way, the revival of Esther Short Park was the inception for the greater transformation of the Vancouver Waterfront, which has been incredible to watch manifest these last few years. To see a part of the town that was basically left to the wolves for decades become the glittering showpiece of the city, is truly remarkable. Esther...

This 5-acre park is the oldest public square in the state of Washington, and is located right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. You can pretty much walk anywhere downtown from here. The Vancouver waterfront is just a short walk away (just cross the street) along with Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Field and Museum, the Discovery Loop, the Vancouver Land Bridge, restaurants and shopping galore; the entertainment is endless.

I found the most interesting part about this park to be the clock tower, but you will also find the Slocum House, a beautiful gazebo, picnic shelter/stage, a Victorian rose garden (I will come back in Spring to see this in bloom, because I know it will be just stunning), a well maintained playground, seasonal water features, and a walking path around the park which includes several pieces of art among mature trees here as well, as you will see from my photos/videos. It is lined with benches, so you can sit and people watch, which is always fun to do when downtown in any big city.

Also, many different events are held here, such as the Farmers Market (mid-March through October) and a variety of summer festivals.

I definitely recommend checking this park out. With so much to do, seeing it is smack dab in the middle of everything, you...

Esther Short Park holds a special place in my memories of childhood. My parents would often bring me there on weekends and we'd spend afternoons at the playground together before grabbing a bite at the nearby Subway.

I have very vivid recollections of how expansive and awe-inspiring the original playground structures were. As a young kid, they seemed enormous! You could get completely lost in your imagination playing there for hours. The new replacement playground just doesn't live up to what was there before.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that the city wanted to rebuild in a way that makes the park accessible to all abilities. However, in doing so they've really downsized the scale and play options. Now when I walk through, it feels cramped and lacking the magic of the past. My younger siblings also comment on being bored quickly since there isn't much to keep them engaged.

Nostalgia aside, kids deserve well-designed public spaces that spark creativity and fun. The old Esther Short Park succeeded at that so beautifully. With some modifications adding back classic play features, this downtown park could once again become an memorable place for both children and community members alike. I hope future upgrades will help restore what made it...