Beautiful city park with comfortable benches and under a canopy of trees. Parking Kitty app can be used to pay for parking (or pay at the pay stations.) Restroom was clean and stocked. read more

Esther Short Park - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

What a beautiful park. I had a short time in Vancouver and got out and about to see all the murals, and found myself here. Coming from Texas, we don't have trees this size and getting up next to them in a downtown park was impressive. The park was so clean and peaceful. They have a nice play area that was very popular, and lots of places to just sit and enjoy the surroundings. read more

See all

We went here for the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival. They had parking for the event either street parking or parking garages. Nice close area to Vancouver Waterfront area. There were a buzz of activities. Lots of local artists selling their artwork. They had three stages of areas where there were music performing. Great area to walk and people watch. Lots of food vendors selling foods and popcorn and ice cream. They had a water wagon where you can get water too. Lots of places in the shade where you can sit and listen to the music. There are also some chairs available. This park has a wide range of seating everywhere. Benches within a few feet. I really enjoy sitting by the water fountain and the play area. There is a small rose garden to enjoy the pretty roses the park has to offer. The park is located within walking distances from many restaurants, hotels and coffee shops. Starbucks is just across the street! read more

See all

A gem in downtown Vancouver, Esther Short Park has walking paths, lots of benches to sit and relax, gazebos and shady spots for picnics, lots of art to enjoy, water features, a babbling creek, a small playground, an open grass area and public bathrooms making it a popular spot for locals and tourists. The grounds are well maintained and I enjoy the various plants and flowers that change throughout the seasons. From March-October the Vancouver Farmers Market resides in the edge of the park and it is a worthy destination! With lots of food vendors, local produce and fruit, baked goods, plants & fresh flowers, and many craft vendors selling their creative products, it is a lovely and lively market! Unlike most markets, the Vancouver Farmers Market is open on both Saturday & Sunday and until 3pm which I love! This gives me time to enjoy other parts of Vancouver and a trip to the market. Esther Short Park is also the site for many seasonal events like the Vancouver Jazz and Wine Festival, Summer Concert Series (free), Friday Movies in the Park (Free), Sunday Sounds Concerts (free), Juneteenth Celebration, Craft Beer & Wine Festival, Vancouver Pride, Recycled Arts Festival, the Christmas Tree Lighting and so much more! The park is an old fashioned city square, the central hub and meeting spot for most Vancouver happenings. Visit the events page on their website for specific events and dates. Parking is on the street for a fee. There are a few areas of free parking but they are hard to find. Events do get crowded so get there early. read more

Esther Short Park - Rose in bloom - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

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 would be proud. read more

See all

Beautiful park downtown, we love the all inclusive playground. It has everything from a water play fountain to a gazebo. The first public park in the Pacific Northwest it is truly a gem. We stop everytime we can. Can't wait for the construction to finish and see the renovated results. read more

Esther Short Park - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

Ester Short Park is named after a hardy pioneer woman who traveled the long journey west with her husband Amos Short from Pennsylvania, gradually, they made stops in Michigan and Illinois before before finally joining a wagon train west to the Oregon territory in 1845 with their children to settle near the Fort Vancouver. But they didn't receive a warm welcome. The Hudson Bay Trading Company tried to claim title to the Shorts' land and when Amos Short defended himself, his family and his land he went on trial. Meanwhile another branch of the Hudson Bay trading Company, a French Canadian visited Ester with hopes to convince her to leave Oregon. He found his face on the receiving end of a solid slap. Both Mr. and Mrs. Short became folk heroes. Pushing out the Hudson Bay Trading Company and the French Canadians. The Shorts were responsible for opening the city's first hotel, a restaurant, a church and a a city square. The largest public park in Washington state and named after her. These days during the summer you will find Ester Short park is a pretty popular place to visit. Every weekend vendors selling their wares from beautiful jewelry, produce and every other type of art imaginable is sold at Ester Short part. I think she would be pleased. 2021 - Review # 43 read more

Esther Short Park - Ester Short - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

Esther short park with Christmas lights on the tree to ring in the holiday spirit. Great park to take a stroll & get some fresh air read more

Esther Short Park - Esther short park around the holidays - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

Cute little green space right in the middle of downtown. Its like a gathering space for major events in the city like the Craft Beer & Wine Festival, , Recycled Arts Festival, the Christmas Tree Lighting, Vancouver Pride and many more . The Vancouver Farmers market is also held right at the edge of the park and I see people often relax/ do a picnic here. They have many walking paths, benches, gazebos and shady spots for picnics. There is also a water fountain for the kids to play , small rose garden, bell tower and also Public restrooms. A lot of stores from Starbucks to local coffee shops and Asian restaurants around if you feel the need for it . Parking is on the street but tends to get difficult to find especially when an event is being held here . read more

I love Esther short park! It's a staple to downtown Vancouver. The park is huge with lots of different areas to hangout. This is a great park and they host the Saturday market as well. read more

Esther Short Park - Walking through the park on a beautiful winter day! - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

A awesome day for a stroll through the park today with the family. Just a few homeless in the park today. read more

Esther Short Park - A stroll in the park with the family. Awesome sunny day in June 2023. - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

Large park in downtown Vancouver, WA. The city has a variety of great events at the park and I recommend signing up for the city of Vancouver's email newsletter to keep in the loop for upcoming events (big farmer's market, recycled arts show, beer/wine tastings, etc.). There is a playground for the kiddos on one side of the park and the other side has a water feature (but it doesn't seem to be turned on yet as of mid-May...not sure what's up with that). Plenty of open grassy areas to relax and have a picnic or play frisbee and lots of big, tall trees for shady areas as well. There is a restroom facility, too. Since the park is downtown it is surrounded by a variety of businesses so if you are thirsty or looking for a snack or meal there are plenty of coffee shops, brew pubs and range of eateries nearby. read more

Nice chill park with a small garden. Nothing too special and pretty small. There's a playground but not much grass area for dogs or picnic. Quite a few homeless as well but it's safe. Street parkings are mostly paid ones but some free street parkings within walking distance read more

See all

This is a beautiful park. I especially like the water feature, nice stream where you can sit and put your feet in to cool down, and the clock tower is pretty cool. I love coming here during the Recycled Arts Festival. I try to arrive when they open, as this is a pretty popular festival and can get quite crowded! Many items seem pretty pricey to me, but most 'art' is. I love looking at all the creative creations these artists come up with. Some are very decorative and others quite functional. There's something for everyone! The Farmer's Market is always good too. A great variety of food, produce, plants and flowers, homemade crafts and baked goods, etc. They also have live music in the tabled eating area. It's pet friendly and there's a parking lot nearby thay accepts donations to park. There are restrooms available in the park as well. read more

I absolutely LOVE this park. It is centrally located downtown, bright and sunny with options for sitting beneath a tree and shading yourself if need be. I enjoy getting takeout and sitting on a picnic blanket and just taking in downtown. It's unfortunate that due to COVID, the park wasn't open for my kids but I will definitely check it out the next time we are in downtown! read more

The playground burned down. Otherwise it's a nice small shaded spot for a picnic or a stroll read more

Esther Short Park - Where the playground used to be. - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

This is my 300th review and I wanted to do something special. I wanted to review something that was five stars and made me happy. I think this fits the bill. Esther Short was a strong willed woman who lived the area back in the days when Fort Vancouver was a fur trading post and there was nothing around these parts that resembled a city. In her waning years as Vancouver started to grow she donated the land around downtown for development. It is for that reason there is an Esther Short Park. The city rescued this park, for years it was a depressing place for the homeless and the addicted. Some urban renewal in and around the park transformed it within a short time frame into the centerpiece of Vancouver. To borrow a phrase from our neighbors across the river it is "Vancouver's Living Room". We have a water feature in our park that sits next to an authentic German Glockenspiel that tolls the hours and at certain times of the day tells a story. There is bandstand that features movies and concerts all summer. We have a world class farmers market that rivals any in the area. We have a great playground for the kids, lots of trees and grass and year around there are festivals and shows throughout the park, sometimes two or more a day. It is peaceful, our park and tranquil, even with the airplanes flying overhead from PDX and the trains going in and out of the Port of Vancouver. It's all part of our park, our town and I will put it up against any park, anywhere in the area. read more

10 years ago if someone would have suggested hanging out at Esther Short Park I would have responded with "Not no, but hell no." Anyone who has been around Vancouver long enough to remember the old Lucky Brewery knows that this park has made a 180 degree turn from creepy downtown wasteland to iconic urban hub for Clark County. Funded and designed by local professionals, the park has become a place for great people watching and hanging out with friends and family. During the summer the city puts on weekly concerts during the lunch hour and movies and larger concerts on weekends. Big events such as the Wine and Jazz Festival happens in August and Microblues in June. ESP is surrounded by the majority of the downtown's recent construction projects, resulting in an increase in activity. Parking in the area is metered, and is difficult to find during summer middays and weekends when the farmer's market (located on the park's west edge) is in season. Yet the crowds of people enjoying the well maintained grounds makes the park a neat place to be. read more

See all

A nice little park where you can relax and have a nice walk. It is located right in downtown Vancouver and surrounded by a bunch of businesses. You are able to experience the park and have a bite at some of the restaurants near by. There is a playground and some water decor. It is a simple park, yet elegant and beautiful. Very green with flowers and visual appeal. There are many events that happen here from art festivals and the Saturday market. Also come here for the Christmas tree lighting. This is definitely a gem in Vancouver and a place where you can enjoy yourself. read more

Esther Short Park - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

See all

This is my new favorite park, period. I love Claremont's Memorial, I love Pomona's Memorial, too - but Esther Short? OH! SO nice! Even if it was just the water fountain play area made JUST for kids to splash and enjoy....even if it was just the big, beautiful trees...even if it was just the lovely playground area...or the clock tower...of the Farmer's market that is THERE ALL WEEKEND...but it's all of those things, all of them together. Gosh....there is also a huge band-stage/gazebo-y type thing there. There is space for many to be able to enjoy all at the same time. The wonderful hotel I stayed at (Hilton Vancouver!) is right across the street, there are surrounding eateries that I also love. I mean there is nothing not to like about this place. I can't wait to go again. May, I'll be there...I'll see my kids play and I'll enjoy the people watching (punks, under a tree with a dog - like my young adulthood! Memories!), watch my kids run around in a Nerf Gun War and splash and wade in the gorgeous water art sculpture (it's more than a fountain for kids to play there - it's a great space). Perhaps I'm a PNW person, huh? ;) So...if you are there? Go. Enjoy the people, the dogs, the trees, the weather, the scents of the market, the breeze, the joy of the place. It's lovely and peaceful, and who doesn't need that? read more

See all

A perfect city center park for a city the size of Vancouver. Regularly holds community events. Lots of parking options near by and still in the heart of the city. read more

My boyfriend and I live in this square in downtown Vancouver. The park was a big seller when it came to choosing where we wanted to live. Pros: high walking score to bars, restaurants, shops and community events. Farmers Market. Wonderful old trees. Cons: some parts of the park are clearly claimed by the city's homeless population. I wouldn't wander around the park at night time. Also, it seems that they've set up a semi-permanent home under the main gazebo. I haven't had any trouble or sketchy encounters with any of them - this just might be a suburbia born & raised perspective. The park is so divine especially for watching all the seasons change over time. We just watched the Christmas tree being lit for the first time - it was magical! read more

Esther Short Park - Christmas tree in Esther short park. - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

See all

Charming park to walk through or to enjoy via Saturday Market, 3v3 basketball or any of the many activities hosted here. This park enhances that growing charm of Vancouver, and it's easier to maneuver here than it is Portland. We're enjoying discovering Vancouver's restaurants and walking routes--this park is central to that. There's a small homeless population here, so be aware of that if you fear people huddling together to keep warm during rainy NW weather. read more

I love this park! I visited from Salem, OR, and came here with a pal to let our 6 kids play. There are water features, a great playground and lots of grass and shade. Bathrooms need SERIOUS attention, though. If they get clean, they'll get 5 stars! There's also a Subway across the street for some grub! It was a good day! read more

Esther Short Park - I have 4 kids so a good playground with lots to do, pretty views and real bathrooms. This has all of those things. I am a fan! - Parks Near Me - Vancouver, Washington

This is an awesome little park in the center of downtown, plus on the weekends it also holds the Vancouver farmers market as well. Nice place to sit back and relax. Although at the evening time it does hold a lot of homeless people. I always see the same homeless hanging out near the park. Only complaint I have about the park is the homeless. Makes people and families feel uncomfortable. read more

Oldest Park in Washington! ...And free WI-FI (by the Gazebo) ! ! ! Vancouver's a great city. I like it here!!! It's my first day here in Washington. It's overcast, warm and breezy. Thank god there ain't no rain! The Esther Short Park is just across the street from the Hilton (see: http://www.yelp.com/biz/tJTO7Vlt6Zuke1LOINikYw ) and the small and quaint Farmer's Market. It's got a great park playground for the kiddies and clean restrooms. It's a beautiful public space! More parks should be modeled after this area. Unfortunately this FREE Wi-FI doesn't extend into the Hilton. C'est la vie... ====== scraped from the wi-fi login page: Esther Short Park may be the oldest public square in the State of Washington, but there's nothing old fashioned about its Free wireless internet service! The City of Vancouver is OPEN for Business as demonstrated by this Free Wi-Fi service made available through a dynamic partnership of the following: * Richard and Patty Keller Family * Hewlett-Packard * Electric Lightwave, Inc. * Eleven Wireless, Inc. * City of Vancouver. For more information visit the City of Vancouver's web site at: http://www.cityofvancouver.us . --- Established in 1853, Esther Short Park was bequeathed to the city at the death of its namesake in 1862 and made Vancouver's town square. Various attractions, including a skating rink, a wading pool and a railroad engine, have since come and gone. The Park underwent a major renovation in 2000. The Park is the site of many concerts and festivals which draw thousands to downtown Vancouver. read more

This park in the "Heart of Downtown Vancouver" is four square blocks. It's surrounded by all new construction; Hilton, Columbian, and a number of small shops on the ground floor level of the condo buildings. It's safe, well cared for, a nice place to take a walk, with FREE "quirky" Wi-Fi. Posted hours are 5am to 10pm. Weekend event schedule: www.cityofvancouver.us/calendar.asp Farmer's Market, food fair and crafts, Apr-Oct, Sat-Sun 10am-3pm: www.vancouverfarmersmarket.com/ Summer concerts: www.hotjulynights.com read more

This is THE hub of activity in Vancouver. Concerts in the park in the summer, Farmers Market, craft fairs, you name it. Then there is the stuff for kids. They have a great water feature, and play structure. read more

This park is awesome. Great for kids. Plenty of shade & sitting areas Playground Awesome man made "creek" for everyone to enjoy on rare hot days. Farmers market on Saturday And most importantly- Coffee shops nearby. read more

Hello, Farmer's Market!! This place is amazing!! It has everything there. A great park for the kiddos, a long stretch of path through the park to walk your dog or just go for a walk, a water area to play in when we get nice weather, shops & food walking distance, & amazing art! Not to mentions all the historical houses. The best part about this park I think is all the events that goes on here for the community!! It is simply amazing all the people that come together for the events this place has. There's always so much to do here! read more

Very cool park, if it was closer to home I would certainly hang out frequently. For what amounts to a city block, it has a lot packed in. Water feature, rose garden, clean restrooms, stage, gazebo, and so much more. read more

This is one of the best public spaces in the metropolitan area, one that I studied pretty closely in my undergrad time at PSU. Here are some things that people might not know about Esther Short Park: * It was the first public square in the Pacific Northwest, established in 1853. * Its revitalization started in 1997 as the centerpiece of an effort to bring high-density, mixed-use development to downtown Vancouver. * It was nominated as a "Development of Excellence" by the Urban Land Institute in 2007. * It's been nominated as a Great Public Space by the Project for Public Spaces. * The park contains a formal playground with play structure, a rose garden, fountains, and quieter, more contemplative spaces -- something for everyone, really. * It has a bunch of public art pieces, including Jen's Statue, on the benches and public plaza at the southeast corner of the park. Also, it's really easy for Portlanders to get to Esther Short -- just a quick drive over the bridge, or even better: take TriMet. Buy an all-zone fare, keep your receipt, and head to Delta Park/Vanport TC (on MAX) or Jantzen Beach (on the #6 bus). Transfer to C-Tran line #4 (show your all-zone fare or pass and it's free), and get off at one of the first stops over the bridge. It's quick and easy. read more

I love Esther Short Park. Amazing green space right in the middle of downtown Vancouver. There are plenty of large, well established trees, a rose garden and wonderful, large green spaces. Kid areas are divided into the playground on west side and the water feature for warm play in the summer on the east. Several ways to take the paths around the park to get extra exercise or just to make your route quicker. Free wireless, although not the best qualtity. I do appreciate the free dog bag stand on the middle east entrance as I often take a dog or two over during my lunch break and have been known to forget the bags unless I grab my purse. Once the weather gets warmer, Fridays tend to bring a lot of entertainment after work gets out and of course this is the location for the local farmers market. If only it couldbe 75 degrees in the park at all times, then I'd give it 5 stars. read more

" Pretty Park in Great Location " My wife and I visited Ester Short Park in Vancouver Washington a few weeks ago and had a nice time. The Park is located across from the Hilton Vancouver Hotel in downtown Vancouver Washington. The park is used for many events and activities. My wife and I visited a Farmers Market that was taking place at the park while we were in town. The park has a nice brick Clock Tower, with some beautiful trees and decorative rock water falls running throughout the park. Beautiful small park, for the small community of Vancouver Washington. read more

As Jenny said, this place several years ago was creepy, but now it's a place I go to regularly. We just enjoyed the Christmas Tree Lighting this past weekend. Free concerts in the summer time and a great water area for the little ones to play. read more

My children and I love this park. We can get fresh fruits and veggies at the farmer's market, play on the playground, climb a tree, play in the fountain, watch movies at dusk, you name it! Its just a stroll away from a really cool toy store (kazoodles) or starbucks if you need a drink. The parking garage is easy acess, and I think free on the weekends. The only feature I wish Esther Short Park had is picnic tables! :( read more

One of the best spots to hang out at in Vancouver during the summer. Okay sure our farmers market isn't as big as Portland's, but we still offer a lot of good stuff and more of a 'community' feel to our events. I love Esther Short and always will! read more

We dont live in the area, but when we attend the dog show across the river we always stay at the Hilton because of this park. We have a 3.5 year old and he loves this park. THe water feature, market, playground is awesome. It seems theres always something going on. We have seen bands there, movies being played, a firemen thing, etc. My only issue is it seems the last few times I have been there its going down a bit. I have noticed the up keep isnt as great as it was before and this last time there were ALOT of bums and even saw a couple shooting up... I just wish they would have something like this in my town. LOVE IT. read more

What an amazing park. Clean and built to make any kid happy. The play area is great. Huge with a number of slides all at different heights. It was busy when we visited but everyone was really friendly and the kids were all getting along. My only complaint is that there's only 4 swings (2 toddler/baby & 2 big kid swings). The park is gigantic and there is tons of room to run. Plus the glocekenschpiel (whoops on spelling) is really cool. read more

This park is Vancouver's living room. Awesome fountain, glockenspiel, flowers, bandstand, playground, rose garden, farmer's market.