Help us celebrate the opening of Elizabeth Caruthers Park, the first of several parks planned for downtown's South Waterfront District, this Thursday! It features Urban Garden, Open Lawn, and Naturalized Landscape areas, a bocce court, water features, and plenty of bike parking for visitors.

The park's namesake is Elizabeth Caruthers, a pioneer woman who was among the first to settle in the southern part of young Portland. In 1847, she and her son, Finice, arrived in Oregon and claimed a 640-acre parcel that includes the current park site. The 2002 South Waterfront Plan envisions this park and others as a central feature of the neighborhood, stimulating development and providing beautiful community spaces for residents.

This Thursday's celebration begins at 5:30 and runs until 8:00. All evening music from the Pete Krebs Swing Jazz Group, a rock climbing wall and other kids activities, and free ice cream and italian sodas will be available!

Nick and Parks Director Zari Santner will cut the ribbon on this fantastic new park at 6:00. We hope to see you there!