Esther Short Park - Vancouver, Washington - Located in the Heart of the City and Providing Entertainment for Every Genre from Ringing Bells to Public Concerts

The Esther Short Park was established in 1853 and renamed Esther Short Park after the death of its namesake in 1862. The park provided a nice setting for the Vancouver town square and exhibited the city's first piece of public art, a bronzed statue of "The Pioneer Mother'' in 1929. The statue still stands today at the northern entrance of the park. The park is located along West Columbia Street and 8th Street in the heart of Vancouver. From Interstate 5 traveling to the park is convenient by exiting at 1C-1D, turning west on Mill Plain Blvd., and south on Columbia to 8th Street.

In the past, the park has boasted a skating rink, a wading pool, and even a railroad engine, but those attractions have come and gone. Today the park boasts a more modernized water play fountain, play equipment for the children, paved walkways, park benches throughout, a community plaza and amphitheatre, and bell tower with glockenspiel. The bell tower located in the heart of the city, known as the Salmon Run Bell Tower, rings its bells every two hours beginning at noon until 8 p.m. The glockenspiel is a three scene diorama that rotates to portray the story of a Chinook tribal legend.

There are no park fees aside from metered parking and the park is open to the public from 7 a.m. to dusk. The park provides inviting open spaces and is a principal venue for many major outdoor events for the city. Aside from the gazebos and bell tower, there is even an old historic home that was moved recently to the park for added ambience.

A series of summer concerts in early July and provide music to the public free of charge during the noon hour and early afternoon. This is a great way to meet neighbors, provide outings for the kids, and simply enjoy the summer. There are also public movies at dusk offered at Esther Short. The movies start between 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. and are canceled or rescheduled if rain occurs. Classic movies include The Goonies, The Princess Bride, Twilight, and more.

Park rental options are available to the public. The entire park may be rented and will hold a capacity of 6,500 people at a rate of $430 per day. Other rental options for wedding events, receptions, family reunions, and other events include gazebo corners at a rate of $75 per day or the pavilion stage at a fee of $75 per day. A damage deposit is required and must be paid with the rental balance on the first day of the month preceding the event. This deposit is refundable within 30 days of the end of the event, less any incurred repair costs caused by damage during the event. If the event draws more than 500 people a special event permit may be required by the city.