Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Parks

Streetfilms: Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square


According to the Project for Public Spaces (PPS), Portland, Oregon's Pioneer Courthouse Square
is one of the Top 10 greatest public spaces in the U.S. & Canada. I
couldn't agree more. Affectionately referred to as the city's "living
room" the charming and versatile block was once slated to be a parking garage in the 1960s. Thankfully the residents didn't let that happen.

Recently while grabbing lunch in Portland, I wandered into the
"Festival of Flowers" - a beautiful urban meadow installation that was
so pleasant and comforting, I just had to shoot some video. Ethan Kent
from PPS has often said to me that the key to the success of Pioneer
Courthouse Square (and many public spaces) is its amazingly diverse
programming. He's right, I've been to Portland a dozen times and there
always seems to be something wonderful going on there.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Thursday’s Headlines

ICE, Vision Zero, Santa Monica bikeway, LADOT surveys, Mobility Plan, Westwood VA, Glendale-Hyperion Bridge, car-nage, and more

February 12, 2026

L.A. Seeks Input on Proposed Speed Camera Locations

L.A. is planning 125 speed camera systems citywide - location criteria includes histories of speeding/crashes/racing, areas with concentrated vulnerable populations, etc.

February 11, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

LAPD, ICE staging, L.A. Mayor's race, AI camera bus lane enforcement, L.A. is not Amsterdam, housing, car-nage, and more

February 11, 2026

Eyes on the Path: L.A. City Adding New Access Points to Chandler Path

New accessible ramp under construction at Strohm Avenue

February 10, 2026

This Week In Livable Streets

Alissa Walker, Florence bus lanes, Baldwin Park Greenway opening, ESFV rail, Santa Monica first/last mile connections, and more

February 10, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

ICE, L.A. council candidates, East Hollywood TOD, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Westwood, car-nage, and more

February 10, 2026
See all posts