Esther Short Park

Esther Short Community Park is the oldest public square in the state of Washington. Located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, Esther Short Park is a hub for community and culture.

Esther Short Park is home to the City’s first fully inclusive playground, which features a zero-entry merry go all, play hill, music garden, swings for all abilities and a Roxall see saw. This innovative playground was designed in consultation with Harper’s Playground, a non-profit that creates inviting playgrounds for people of all abilities.

The Salmon Run Bell Tower and Glockenspiel consists of 25 cast bronze bells, four 6 ft tower clocks, and a rotating diorama that highlights the story of Chinook salmon. The bells are controlled by a carillon that plays from pre-programed music or local keyboard. The bells are struck by individual strike mechanisms, meaning the sounds heard come from the bells themselves, and not the recording. Each bell ranges in size from 20 to 400 lbs. The water feature at Esther Short Park includes a waterfall that cascades down a path of boulders, providing climbing and seating options for visitors of all ages. Learn more about water feature rules and operating status.

Esther Short Park serves as a year-round venue for a variety of public and private events, programs, concerts and other activities. Discover the exciting special events happening this year.

Want to plan your event in Esther Short Park? Explore park permit fees for public and private events.

Parking spaces around this park are metered with various time limits. Take a look at the City’s parking map to plan your trip.

Need to report a maintenance issue? Fill out an online service request form with Public Works. If the issue is more urgent call 360-487-8177.