esther short park

Several businesses sponsor a series of concerts during the summer months. Fantastic music, food and beverage vendors and scads of locals. It is also the site of many festivals during the year. There is a wonderful playground for children on one side. The Vancouver's Farmers Market is on the street adjacent to the park.

This park has everything including a great location right in downtown Vancouver.It has beautiful trees, lots of grass, fun playground and fountains. It also has a beautiful rose garden with roses all summer.....PLUS it has a Starbucks right across the street.

This is a beautiful park located in the center of the downtown Vancouver core. During the Christmas season there is a tree lighting festival, nice places to sit and have coffee, and covered pavilion in the center as a focal, that is unfortunately almost always at capacity with a homeless population. Although we haven't lived here long, and from what the locals have told me, is that it is WAY better than it used to be...that being said, it's pretty much a haven of vagrants the times we have been there. This is not to say that it's necessarily dangerous. I never felt that at all. It's much like most of the parks in Seattle's Pioneer Square or Pike Place Market regions or the Ballard Commons for that matter. The main difference is that Vancouver by in large is not a hugely walked city, like the above mentioned, therefore, there just isn't as much integration of the non-homeless community...The more businesses that come downtown, and the longer summer hours combined with the farmers market that goes on May-October, there is more of a family friendly atmosphere I'm told. I will let you know when that time hits, but for now, it's a gorgeous park with great art features and a lovely setting but not very inviting...

Great place to go summer weekends for the food fair, lots of concerts and movies that are fun, the "creek" is fun for the kids, the statues are very cool, and just a good place to sit and sip your coffee, eat your lunch, and people watch. Go day time only though.

Food booths are great. Great assortment of different items for sell. Veggies and Fruits are sold in good qaunity.

A nice little park with lots of tall trees. There's a mini rose garden and a play area for kids. Very nice oasis in downtown Vancouver. I've been there at night and felt safe so that's a plus.

I go to this park frequently in the spring, summer and early fall. The farmers market along the west side is just the right size and mix of vendors. There always seems to be something happening there in the summer months be it concerts, movie night or special events. This park really is the "heart" of Vancouver.

This park is good for all ages. Close to shops and restaurants. And has some great people watching and walking path. There is a clock tower and water feature in the park as well as a play structure and grassy areas. The park is well used for concerts in the summer and many other community activities throughout the year.

Such a beautiful place and starbucks is close by too. It was Beautiful sunny day and the park was nearly empty!

We go to Esther Short park probably 20-30 times per year. Most of the time it is to walk though Vancouver Farmers Market. But we have gone for other events. There is always something going on and a good place to people watch.

Filtered, running creek for kids to run and splash in. Great playground equipment. Bathrooms close by. Nice spots for picnics and enjoying a relaxing time with your family.

Free water fountains, nice fountains for kids to play in, across from dining at the Hilton, Farmers Market nearby on weekends, nice Xmas lights, good little playground for the kids or your dog, big old trees, close to a great walk along the Columbia River to the south. I like the old fashioned lamp posts.

Esther Short is certainly known in the Vancouver/Portland area but never really written or spoken about. Downtown Vancouver still leaves a bit to be desired in appearance overall, but the improvement is in pockets and not with massive capital influx. In all of this, during the late Spring, Summer and early Fall Esther Short is abuzz with weekend activity. I am amazed at the size and scope of the Farmer's Market, It competes with any. Our son plays with a local community band and we have been to 2 concert there. Nationally know music groups frequent the site. What a gem in an improving downtown.

Great for families and canine friends! Love the farmers market and the playground is a perk for the kids. Beautiful grounds with historic buildings and rose garden.

Esther Short park is located downtown in Vancouver WA. There are numerous summer and Fall events in the park. Everything from Saturday markets to the Vancouver Symphony. There is a weekly music program, wine festival, beer festival and a Jazz festival. The park is not huge and feels like you have stepped back to a friendlier, slower paced time. There are lots of mature trees, grass and an interesting fountain. There is also a large band stand gazebo where music is performed. It's the kind of park where you bring your lawn chair and dog to enjoy the entertainment. It is very clean and feels very safe.