Portland is chock full of quirky and unique parks. The Vera Katz Park which was christened on Thursday, May 29, 2008, fits the bill quite nicely and is a really nifty spot. It sits alongside the Portland Armory building that was built in 1891. The modern looking water feature that reaches from NW10th to NW11th Avenue on NW Davis Street is an interesting contrast to the stately, old Armory Building. It’s shady and a relaxing spot to sit and listen to the trickle of water and if you’re lucky there will be a light breeze to rustle the reedy horsetails. It’s kinda a zen zone in the middle of the bustling Pearl District. And in case you are wondering who the heck is Vera Katz, she was a member of The House of Representatives from 1972 and again from 1985 to 1990. She was the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House in Oregon. She was also the mayor of Portland from 1993 to 2005. Currently she is battling cancer. Take a moment to enjoy this interesting little park and send healing thoughts to our former mayor. 2015 — Review # 42