Riverfront Commemorative Park

This part offers views, equally exciting, though very different, of the river through the trees and/​or first street shops, shoppers, and at times events like the farmer’s market.
When I was growing up in Corvallis, 15 years ago, this area really wasn’t a lot to write home about. It had a path, but few statues, no water park, and overall less appeeal.
I take visitors (including myself) here when I want to ‘show off’ Corvallis. The number of eateries along the street is attractive and the park is a good starting point for a day downtown or a relaxing time along the river.

Wherever I wander, I am drawn to the water. In Corvallis, that means a stroll along the Willamette River at the Riverfront Commemorative Park. It is an urban park, if you can call downtown Corvallis urban.
They’ve done a nice job with the space, mixing manicured lawns with native grasses and trees. Dashes of color come from the plantar boxes placed on top of the garbage cans. Kind of ingenious, if you ask me.
The park adjoins the shopping zone, so you can pick up coffee or food from a nearby restaurant and enjoy it along the river. In the summer, it is fun to see kids splash and play in the fountain at Helen M. Berg Plaza, so it reminds me of a mini version of Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland.