Portland Japanese Garden

Portland, Oregon – With a generous grant from The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, the Portland Japanese Garden has begun construction on the popular Zig Zag Bridge, which flows into the Garden’s Lower Pond by the Heavenly Falls. The bridge, a source of delight to visitors, meanders through the Garden’s beautiful iris beds and along a stream filled with koi fish.

“In our construction plans, careful attention has been given to the origin of design, historical development, and appropriate aesthetic values,” commented Garden Curator Sadafumi Uchiyama. “The finest materials and quality craftsmanship will make these improvements to the bridge will be of great benefit to the Garden.”

Construction on the bridge will be done in two phases and is expected to be completed by mid-March. The general layout and dimensions of the bridge will not change; however new safety rails and posts will be installed. The finished product will be better suited to the Garden’s high safety standards and continually increasing visitation numbers.

“We are privileged to help in the reconstruction of the Zig Zag Bridge, which helps to make our garden one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in the world. The Portland Japanese Garden is a great cultural asset serving our community,” said Arlene Schnitzer.

In 2008, the Garden received a grant from the Wessinger Foundation for this project, which allowed the organization to purchase special reclaimed cypress for the bridge posts. The gift from the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Foundation has enabled the Garden to receive enough funding to complete the project.

The Portland Japanese Garden has been proclaimed one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in the world. The Garden is located above Washington Park at 611 SW Kingston Drive in SW Portland, Oregon and is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

This release was published March 8, 2010. For further information please contact Kerry Cobb, Director of Marketing & Visitor Services, at kcobb @ japanesegarden.com or (503) 328-0050.