The layout is more or less the same as Grant, Montavilla or Pier pools. The larger slide always seems to be out of order.
But for those seeking cold water, Creston has plenty to offer: Plenty of shade from the towering trees. A nearby playground that was completely renovated in 2020.
And for connoisseurs of sugary ice water (and the parents who love it), another great reason to visit.
That would be the Slushy menu, a unique presentation that captures all the joy, sadness and, dare we say, boredom of a typical summer job that employs mostly teenagers. Last year, the hand-drawn menu featured creative flavors like Wizard’s Lair and Gentle Meadow, blends that might have made the late team leader Steven Smith smile.
This year, Creston’s slushy sommeliers have gone one step further and redesigned the entire menu as a tribute to the emotions from Pixar’s Inside Out 2. During our visit, these included original characters like Anger (Cherry and Orange) and Sadness (Sour Shocker and Blue Raspberry), as well as new additions from the sequel like Fear (Orange, Bubblegum and Shocker) and Boredom (Cherry and Watermelon).
Feeling jealous (blue raspberry and watermelon)? There’s no reason to succumb to embarrassment (bubble gum and watermelon). Adults can order, too. Yes, it’s the same base syrup used at all of Portland’s pools. But all of these creative mixes seem to add a little extra joy (orange and shocker) for customers and staff alike. And the prospect of a slushy will make your kids want to get out of the pool and hit the shower.
When we left, a new entry had been placed in the middle of the menu: Riley, the young girl from the Inside Out movies. Her taste? All emotions mixed together.
Address: 4454 SE Powell Blvd.
Phone: 503-823-3672
Website: portland.gov/parks
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