[5] Aaron Mesh, writing for Willamette Week on an article discussing plans for a park space in Northwest District described city's reluctance to commit to a plaza because "junkie haven O'Bryant Square, or "Paranoid Park"—have been a security hassle.

[7] In 1971, the property was donated to the city by Mr. and Mrs. William E. Roberts,[8] having once contained a quarter-block building and surface parking.

[10] The park was popular in both the business and planning communities[9] and in 1976, received a national design award from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Steve Lien, owner of a nearby men’s underwear store and head of the Travel Gay Portland visitor center, called the new plaza design “a place for everyone” and hopes the park will eventually be, “as grand as Darcelle was.

"[17] Portland Parks foundation director Randy Gragg “hopes (the plaza) can live up to the spirit, verve, excitement and humor of Darcelle.