The city of Portland passed an ordinance in 1921 naming the park for Sylvester Charles Pier (1853–1935).

Previously a sales manager of Marshall Wells Hardware Company, Pier took office as City commissioner in 1919, serving four years in charge of parks.

[1][2] Prior to the park, St. Johns brick company operated just a block away, until 1905 when the factory ran out of clay.

The event is called Bloody Wednesday and is still commemorated by the local International Longshore Warehouse Union.

[7] The pool was closed by the City Council, but received federal funding in Spring 2007 to be reopened in 2008.