The Portland Water Bureau, a division of the City’s Public Works Service Area, is inviting the community to an exclusive preview of the new underground Washington Park Reservoir, which will ensure a safe drinking water supply for the entire west side of Portland. The nearly finished park will feature two reflecting pools, a wildlife habitat, public walking paths, and restored historical elements.
To celebrate Portland’s commitment to a resilient water system, the Water Bureau is hosting a special event that offers a glimpse of the future park space. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with activities, including:
– Guided tours of the reservoir site
– Vendor booths
– A dedication ceremony
– Speeches from local officials
– Free giveaways
– And more!
American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish interpretation will be provided during the ceremony and speeches, as well as upon request for educational tours. Following the celebration on June 14, the site will temporarily close to allow for final touches on the reflecting pools and promenade. More information on the postponement of the full public opening will be available.
Located in Washington Park, just east of the International Rose Test Garden, the Washington Park Reservoir has been a vital part of Portland’s water system since the 1890s when the city constructed two reservoirs to store water from the Bull Run Watershed. The Portland Water Bureau has successfully completed a transformative project to replace the old reservoirs with a modern underground facility, which has been supplying water to the west side of the city since 2021.
The area above the underground reservoir will eventually serve as a public park. Join the celebration to see the new space, which will include:
– Two reflecting pools replacing the former drinking water reservoirs
– A new cascading water feature in the upper pool
– Restored walking paths surrounding the reflecting pools
– A wildlife habitat area and bioswale
– Preserved historical features from the original reservoirs, including fencing and lighting
– Educational elements detailing the site’s history and its importance in the water system
