Historic Elegance Returning to Washington Park with Reservoir Project
Portlanders love the city’s blend of natural beauty and urban innovation, and Washington Park is no exception. If you’ve visited the Park recently, you’ve probably noticed the construction underway at the reservoir site—a project that’s as ambitious as it is transformative. Let’s take a journey through time to explore the past, present, and future of the Washington Park Reservoir Project, set to wrap construction in 2025.
Then: A Legacy of Water and Design
Washington Park’s reservoirs have been a cornerstone of Portland’s water system and the Park itself since the late 1800s. Built to collect and distribute water from the Bull Run Watershed, the original open-air reservoirs combined functionality with elegance and landscaped surroundings that invited visitors to linger. As the city grew, so did the reservoir’s challenges. Open-air reservoirs, though beautiful, became vulnerable to contamination and seismic risks. To make matters more complicated, the reservoir is located on an ancient landslide which has presented unique engineering hurdles. By the early 2000s, it was clear that these historic structures needed a major update to meet modern standards for safety and efficiency.
Now: A Hidden Marvel Supporting Portland’s West Side
Fast forward to present day, and Portland Water Bureau’s Washington Park Reservoir Project is redefining what infrastructure can look like. The new underground reservoir, operational since 2021, quietly supplies water to over 360,000 Portlanders and makes a significant impact on downtown businesses, schools, hospital complexes, and parks. It’s a vital resource, engineered not only to serve, but to endure—designed to withstand both seismic activity and the slow movement of the ancient landslide beneath it. Portland Water Bureau is transforming the former Reservoir 4 at the lower end of the site into a lowland wildlife habitat, bioswale, and beautiful reflecting pool. This renewed area will offer opportunities for visitors to engage with Washington Park’s natural beauty and engineering wonders.
Coming Soon: A Reflection of Progress
Construction is still underway on the previously mentioned reflecting pool that will sit atop the underground reservoir, built within the footprint of the old Reservoir 3. Projected to be completed in 2025, this feature will blend seamlessly with the Park’s landscape, providing a serene space for visitors to pause and reflect (no pun intended) on the site’s transformation.
Through these updates, the Washington Park Reservoir Project is setting a new standard for how essential infrastructure can coexist with and even enhance public spaces in a natural setting.
See it for Yourself
Want to watch this transformation unfold for yourself? Portland Water Bureau has you covered with a live webcam offering a front-row seat to the construction progress. You can also explore the project overview page and check out the Library of Congress’ materials for more details on the history, engineering, and future of this incredible project.
Washington Park has always been a place for connection and discovery. With the completion of this project fast approaching, it’s poised to inspire generations to come. Next time you’re in the Park, take a moment to appreciate how Portland’s past, present, and future come together in this remarkable space. Don’t forget to check out the live cam before your visit—you might catch a glimpse of history in the making!
