Tanner Springs Park

Urban Oasis

Set in Portland's trendy Pearl District, Tanner Springs Park is a 0.92-acre slice of tranquility that feels worlds away from the city buzz. Opened in 2005, this small retreat was thoughtfully designed to reconnect the neighborhood with its roots as a wetland before industrialization changed the landscape.

The designers at Atelier Dreiseitl and GreenWorks PC created something special here - despite its compact size, the park offers an almost surprising sense of calm. It feels like a small piece of wilderness within the urban grid.

Sustainable Water Features

At the heart of the park is a beautifully designed waterscape by architect Herbert Dreiseitl. The pond and natural water cleansing system serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. Stormwater from the surrounding area flows into this feature, showcasing smart urban water management in action.

The pond sits about 1.80 meters below street level at the park's lowest point. If you're lucky, you'll spot ducks paddling around, which is always a hit with kids and anyone who appreciates these feathered neighbors in such an unexpected setting.

Native Vegetation

Take a moment to appreciate the thoughtfully selected native plants around the park. Tall grasses sway in the breeze alongside salvaged trees like Oregon oak, red alder, and bigleaf maple - all mature specimens rescued from around the region and given a second life here.

This focus on native plants has had notable results. The park has become something of a wildlife hotspot, attracting birds you rarely see downtown like ospreys and great blue herons. It's a living example of how urban spaces can support natural ecosystems when designed with care.

Artistic Elements

The "Artwall" along the east side of the park is a distinctive feature. It's not your typical park decoration - old railroad tracks, some dating back to 1898, stand vertically like sentinels of the area's industrial past.

Between these historic rails are 99 pieces of stunning blue glass art from local Bullseye Glass. Each piece was hand-painted by Herbert Dreiseitl with images of native animals, creating a beautiful bridge between the area's past and present.

Pathways and Seating

Crushed rock paths meander through the vegetation, allowing you to explore this pocket of nature. Benches are thoughtfully placed throughout, offering perfect spots for people-watching, reading, or simply being still for a moment.

When the weather's nice, the grassy areas and stepped lawn sections fill with people looking for a place to eat lunch or soak up some sun. While seating is somewhat limited, each spot offers a unique perspective - either of the natural elements within the park or the urban landscape beyond.

Connectivity and Community

A wooden boardwalk made of ipê connects this peaceful retreat to the more lively Jamison Square nearby. This walkway is a physical path and a transition between two very different urban experiences.

The park's design process involved community input, with local residents, businesses, and potential users participating in workshops and steering groups.

Visitor Information

You can visit the park daily from 5 AM to midnight. It's ideal for quiet contemplation, photography, and connecting with nature, but note that dogs aren't allowed inside to protect the sensitive wetland ecosystem.

If you need a restroom, you'll discover public facilities one block north at The Fields Park. And don't worry about refreshments - several cafés and shops are just steps away, great for grabbing a coffee or snack to enjoy during your visit.