Tanner Springs Park

Urban Oasis

Tanner Springs Park is a 0.92-acre urban park located in Portland's Pearl District. Opened in 2005, the park was designed to reconnect the neighborhood with its pre-industrial wetland past.

The park's design, created by Atelier Dreiseitl and GreenWorks PC, incorporates elements that reflect the area's natural history.

Sustainable Water Features

The park features a waterscape designed by architect Herbert Dreiseitl, which includes a pond and natural water cleansing system. Stormwater runoff from the park and surrounding areas is directed into this water feature, showcasing sustainable urban water management.

The pond, situated at the lowest point of the park, sits approximately 1.80 meters below street level.

Native Vegetation

Tanner Springs Park is planted with native vegetation, including tall grasses, Oregon oak, red alder, and bigleaf maple trees. These mature trees were salvaged from the region and replanted in the park, contributing to its natural aesthetic.

The park's design has attracted various wildlife species, including birds like ospreys and great blue herons, which are rarely seen in urban settings.

Artistic Elements

A distinctive feature of the park is the "Artwall," an installation along the east side of the park. This wall is primarily composed of old railroad tracks recovered from the area, some dating back to 1898.

The rails are placed vertically and interspersed with 99 pieces of blue glass art. These glass pieces, supplied by local company Bullseye Glass, were hand-painted by Herbert Dreiseitl with images of indigenous animals, further connecting the park to its natural heritage.

Connectivity and Community

The park is connected to nearby Jamison Square by a wooden boardwalk made of ipê wood. This boardwalk serves as a link between the bustling urban environment and the quieter, more naturalistic setting of Tanner Springs Park.

Tanner Springs Park was designed with community input, involving local residents, businesses, and potential users in the planning process through workshops and stakeholder steering groups. This collaborative approach ensured that the park reflects the desires and needs of the local community.