This project will bring natural elements to Irving Park that will work to project public health and the environment but will also add beauty and foster wildlife habitat.
The nature patches and rain gardens will capture large volumes of rain that flow off the park’s hilly and compacted terrain. Capturing stormwater is especially important during heavy rains to reduce flooding and to help prevent the public sewer system from being filled to capacity, potentially backing up into basements or overflowing into rivers and streams.
As part of this project, two green street planters were built on 7th Avenue just north and south of San Rafael Street. The green street planters will capture stormwater that collects and ponds in this area during storms.
Project Area
Below is a map that shows the general locations of the nature patches and rain gardens in Irving Park. As part of this project, two green street planters were built on 7th Avenue just north and south of San Rafael Street where flooding is a reoccurring issue.
What's Happening Now
Major construction is complete. Remaining outstanding items include:
- Bike lane striping on NE 7th Avenue and San Rafael.
Work will occur as weather and subcontractor availability allow.
Design Changes
Three rain gardens near the basketball courts removed from the project - two will remain.
Concerns were raised during construction that changing the use of the area around the basketball courts - from grassy areas to nature patches and rain gardens - will reduce the ability to hold large events and tournaments that have been important welcoming gathering spaces for decades.
In response to this recent community feedback, the design was changed near the basketball courts. The new design removed three rain gardens to retain lawn area immediately adjacent to the basketball courts but keep two rain gardens closest to Fremont Street. The design will retain space to gather around the basketball courts while managing stormwater that creates dangerous street flooding in Fremont Street.
Rain gardens construction near the tennis courts continuing.
Concerns were also raised that the rain gardens closest to the tennis courts would remove open space for visitors to watch tennis, picnic, and play. We know that using this space for stormwater management will reduce space for recreating in grassy areas, however, construction of rain gardens near the tennis courts is vital to preventing stormwater from entering the public sewer during heavy storms and reducing sewage backups into homes and buildings in the neighborhood. For this reason, rain garden c next to the tennis courts remained in the design.
Percent (%) for Green
This project was partially funded by Environmental Services’ Percent (%) for Green Grants program which supports construction of green street planters, rain gardens, and nature patches in the City of Portland that manage stormwater, enhance livability, and provide other environmental benefits. To learn more, go to the About Percent for Green Grants program webpage.
We Want to Hear from You
Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. We encourage you to:
- Visit this project webpage regularly for updates.
- With questions or comments, please contact Matt Gough by email or phone 503-823-5352.
- If you have a question or concern, please be sure to include your name, property address, and project name (Irving Park) in your voicemail and email so we can provide you more details about what to expect in front of your property.
- If your basement sewer backs up or your property or street floods, please report it immediately to the City’s Maintenance Operations hotline at 503-823-1700. It is staffed 24/7, all hours and all days.
Sign Up for Email Updates
Sign up for periodic email or text message updates for the Irving Park Stormwater Project through our free GovDelivery subscription service. These updates are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect. You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics.
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This project will help protect the health of the Williamette River Watershed.
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