Wallace Park Nature Patch
Portland Parks & Recreation in partnership with Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services are collaborating to create a nature patch with various stormwater facilities to capture rainwater, foster wildlife habitat, and add natural features to enjoy at Wallace Park. Several areas around the park will be converted to natural landscaping that includes flowering native plants, stormwater swales and rain gardens, logs, boulders, split-rail fencing, and paths.
Nature patches and rain gardens will help capture the large volume of rain that flows off the park. Capturing rainwater is especially important during storms to reduce flooding in nearby streets and to help prevent the public sewer system from being overwhelmed by stormwater. This project will bring nature to the neighborhood that works to protect public health and the environment.
Landscape alteration is expected to begin in summer of 2025. Planting events will be held through winter 2026. Contact the project manager.
Learn more about Nature Patches in Portland
Portland Parks & Recreation is adding nature patches to developed park landscapes to provide natural experiences for people and habitat for wildlife. Nature patches are unique natural garden spaces that support native pollinators and offer fun opportunities for education and exploration.
This park is named for Hugh W. Wallace, the city councilman responsible for getting the property allocated as a city park. A search of the park and school yard will reveal a curious collection of 11 bronze objects tucked away in unexpected places. Entitled Eleven Very Small Sculptures, they were created by artist Bill Will in 1998. Another art installation in the park is a 1980 sculpture by Manuel Izquierdo called Silver Dawn. Izquierdo is professor emeritus of Pacific Northwest College of Art.
Accessibility Notes
Parking
- Street parking
- 2 designated parking spaces
- Paved pathway to play area
- 50 feet to play area
Play Area
- Rubberized surface
- Ramp into play area
Play Equipment
- Transfer station
- Sensory play elements
- Adapted high-back swing
- Ramp onto play structure
Other Amenities
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible picnic table