This summer, the iconic Washington Park Reservoir site will be reopened to the public for the first time in decades. The new park space includes two reflecting pools, a wildlife habitat area, public walking paths, and restored historic features.
The Portland Water Bureau, part of the Public Works Service area, is hosting an event to celebrate the opening of this brand-new blue space. Join us for a day of festivities featuring:
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Tours of the reservoir site
- Vendor booths
- Giveaways
- And more!
Check back for additional details and an event schedule.
About the Washington Park Reservoir
The Washington Park Reservoir is in Washington Park, just west of the International Rose Test Garden. The park has played a key role in Portland’s water system since the 1890s, when the City built two drinking water reservoirs to store water from the Bull Run Watershed.
The Portland Water Bureau completed a once-in-a-generation project to replace the old reservoirs. The new underground reservoir was built to modern standards. Since 2021, the new reservoir has been supplying water to Portland’s west side.
After being closed for years, the reservoir site will once again be an iconic park destination. Come to the opening to be among the first to see the new space, which includes:
- Two reflecting pools that occupy the same space as the former drinking water reservoirs
- A new cascading water feature in the upper pool
- Restored walking paths around the reflecting pools
- A wildlife habitat area and bioswale
- Preserved historic features from the original reservoirs, including historic fencing and lighting
- Interpretative elements with details about the site’s history, its role in our water system, and the historic features
Event tours
Take a free tour of the Washington Park Reservoir during the event! Details on tour schedules will be added here closer to the event.
Educational tour
Meet with the Water Bureau’s education team to learn about Portland’s water system. Take a tour of the new educational elements installed at Washington Park. Learn about the historic relevance of the reservoir.
Engineering tour
Meet with engineers and construction managers to learn more about how they designed and built the new underground reservoir. Ask the people that completed this project all your questions!
Self-guided tour
Tour the Washington Park Reservoir site using our online walking tour guide. Visit the best elements of the reservoir site at your own pace. Learn about the construction, engineering, and history of the reservoir.
Online walking tour guide coming soon!
Getting to Washington Park
Plan your visit at ExploreWashingtonPark.org.
Parking
Parking is available within the park but is limited during events and peak season. We encourage visitors to take public transportation. Pay to park using the Parking Kitty app or at pay stations.
Washington Park Free Shuttle
The Washington Park Free Shuttle runs a loop inside the park daily and stops at the Washington Park MAX Station. Use the real-time shuttle tracker to check its location and schedule. All shuttles are ADA accessible.
Public transportation
We encourage visitors to take MAX, TriMet bus service, or rideshare service to Washington Park. Make your transit plans here. Check trimet.org for route and schedule changes.;
Accessibility
The Washington Park Reservoir is ADA compliant, but some walking paths are steep.
ADA parking spaces are available throughout the park but may not be available close to the reservoir area. All Explore Washington Park shuttle buses are ADA accessible. Visit the Explore Washington Park website for schedules and more information.