HydroParks Program

What is a HydroPark?

A HydroPark is a Portland Water Bureau facility that now serves as a neighborhood greenspace. 

With the leadership of Commissioner Leonard, the Portland Water Bureau has taken on the exciting challenge of turning water infrastructure sites into public open spaces.  Since 2006, six new neighborhood parks have been opened around Portland.  Portland Water Bureau staff has evaluated each of its properties to determine how those properties could best benefit the water system and its neighbors. Most facilities had previously been off-limits to local residents with fences surrounding the property.  Many of these properties were located in park-deficient neighborhoods.  

Through community involvement initiatives these properties have been redesigned to include basic amenities such as paths, benches, picnic tables, and dog stations.  Additionally, two HydroParks include Community Gardens and one includes a Water Conservation Demonstration Garden.  Several goals are kept in mind during the planning process: 

• Create green space for public use in park-deprived neighborhoods
• Involve neighbors in the site design process
• Increase property aesthetics and usage and thus surrounding property values
• Increase site security by creating neighborhood "ownership" of the site and caring vigilance
• Follow the Water Bureau's sustainability and conservation pledge wherever possible

Each of the sites have been unique, and have their own community story.  Some of these stories have been shared through our Water Blog.  Check out the past blogs about HydroParks.

Want more information?  

Contact Portland Water Bureau's Property and Public Resource Manager, Tom Klutz, at 503 823-7503 or Facilities Services Specialist, Darcy Cronin, at 503-823-3520.