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First HydroPark proposed for North Portland
Under Commissioner Randy Leonard's leadership, the Water Bureau has taken on the exciting challenge of turning many of the Water Bureau's properties into greenspaces for public use. Since 2006, six new neighborhood HydroParks have been opened around Portland.
A relatively unknown site located just north of the sound wall along N. Going Street and east of the pedestrian overpass between N. Concord and Colonial on N. Going Court has been chosen as the newest HydroPark. The "Pittman Addition" site will be the first HydroPark in North Portland. The site includes a large underground water vault that serves the nearby Denver Tank and the Swan Island industrial area.
The site is currently known as "Pittman Addition" to nearby neighbors who have "adopted" the site, and have been working to create a community space. These neighbors already have outdoor sculptures donated, and dreams of reclaiming this site as an urban oasis.
Please help plan Portland's Next HydroPark! The first community planning meeting will be held Wednesday, October 1st 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Historic Overlook House, 3839 N. Melrose Drive. For more information, contact Darcy Cronin at the Portland Water Bureau, 503-823-3520.
What is a HydroPark?
A HydroPark is a Portland Water Bureau facility that now serves as a neighborhood greenspace.
Where are Portland's Neighborhood HydroParks Located?
Gilbert HydroPark, Powellhurst-Gilbert
Halsey HydroPark, Wilkes
Hazelwood HydroPark, Hazelwood
Sabin HydroPark, Sabin
Marigold HydroPark, Markham
Texas HydroPark, Multnomah
What are the benefits of a HydroPark?
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
