Overview
The Water Bureau has replaced its original 1894 reservoirs with a new 12.4-million-gallon, seismically reinforced underground reservoir. This reservoir supplies water to Portland's west side and serves more than 360,000 people, including all downtown businesses and residents, 20 schools, 5 hospital complexes, and more than 60 parks.
Currently we are working to install the reflecting pool and interpretive elements, restore historic structures and open the area to the public for the first time in decades.
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Happening now
Last updated July 2, 2024
- Excavating and preparing for repaving work along the reservoir (closure details below)
- The traveling public is reminded to stay alert and use caution. There may be trucks entering the roadway, with a possible delay of traffic up to five minutes
- Placing concrete pool walls and seat walls around the reflecting pool
- Installing a pool liner and constructing a cascading water feature for the reflecting pool
- Constructing the base of the lowland habitat and rock walls
- Landscaping the lowland habitat with Oregon river rock mix and preparing the soil for planting
- Historic window restoration at gatehouses and pump station
- Moving mechanical equipment into historic gatehouses to support reflecting pool water recirculation
- Installing decorative and historic metal fence on the site
Please note, some construction activities taking place during the warm season will require early morning construction and concrete pours to avoid working in the heat of the day. A noise variance has been approved, allowing work to start at 5 a.m. on days with excessive heat in the forecast.
Stay tuned for a grand celebration in 2025. In the meantime, enjoy this 360-degree panorama view taken from atop of the Reservoir 3 dam.
Summer Road Closures
The Washington Park Reservoir Improvement Project is entering a new phase that will require expanded local road closures within the park between late April and early September 2024. This is in addition to existing closures in Washington Park.
Closure dates
Madison Drive walking and biking trail is closed for paving until October.
SW Sacajawea Boulevard will be closed to all traffic in July until October.
SW Sherwood Boulevard will be closed to all traffic in September until November.
Detour routes will change as work progresses; traffic signs, and flaggers will direct travelers around the closure areas. Use caution and follow all instructions when passing through the area.
The traveling public is reminded to stay alert and use caution as traffic may suddenly slow or stop. To avoid traffic delays, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes around the work site. Hikers should follow temporary pedestrian access routes and detours and remain vigilant to changes in traffic patterns around the closure area. Bicyclists should use caution when sharing the road with vehicles around the closure area, and drivers should be on the lookout for bikes in the roadway.
Getting to Washington Park
On-site parking near the International Rose Test Garden and Japanese Garden will be limited. Visitors are highly encouraged to use transit, including the free Washington Park shuttle, an enjoyable and efficient way to explore the park.
Plan your visit at ExploreWashingtonPark.org. Pay to park using the Parking Kitty app or at pay stations.
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.
Visitors are encouraged to take MAX, TriMet bus service, or rideshare service to Washington Park. Make your transit plans here, refer to trimet.org for route and schedule changes.
Grand Staircase
Concrete pours have started for the grand staircase and will be finished soon. Road closures are necessary to repave areas surrounding the staircase and reservoir.
