City: Portland Country / US State / US Territory: Portland Type of Solution: N/A Climate Impact: Extreme Precipitation and Flooding, Air Quality Social Value Created: Public Spaces; recreation, arts and culture; active living; transportation diversity
Tanner Springs Park is a park located in Portland, Oregon. The park mimics a wetland that captures and filters stormwater, reducing flooding during extreme precipitation events and improving water quality. Additionally, the wetland helps to improve air quality. The wetland design helps to promote biodiversity, as well.
The project also provides the community with accessible public space and has a number of social benefits for the community. Tanner Springs Park features a boardwalk and art installation on the east side of the park, and there is a recreational path running through the central area of the park. The art installation contributes to the community’s arts and culture. Recreational trails contribute to active lifestyles, as well as improve walkability and bikeability that contributes to diversity of transportation.
Community members were also engaged in the design process through surveys and planning charrettes in order to provide socially valuable features for that particular community.
City: Oregon Country / US State / US Territory: Portland Type of Solution: City Government Program, Streets Climate Impact: Extreme Temperatures and Urban Heat Island Effect; Air Quality; Heavy Precipitation and Flooding Social Value Created: Water Security and Quality; Diverse Transportation; Public Health and Safety; Active Living and Recreation; Community Engagement; Educational and Career Development Opportunities; Community Wellness and Quality of Life
The City of Portland, Oregon, created the Green Streets Program in 2003. The program seeks to improve stormwater management around city streets to reduce flooding, sewer backups, and combined sewer overflows during heavy precipitation events. Additionally, the strategies implemented help to address issues of air quality and extreme temperatures. The program also has a strong focus on social value creation through improvements in walkability and bikeability, creation of urban green space, public health, and job creation.
SE Spoke Street is an example of one street that was renovated. Safety was improved through the addition of bike lanes, pedestrian refuge islands, channelizer islands, and speed bumps. SW Texas Street utilized green infrastructure to improve stormwater management, building swales and restoration of an adjacent wetland area. Local residents led the effort to ensure that the project met their needs and contributed to their overall quality of life.
On NE Holman Street, a pocket park was constructed through a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Bureau of Transportation, and Portland Water Bureau. The park will help to control flooding and filter pollutants from runoff. Catchment areas were included in the park for drainage, and pedestrian and bicycle safety features were incorporated into the street design. Community members also engaged in the design process, resulting in more seating and an informational kiosk.
Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services engaged community members in the initiative through the creation of the Green Street Steward program. The program allows community members to volunteer to help clean the streets and maintain landscaping.
