Formerly a wetland, the Pearl District was bisected by Tanner Creek and sided by the broad Willamette River. It was the rail yards and the industry who first claimed and drained the land. Over the past 30 years, a new neighbourhood has progressively established itself – young, mixed, urban and dynamic. Today the Pearl District is home to families and businesses.
With surgical artistry, the urban skin of one downtown block, 60x60 meters (200x200 feet) was peeled back to create a new city park. Stormwater runoff from the park block is fed into a natural water feature with a spring and natural cleansing system. The "Art Wall" recycles historic rail tracks, oscillating in and out and with inlaid hand-painted fused glass pieces with nature images by Herbert Dreiseitl. Ospreys dive into the water, art performances unfold on the floating deck, children splash and explore, and others take quiet contemplation in this natural refuge in the heart of the city.
An intense community participation and a stakeholder steering group means that this park is the realisation of the dreams and hopes of the community.
This project was carried out by Atelier Dreiseitl, now member of the Ramboll Group.
Local partner: Greenworks PC
