Another Pearl District park in our series, Tanner Springs Park. This park is centrally located on NW 10th and Marshall Street and is beautiful in every season!
Where the Pearl District is today was once a wetland and lake fed by streams that flowed from the hills in Southwest Portland. The springs from Tanner Creek flowed into the basin of Couch Lake which is now the area that surrounds Tanner Springs park. Once Portland began growing in the late 19th century, Tanner Creek was rerouted through an underground system of pipes to the Willamette River, and the lake and wetlands were filled in order to make room for warehouses and rail yards, which is now the area with shops and restaurants! Where the park is today is about 20 feet above the former lake surface.
The park has an Artwall that runs along the east edge of the park which is composed of 368 railroad tracks set on end and has 99 pieces of fused glass inset with images of dragonflies, spiders, and insects throughout. While in the middle of the Pearl District, when you step into Tanner Springs Park, you feel as though you are in another world that removes you from the craziness of the city. The park is 1 acre, and embraces local ecology and sustainable practices. The park is sunken with three sides lined with steps that allow a terraced entrance. The east side of the park is lined with an art installation as well as a boardwalk that spans two blocks.
With planted wetland grasses and paved paths over the ponds, Tanner Springs feels like a natural oasis in the middle of the city. There are a few benches along with grassed steps which makes Tanner Springs the perfect place to take a coffee and read a book. Tanner Springs is right across the street from Tea Bar, so we suggest grabbing a drink or soft-serve there before your walk around the park.
If you want a breath of fresh air, nature, and incredible beauty in the middle of the city, Tanner Springs is it!