Portland Rain Water Photo Tour

For several years, we have closely monitored the great work being done in the City of Portland on landscape-based rain water management – installation of rain gardens and other source control BMPs for managing volume and pollution loads in road runoff and building runoff.  A recent trip to Portland to photograph new installations around the city provided much food for thought.

Ongoing efforts on the part of the city to continue installation of street level rain gardens in the public realm are truely admirable.  Most neighbourhoods in the city now showcase some form of rain water management on city streets or as part of development projects.  We have come to appreciate the simplicity of designs, the thoughtful plant selections and all in all, the effective model that Portland has established for other cities through their work.  After having made several trips down over the last few years, we have never been disappointed with the variety of installations to observe, and of course other attractions in the city!

The Director’s Park rain planters in the heart of downtown were especially thought provoking – simple above-ground rain planters were used in this park to slow and clean rain water flowing from the roof of a large open-air shelter.  The above ground rain planters are relatively simple to construct and provide for a wide range of creative or interpretive additions that can be used to artistically reveal the flow of rainwater from roofs into the ground.  This expression can enrich the urban experience, not to mention help cleanse and slow down urban runoff.

Plenty to ponder, and some great rainwater management design to boot!