From Pond to Stream: Wade Creek Park Phase Three

The City of Estacada hired GreenWorks to turn a pond located behind Estacada Public Library into a flowing stream. This change would restore habitat, reduce maintenance costs, and make the area safer by reducing flooding.

First, the GreenWorks led team conducted a geomorphic and hydrology study, and then did an assessment of the site by providing surveys for topography and tree health. Two alternatives were then presented to the public at a series of public outreach meetings.

The final design is comprised of a riffe, pool, and channel complex with riparian plantings, large wood for habitat complexity, stormwater facilities, an amphitheater, and walking trails. The project has been under construction since June of 2021. 

GreenWorks Associate Principal and Project Manager for this project, Jennifer D’Avanzo, gave us this update on construction:

At the beginning of November, Wade Creek flowed into it is newly constructed banks and through large woody debris. This was one of those days that many of us in the restoration community celebrate when a stream is daylighted!

Prior to construction there was a man made pond that has been redesigned back to its original hydrologic form, a flowing water body. Wade Creek is a tributary to the Willamette River. 

This project is not only a stream restoration project, but it also includes road improvements to correspond with the City of Estacada’s Transportation System Plan. These changes include an upgraded culvert at Wade Street to allow for fish passage (seen in the video above), upgraded downstream concrete weir structure for safety, a new community building for both the library and community to use; and a lovely park with trails, a boardwalk and overlook, gardens and education opportunities. 

The construction of the project is scheduled to run through June of 2022. We will continue with updates on the park as more features are built and the plants are installed.