Troutdale closes Reservoir 1 and Helena Park basketball court after structural assessment

Troutdale staff told the Parks Advisory Committee on May 21 that Reservoir 1 has been closed to public access and that the basketball court on top has been fenced off following a structural assessment.

Jonah Jacobson said the reservoir is the city’s oldest (constructed in 1981) and that a recent structural review concluded it is not recommended for live loads such as people playing basketball or work trucks driving over it. Jacobson said the assessment did not indicate imminent collapse but advised closing the area to reduce risk.

The city installed fencing and a secure utility gate that allows Public Works employees to access the reservoir for necessary maintenance while keeping the public off the structure. Staff said they have not received neighborhood backlash but noted residents near the Pampanoagas neighborhood might be disappointed to lose a nearby court.

No committee vote was required; the action is an operational safety measure taken on engineering advice and implemented by Public Works and Parks staff.