Waterworks Gardens

Waterworks Gardens is an innovative public park located in Renton, Washington. Spanning 8 acres, this unique space combines art, ecology, and water treatment infrastructure into a cohesive environmental sculpture. The park was designed by artist Lorna Jordan and opened in 1996.

The garden is situated at the King County South Treatment Plant and serves a dual purpose. Its primary function is to filter and clean stormwater runoff from the treatment plant before it flows into Springbrook Creek. This is accomplished through a series of constructed ponds and wetlands that naturally remove contaminants and sediments from the water.

Visitors to Waterworks Gardens can explore five distinct garden "rooms" connected by a winding path called the "Water Walk." These areas, named The Knoll, The Funnel, The Grotto, The Passage, and The Release, each represent different stages in the water treatment process. The Knoll, at the entry, provides an overview of the first treatment pond. The Funnel features terraced, leaf-shaped ponds. The Grotto is a gathering space centered around a large mosaic resembling a seed pod. The Passage evokes a sense of water dispersal, while The Release allows the purified water to return to the environment.

Throughout the park, visitors will find public art installations, native plants, and wildlife habitats. The design incorporates elements inspired by Italian gardens, blending classical garden aesthetics with modern environmental technology. Great Blue Herons are known to use the site during nesting season, adding to its ecological value.

Waterworks Gardens is open to the public from dawn to dusk year-round, offering a unique opportunity to observe the intersection of art, nature, and sustainable water management practices in an urban setting.