Talking Waters Garden Revisited

I knew about the park. But until a tour of the Albany Wastewater Treatment Plant, the gorgeous and sprawling city park, was just unfamiliar.

Not anymore.

In Albany, at the east end of Front Street, Talking Waters Garden Park, is open daily, from sunup to sundown.

I've been riding my old Raleigh mountain bike, along the Dave Clark Bikepath, which leads to Bowman Park. From there, the Simpson Mill Trail leads to Talking Waters Garden. These photos were taken at Talking Waters Garden, with a Canon 7D. I used two lenses, the EF 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM and the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM. All shots are handheld.

In late 2012, I was pursuing a local water story, and was offered a tour of the Albany(Oregon) Wastewater Reclamation Plant. The tour and the employees were accommodating, friendly, and very knowledgeable. The final stop on the tour was Talking Waters Garden Park. The park serves as a cooling stop for the treated water, in addition to being a wetland wildlife sanctuary. The views are non-stop at Talking Waters, and the engineers of the park(including Reclamation employees), incorporated lookout viewing areas. Multiple footbridges cross waters, including one that overlooks an old loading dock.

Talking Waters Garden has plenty of trails that include awesome views. In the myriad of the trails, are lookout points that have rock chairs and specific landscaping, meant to create a fun experience that is also educational. At the park information center, maps and identification literature are provided. This is especially handy, for learning about the park's plants and wildlife. Waterfalls are present throughout, and are great photo opportunities.

Although most folks walk the park, bikes are allowed and are easily accommodated on the wide, gravelly trails. Water, as well as fishing, are off limits, and dogs are required to be leashed.

The park is open daily during daylight hours. Enjoy and appreciate.

To view in "gallery mode," click any photo.








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