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The Portland City Council has authorized solicitation of bids for the Washington Park South Entry project.

The work will create a grand entry to the park with improved wayfinding and circulation for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists; increase sidewalks, wayfinding, and signage; and add a functional stormwater garden.

The project’s construction cost estimate, provided by the consultant team led by landscape architect 2.ink Studios and DCW Cost Management, is $5.2 million. The contract is to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

Washington Park attracts 3.5 million visitors annually, Parks & Recreation Capital Project Manager Travis Ruybal stated during a City Council meeting on Sept. 28. Currently, signage for park entry is minimal and contributes to confusion and traffic backups.

Portland Parks & Recreation and its design consultants engaged the public to reach the final preferred design for the project. Community engagement began in 2015 and was completed in 2019.

The city’s land use decision requires stormwater mitigation resulting from construction of the parking lot located west of the former Portland Children’s Museum building. Implementation of this project satisfies the requirement.

Portland City Council approved the Washington Park Master Plan in 2018 to guide future development of the park.

鈥淭he South Entry Project marks the first project being implemented as part of the Washington Park Master Plan,鈥� Ruybal said.

The total project budget is $6.83 million. It will be covered by Portland Parks & Recreation System Development Charges, Washington Park parking meter funds, ADA Transition Plan funding, Green Grant resources from the Bureau of Environmental Services, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Construction is estimated to begin in January 2023 and finish by May 2024.