91ÊÓƵ

The Metro Council has awarded Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) a $750,000 2040 planning and development grant for redevelopment of Tom McCall Waterfront Park’s bowl section. The grant establishes a partnership between Metro and PP&R for development of the project’s final scope and execution of an intergovernmental agreement.

The funding, generated by Metro’s construction excise tax, will allow the start of a project spanning two and a half years. The city will launch a national design competition, led by a creative director, to reimagine the park’s iconic bowl section (located between RiverPlace and the marina, south of the Hawthorne Bridge). Design consultants will be invited to craft innovative visions for a revitalized park space to serve as a hub for outdoor entertainment and cultural activities along the river, a press release states.

The goal of the redevelopment project is to create a vibrant, sustainable space that strengthens the connection between the community, visitors and the Willamette River.

Key outcomes of the competition will include conceptual designs featuring inclusive design and extensive ADA accessibility, integration of public river access (including a Willamette River beach and shoreline redesign), consideration of ecological sustainability and in-water structures, an outdoor entertainment stage for regional events and cultural gatherings, and a vibrant connection between downtown Portland and the river (with a central axis view).

PP&R will continue to collaborate with Metro to finalize the project scope and move forward with the next steps, according to the press release.