South Waterfront Greenway Update
January 27, 2010
Today in Council, our stellar Parks team briefed the Council on the South Waterfront Greenway project and received authorization to move forward with the next phase of the project.
The Greenway is an important project - not just for the South Waterfront neighborhood, but also for the city and the Willamette River.
In 2003, the Council set an ambitious vision for the Greenway, directing that it:
- Ensure a clean and healthy river for fish, wildlife, and people
- Enhance livability
- Encourage a harmonious relationship between the river's natural functions and people
- Restore the river's fish and wildlife habitat
- Enliven and beautify the district
- Provide sustaining beauty, quality, and safety
Since then, Portland Parks & Recreation has developed a plan for the 1.2-mile middle section of the Greenway, leading a team that includes the Portland Development Commission, City bureaus, property owners, neighbors, advocates, and more.
The South Waterfront District community is growing - 2,000 residents already call the neighborhood home.
A world-class Greenway with cutting-edge bio-engineered fish habitat is the next step.
The project has faced challenges, but the team has worked creatively and collaboratively to address them.
This year, we'll move forward with these steps:
- Permit review
- Finalize an Inter-Governmental Agreement with TriMet
- Finalize the Greenway design
Next year, we'll begin construction.
The vision for this project calls for a highly urbanized community that's well-integrated with the natural environment and a design that complements our very dynamic river.
It's a unique and ambitious goal, and not without significant risks.