Poet’s Beach Opens Along the Willamette July 13

The City of Portland will officially open Poet’s Beach along the Willamette River next week, located in South Waterfront Park, under the Marquam Bridge. Will Levenson, head of the non-profit Human Access Project, led the effort to change people’s perceptions of the river and encourage recreation along the waterfront. GreenWorks became involved in the Human Access Project in 2012, and we’re honored to be part of making Will’s vision a reality. Poet’s Beach will be staffed with lifeguards seven days a week through Labor Day and will feature amenities, including picnic tables and restrooms. For more information, see the Human Access Project webpage: http://www.humanaccessproject.com/swimming/willamette_river_beaches/poet_s_beach

Hike Canemah Bluff!

It’s the perfect time of year for family-friendly hike on the Canemah Bluff Overlook Trail in Oregon City. The Camas flowers have been in bloom this spring, and Derek Sergison recently visited to take these beautiful photos. GreenWorks completed this Metro project in 2016. For more information and directions, see Metro’s website: http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/canemah-bluff-nature-park

Planning and Design Currently Underway for Gateway Green Open Space

Gateway Green is a 35-acre parcel of mostly vacant land and located at the intersection of two interstate highways in Portland, Oregon and adjacent to the Gateway Urban Renewal area. The land is owned by the City of Portland Bureau of Parks and Recreation. Planning and design is currently underway for Phase One development of the property. The project began as an effort of local land owners and open space advocates in an effort to catalyze economic growth in outer east Portland. On a pro-bono basis, designers collaborated with local stakeholders to create a program and vision for Gateway Green. Through conversations and input from technical experts and the community a vision for the site was developed that identified the following project goals:

• Improving environmental conditions, especially water and air quality, and wildlife habitat.
• Providing a regional recreational destination, especially for bicycle and pedestrian opportunities.
• Providing open space and a possible branding opportunity for adjacent Gateway Regional Center and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Highlighting Portland’s evolving sustainable marketplace and expressing our region’s use of sustainable design solutions.

As part of the six-month project the design team conducted a one-day community charrette to develop the design of the initial concept plan. After development of the preliminary vision the team conducted technical review meetings to ensure the technical viability of concept options, approaches, details, and strategies. A final presentation of the revised vision plan was then presented to the community. The Gateway Green vision plan demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, puts the property to better use for the good of the community, and sets an example for reclamation and reuse of surplus or underused properties around the country.

Westmoreland Recognized by Americans for the Arts

 

Westmoreland Nature-Base Play Area was honored as one of the best public art projects of the year by Americans for the arts. Click here for more details.

Bend Whitewater Park (Formerly known as Colorado Dam Safe Passage Project)

The Colorado Avenue Dam improvements are well underway. Photos show the construction of the three channels in the Deschutes River: (1) a safe passage channel for boaters, paddleboarders and tubers, (2) a whitewater surfpark with four wave features and (3) a natural area with enhanced fish and wildlife habitat. The river will also have improved access from a new pedestrian bridge. There will be a gathering to celebrate the whitewater surfpark on May 27th from 6-11pm at the Volcanic Theatre Pub. Check out the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance for more details.

Khunamokwst Park Opening Date

Khunamokwst Park is set to open this Saturday, April 25th! You can find more information here. Head on over this weekend and check it out!

Westmoreland Nature Play Receives Honor Award

Westmoreland Nature Play was recently recognized by the Oregon Chapter of ASLA with an Honor Award for design. We would like to thank our entire team for all their contributions. Thanks especially to Portland Parks and Recreation for their support and desire to connect kids with nature.

GreenWorks Uses Werbin Park Project as Teaching Tool for Youth Program

As part of the Werbin Park development with the City of Portland Parks & Recreation, GreenWorks is supporting the Cully Neighborhood’s commitment to social equity. GreenWorks is providing outreach for underprivileged neighborhood children who, ultimately, are the true clients of this new park. The Werbin Park project is being used as a platform for teaching kids in the program about park design and the building process.  Partnered with Verde and Hacienda’s Expresiones after school program which engages 5th, 6th and 7th graders during the summer, GreenWorks is providing a series of events with Expresiones. The program consists of six weeks of activities including a site visit to Werbin Park and other similar parks. On the first field trip to GreenWorks, students learned about the design process, saw how construction drawings are put together, and participated in activities to develop their design skills. GreenWorks employees Ben Johnson, Claire Maulhardt and Jeff Boggess planned the interactive office visit with the students. GreenWorks is working with Travis Ruybal (City of Portland), Tony Defalco and Nestor Campos (Verde), and Anna Gordon (Expresiones, Hacienda) in planning the summer field trips.

AM Kennedy Park Construction Update

The weather is finally dry and AM Kennedy Park improvements are making progress. The Bridge and street improvements were installed during the winter/spring and now the park elements including the playground, picnic area, and sports field are taking shape. The park is located off of Beaverton Hillsdale HWY in Beaverton in the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District (THPRD).