Portland launches waterfront park design competition
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Early concepts for a redesigned Portland waterfront include projections on sheets of falling water under the Hawthorne Bridge. Image: Michael Curry Design
Portland has launched an international design competition to reimagine the future of Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Why it matters: It could reshape the waterfront into a destination residents use year-round instead of sporadically during major festivals.
The latest: Portland Parks & Recreation launched the competition last week after more than a year soliciting feedback from residents and all kinds of people and organizations that have an interest in the waterfront.
State of play: The waterfront — especially the Hawthorne Bowl — draws large crowds for the Rose Festival, the Waterfront Blues Festival and cherry blossom season.
- The rest of the year, it's a great place for a sunny walk, to take visitors from out of town and to relieve yourself, if you're a goose.
Reality check: "Currently, the Park lacks the amenities, accessibility, and river connections needed to appeal to residents, families, workers and visitors, to give them a reason to stay," per Malcolm Reading Consultants, the firm overseeing the competition.
- Our thought bubble: Sometimes the truth hurts.
What they're saying: "This competition asks what Portland's waterfront should look like for the next 50 years," Mayor Keith Wilson said in a statement.
- "Portlanders have shared their hopes for a waterfront that draws people to the river, strengthens Downtown, and serves the city every day."
What you're saying: The city is still collecting opinions on how the park should be used.
- Take a quick survey here through Aug. 30.
The intrigue: Early concepts imagine a terraced amphitheater, a floating performance stage and projections cast onto falling water beneath the Hawthorne Bridge.
What's next: Design teams can submit qualifications through the end of the month, before three finalists are selected to develop concepts that will be shared publicly early next year.
- Portlanders will have a chance to weigh in before a winner is crowned.