DOCUMENT DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATIONJim Ann Carter, Graphic Illustrator IIJim Longstreth, Illustrator/ConsultantVickie Nissen, Illustrator/Consultant

Gary Odenthal, GIS Coordinator

Printed on Recycled PaperSecond Edition

BUREAU OF PLANNING1900 SW 4th Ave., Ste. 4100

Portland, Oregon 97201503.823.5839

river@ci.portland.or.uswww.planning.ci.portland.or.us

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Portland — In celebrating this 200th

birthday of our fair city, it is worth-while to reflect upon the Portland of50 years ago when citizens and cityleaders gathered to start a movementknown as ‘River Renaissance.’ Facedwith challenging mandates from stateand federal agencies to clean up theriver and restore natural habitat,people looked deep into the soul ofthe city—the history and meaning ofthe place. They began the gradual em-brace of the Willamette River and itswatershed as the unifying element ofthe city, its form and history, and itsplace in nature. The city of their daywas quite different from the one weknow now.

On the west side, Downtown termi-nated at a seawall along the river, andthe central east bank was dominatedby a freeway. Jordan LeDoux, now 63,remembers standing on a new walk-way beside the freeway known as the‘Eastbank Esplanade’. “We finallyhad a place to go on the east bankwhere we could see and touch thewater,” LeDoux remarked. “ The noisewas deafening but i t was thestart of something exciting. Now lookat what we’ve accomplished.”

City’s Return to the RiverFifty years ago the water was fouled.Toxic substances penetrated the sedi-ments on the river bottom, the fish wereunhealthy to eat, and the banks werelined with concrete and constructiondebris. Due to overflowing sewers, ‘noswim’ days were regular occurrences.

Today, the river and tributaries are run-ning clean. The popularity of wading,swimming, and fishing in the river is asource of pride to Portlanders. City plan-ners and resource managers now protectwater quality through a watershed andregional approach. Green rooftops andan extensive tree canopy absorb and fil-ter rainwater before it reaches the river.The wooded corridors of Johnson,Tryon, and Fanno Creeks, the ColumbiaSlough, and smaller west side streamsdrain cold, clean water into the river.

Reminiscing on the legacy ofRiver Renaissance, launched at

the turn of the millenniumfifty years ago.

A view of the Central Eastside riverbankfrom the West in 2001,50 years ago.

C1 ■

CITYCLOSE-UP Portland’s 200th Birthday

Early in the century, major investmentswere made to clean up the toxics in Port-land Harbor and all but eliminate seweroverflows into the river.

The Willamette River in Portland is oneof the earliest examples of the interna-tional trend in managing urban rivers sothat watershed health and human activi-ties co-exist and are mutually support-ive. Portlanders are committed to plant-ing native vegetation in their yards.Productive aquatic and riparian habitatsthroughout the city have been restoredand are now protected natural areas.The river and tributaries connect thesepockets of greenspace. Ross Island,once a gravel mining operation, is nowa natural area in the center of the city.Healthy populations of salmon and otherwild native fish and wildlife havereturned to the river, its edges, and flood-plain.

Portland’s ‘working harbor’ con-tinues to evolve and flourish as theregion’s industries and cargo diversify.Portland Harbor remains one of theregion’s primary links to the global mar-ketplace. This hub of marine, rail, andtrucking networks provides efficient andeconomical freight movement for theregion’s industries and commerce. Thepolicies that marshal the river’s multipleresources have emphasized cost-sharing,local control, and certainty, encouragingreinvestment in industrial and transportfacilities.

The harbor has also become more resil-ient as it has better adapted to its urban

CITY ◆◆◆◆◆ JANUARY 26, 2051

Please see REFLECTIONS, Page C2

ARCHIVAL PHOTO

Portland: Reflections on the River

Continued from Page C1reduce the toxicity of roadway runoffreaching the river.

River taxis, ferries, tour boats, and cruiseships have also made the waterfront moreaccessible and popular. Convenient boataccess from waterfront destinations andneighborhoods is provided by accessramps, boat slips, docks, and marinasWake-free days and zones have madethe river inviting for kayaks and canoes.

New and expanding neighborhoodsand business districts along the river,especially in the Central City, have be-come centers of economic vitality. Theriver is a major contributor to the appeal,activity, and urban design of thesedistricts.

Reconfiguring the I-5 Freeway liberatedthe east bank of the Central City for otheruses, including the extensive EastbankPark and a growing district of culturalinstitutions along Water Avenue. Remi-niscent of efforts in the 1970s that re-placed Harbor Drive with Tom McCallWaterfront Park, these bold initiativeshave reclaimed the Central Eastside as avibrant waterfront district.

Segments of the seawall at Tom McCallWaterfront Park were reconfigured to al-low people to sit at the river’s edge whilestill providing flood control. Now festi-vals are held in a variety of riverfrontlocations.

Walking along the waterfront, one en-counters a rich texture of experiences anddestinations. It offers nature walks, ur-ban promenades, playgrounds, marinas,restaurants, cafes, and art centers.Landmark architecture has emerged inmany locations.

context, accommodating the river’s ex-panded natural and recreational func-tions and the prevention and cleanupof river pollution. The freeways, cargodocks, and rail lines that dominated theriverfront in prior decades have beenredesigned and better integrated into thelarger built and natural environment.

Portland’s linked system ofparks, trails, and open spaces radiatefrom the river. It is a tribute to our citi-zens that they had the foresight to ac-quire and develop much of the park sys-tem we enjoy today. People flock to thewaterfront for annual festivals, sportingevents, recreation, and relaxation. Onany given day, children and adults as-semble at the river to play soccer, flymodel airplanes, throw frisbees, studythe natural environment, or just doze offon a blanket. The city’s green infrastruc-ture also supports a clean river and a widerange of fish and wildlife species.

The completed Willamette RiverGreenway Trail connects adjacent neigh-borhoods to parks, natural areas, theCentral City, and the larger regional trailsystem. Expanded public access, infor-mational signs, and carefully placed view-points enhance the waterfront making itmemorable and easy to navigate.

Bicycle transportation is thriving alongthe Willamette River Greenway Trail, mir-roring the river’s traditional function as atransportation corridor. This increased bi-cycle use helps to reduce our reliance onthe automobile in the river corridor and

C2 ■

The waterfront is now one of the bestvenues to learn about and appreciatePortland and its evolution. Early use ofthe river by indigenous cultures is hon-ored at sites along the waterfront. Repli-cas of early Portland ships and maritimemuseums connect Portlanders to thecity’s river and economic heritage. Rem-nants of historical uses and activities,such as bargeways and dock structures,are integrated into waterfrontdevelopment.

Sustained leadership during the last 50years has enabled the impressive stridesmade in River Renaissance. Government,business, and public collaboration is atrademark characteristic of the projectsalong the Willamette River and through-out the watershed. The enduring cam-paign for the river is evident in schoolcurricula and field trips, river cruises,waterfront celebrations, and high profileplanning and design efforts focused onthe river. The River Renaissance Foun-dation has become one of the city’s mostprolific civic ventures.

Today, the riverfront offers a rich varietyof tranquil places and bustling activitiesthat satisfy our spiritual desire to see andtouch the water. Our efforts have gener-ated true awareness and respect for na-ture in the city and for Portland as a cityin nature.

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River Renaissance 2001

River Renaissanceencompasses new initiatives and efforts already underway, including the City ofPortland�s Clean River Plan, the Endangered Species Act Program, the update ofthe Willamette River Greenway Plan, urban renewal plans, and others. Led bythe Bureau of Planning, this multi-objective initiative will align city work plans, andgenerate opportunities to reap multiple benefits from our investments.

The River Renaissance Visionis a sketch of the Willamette River as Portlanders would like to see it in thefuture. Today�s Willamette faces diverse challenges. As we celebrate our 150th

year as a city and approach the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark�s arrival byriver, it is timely to invite Portlanders to imagine the river�s possibilities well intothe future, and set forth a shared vision. The Vision is a general guide forcreating and integrating future action plans. It is the foundation for the continuingactivities of River Renaissance.

Over one thousand Portlanders participated in River Renaissance Vision eventsin Fall 2000, and have their fingerprints on this Vision. It will be further refined toreflect additional public comment before endorsement by City Council in March2001. Successful implementation of this vision will require a long-term publiccommitment to resolving policy issues and balancing priorities.

JANU

ARY

2001

A A A A A C A L LC A L LC A L LC A L LC A L L

TTTTT O O O O O A C T I O NA C T I O NA C T I O NA C T I O NA C T I O N

1. A revival : rebirth. 2. A period of revived artistic, scientific orintellectual achievement or enthusiasm

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riverof our

future

for the

a visionA prosperous working harbor

Portland�s front yard

Vibrant waterfrontdistricts and neighborhoods

Partnerships, leadership,and education

A clean andhealthy river

4

for

assure aC L E A NC L E A NC L E A NC L E A NC L E A N

A N DA N DA N DA N DA N D

H E A L T H YH E A L T H YH E A L T H YH E A L T H YH E A L T H Y

R I V E RR I V E RR I V E RR I V E RR I V E R

fish, wildlife,and people

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Acknowledge the role of the watershed as asystem of natural functions integral to main-taining the health of the Willamette River. Workwith upstream and downstream communitiesand government agencies to advance andcoordinate watershed protection, restoration,and cleanup.

Improve water quality in the river and tributar-ies through innovative stormwater manage-ment and control of sewage flows to the river.

Advance Superfund clean-up activities toremove or isolate pollutants in Portland Harborand at their source.

Encourage environmentally-friendly buildingtechniques and designs to use resourcesefficiently and minimize adverse impacts.

Do our part to recover wild native salmonpopulations in the river and its tributaries.

Restore and protect streamside habitat andfloodplain areas. Plant native vegetation and controlinvasive species along waterways and throughoutthe watershed. Plan, restore, and maintain theWillamette River Greenway for fish, wildlife, andpeople.

Improve habitat conditions in Johnson, Tryon, andFanno Creeks, the Columbia Slough, and thesmaller westside streams.

Advance our scientific knowledge of clean andhealthy river systems and their restoration in anurban environment.

Restore Ross Island as a natural area in the centerof our city.

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Promote Portland as a hub for ship, barge,railroad, highway, and air transportation and asa Pacific Northwest gateway to the changingglobal marketplace.

Provide efficient and economical freightmovement for the region�s industries andcommerce.

Invest in the harbor�s industrial districts �a cornerstone of our regional economy.

maintain and enhance ourP R O S P E R O U SP R O S P E R O U SP R O S P E R O U SP R O S P E R O U SP R O S P E R O U S

W O R K I N GW O R K I N GW O R K I N GW O R K I N GW O R K I N G

H A R B O RH A R B O RH A R B O RH A R B O RH A R B O RExplore and adopt new technologies,designs, and industrial practices that supporthabitat restoration and the improvement ofwater quality.

Integrate regional transportation objectives intoriver protection and enhancement activities.

Use the Portland Harbor Superfundlisting as an opportunity to create newpartnerships and environmental clean-upindustries and technologies.

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Draw on the river as a place to reconnect with our history and the soul of our city.

Acquire lands for new and expanded parks and natural areas. Assemble anopen space system that focuses on, and radiates from, the river.

Create opportunities for access to the water�s edge, for boating, fishing, swimming,and other river recreation activities.

Complete the Willamette River Greenway Trail to provide a continuous recreationand transportation corridor along both sides of the river.

Connect new and existing neighborhoods to and across the river, through rails,trails, bikeways, streets, view corridors, and water taxis.

Build a world-class monument in a prominent riverfront location.

embrace the river asP O R T L A N DP O R T L A N DP O R T L A N DP O R T L A N DP O R T L A N D ’ SSSSS

F R O N T Y A R DF R O N T Y A R DF R O N T Y A R DF R O N T Y A R DF R O N T Y A R D

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As redevelopment occurs along the river,establish a prominent greenway with publicspaces and natural places. Orient newdevelopment toward the river, and infusebuildings and neighborhoods with inspiredarchitecture.

Strengthen the Central City by focusing onthe river as a unifying feature.

Reconfigure the I-5 Freeway to bringtogether both sides of the Central City and torevitalize the eastside waterfront.

Create new commercial and residential areasalong the river connected by diverse transitoptions such as water taxis.

Dedicate more of the waterfront to muse-ums, cultural institutions, outdoor learningvenues, Native American history, public art,and the interpretation of history and naturalscience.

Establish festivals, regattas, and sportingevents to build awareness of and celebratethe river.

create vibrantW A T E R F R O N TW A T E R F R O N TW A T E R F R O N TW A T E R F R O N TW A T E R F R O N T

D I S T R I C T SD I S T R I C T SD I S T R I C T SD I S T R I C T SD I S T R I C T S

A N DA N DA N DA N DA N D

N E I G H B O R H O O D SN E I G H B O R H O O D SN E I G H B O R H O O D SN E I G H B O R H O O D SN E I G H B O R H O O D S

111 12

Assemble the River Renaissance Partners, agroup of government, tribal, business, neighbor-hood, and environmental leaders to advocate forimplementation of the Vision.

Establish a multi-jurisdictional organizationresponsible for managing local river improvementefforts and coordinating with upstream anddownstream communities.

Inspire long-term commitment through success-ful early actions.

Educate and involve our diverse community topromote stewardship of the river.

Involve the schools and draw upon the energy,thoughts, and dreams of our future leaders.

Recognize that neither the public sector norprivate enterprise can implement the Visionalone. Foster collaboration between public andprivate entities.

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promoteP A R T N E R S H I PP A R T N E R S H I PP A R T N E R S H I PP A R T N E R S H I PP A R T N E R S H I P SSSSS,,,,,

L E A D E R S H IL E A D E R S H IL E A D E R S H IL E A D E R S H IL E A D E R S H I PPPPP, A N D, A N D, A N D, A N D, A N D

E D U C A T I O NE D U C A T I O NE D U C A T I O NE D U C A T I O NE D U C A T I O N

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schedule

January - March 2001 ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ Share the Vision · Community meetings · Commission meetings

March 21, 2001 ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ Endorse the Vision · City Council Hearing

Spring 2000 - to present ➤ Define the project and gather participants

October - December 2000 ➤ Invite the public to shape the Vision

Experience the city from the river!Participate in upcoming discussions and events.Take part in restoration and stewardship activities.

ContactBarbara Hart, Public Involvement Coordinator503.823.5839 river@ci.portland.or.us

get involved!

on this Vision by March 7, 2001. Share your thoughts about priorities and next steps.S E N D U S Y O U R C O M M E N T SS E N D U S Y O U R C O M M E N T SS E N D U S Y O U R C O M M E N T SS E N D U S Y O U R C O M M E N T SS E N D U S Y O U R C O M M E N T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Beginning April 2001 ➤➤➤➤➤ Convene community work groups· Analyze issues and opportunities· Develop policies and action strategies

➤➤➤➤➤ Promote stewardship and education➤➤➤➤➤ Organize river-centered events➤➤➤➤➤ Identify and initiate collaborative projects➤➤➤➤➤ Mobilize resources➤➤➤➤➤ Finalize long-term implementation strategies

River Renaissance, City of Portland1900 SW 4th Ave., Ste. 4100Portland, Oregon 97201Fax: 503.823.7800www.planning.ci.portland.or.us

River RenaissanceL E A D E R S H I PL E A D E R S H I PL E A D E R S H I PL E A D E R S H I PL E A D E R S H I P

R I V E R R E N A I S S A N C E P A R T N E R S

Mayor Vera Katz, ChairRick Applegate, ConsultantHank Ashforth, Ashforth Pacific Development, Inc.Spencer Beebe, EcoTrustNina Bell, Northwest Environmental AdvocatesAmanda Black, Southwest residentEarl Blumenauer, US House of RepresentativesTim Boyle, Columbia SportswearDavid Bragdon, MetroMarty Brantley, Portland Development CommissionMargaret Carter, Urban LeagueKari Chisholm, X-PACWendy Dunder, RiverScape Mural ProjectJim Ellis, Wacker SiltronicJohn Emrick, Norm Thompson, Inc.Neil Goldschmidt, Neil Goldschmidt, Inc.John Gray, John Gray FoundationJerry Grossnickle, Columbia River Towboat AssociationMark Hatfield, former US SenatorMike Houck, Audubon Society & Coalition for Livable FutureWallace Huntington, Huntington & KiestNelson Jones, Eastbank Riverfront ProjectJohn Kitzhaber, MD, Governor of OregonTom Kloster, North Portland residentPaige Knight, Open Meadow Learning CenterPeter Kohler, Oregon Health Sciences UniversityWayne Lei, Portland General ElectricMoshe Lenske, Southeast residentKaren Lewotsky, Oregon Environmental CouncilMike Lindberg, former City CommissionerDiane Linn, Multnomah County CommissionerE. Kimbark MacColl Sr., HistorianLarry Martin, Portland Trail BlazersRod McDowell, Central Eastside Industrial CouncilJack McGowan, SOLVDavis Moriuchi, US Army Corps of EngineersBob Naito, Naito FamilyJanet Neuman, Lewis & Clark Law SchoolKen Novack, Schnitzer FamilyRobert Pamplin, Ross Island Sand & GravelGeorge Passadore, Wells FargoDick Reiten, Northwest NaturalJohn Russell, Business Leaders RoundtableOpen Meadow �Saving A Forgotten Environment� ClassDonald Sampson, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish CommissionGene Spina, ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc.Don Stephens, Brooklyn Neighborhood Association BoardMike Thorne, Port of PortlandBernie Thurber, Portland/Vancouver Rowing AssociationJean Vollum, Vollum FamilyBarbara Walker, 40 Mile Loop TrailTom Walsh, Lewis and Clark 2005, Inc. BicentennialGill Williams, Atlas Landscape ArchitectureTravis Williams, Willamette RiverkeeperBeverly Wilson, League of Women VotersJay Zidell, Zidell Family

P O R T L A N D C I T Y C O U N C I L

Mayor Vera Katz, Commissioner-in-ChargeCommissioner Jim FrancesconiCommissioner Charlie HalesCommissioner Dan SaltzmanCommissioner Erik Sten

B U R E A U D I R E C T O R S C O O R D I N A T I O N T E A M

Gil Kelley, Director, Bureau of Planning, ChairDeborah Stein, Principal Planner, Bureau of PlanningSusan Anderson, Office of Sustainable DevelopmentTim Grewe, Office of Management and FinanceCharles Jordan, Bureau of Parks and RecreationMarge Kafoury, Office of Government RelationsMark Kroeker, Bureau of PoliceDavid Lane, Office of Neighborhood InvolvementMargaret Mahoney, Office of Planning and Development ReviewDean Marriott, Bureau of Environmental ServicesFelicia Trader, Portland Development CommissionVic Rhodes, Office of TransportationMike Rosenberger, Bureau of Water WorksSteve Rudman, Bureau of Housing and Community DevelopmentRobert Wall, Bureau of Fire

I N T E R B U R E A U R I V E R R E N A I S S A N C E T E A M

Sallie Edmunds, Bureau of Planning, Project ManagerBetsy Ames, Office of Mayor Vera KatzLarry Brown, Portland Development CommissionRoger Geller, Office of TransportationKate Green, Office of Planning and Development ReviewBarb Grover, Bureau of PlanningBarbara Hart, Bureau of PlanningRoberta Jortner, Bureau of Environmental ServicesSteve Kountz, Bureau of PlanningGeorge Lozovoy, Bureau of Parks and RecreationBrian McNerney, Urban Forestry ProgramJim Middaugh, Endangered Species Act ProgramKermit Robinson, Office of Planning and Development ReviewSusan Schneider, Office of Government RelationsDan Sirois, Bureau of PlanningDiane Sullivan, Bureau of PlanningFred Wearn, Portland Development CommissionKaren Williams, Portland Development Commission