A former St. Johns industrial site along the Willamette River is a step closer to becoming a natural sanctuary for people, plants, and animals.
Industrial use dating back to the early 1900s took a toxic toll on Willamette Cove’s 27 acres and 3,000 ft of shoreline. Being the site of a lumber mill, a plywood mill, a barrel manufacturer, and a dry dock and ship repair facility left the land unsafe for public use. Metro, which bought Willamette Cove in 1996, has been working to clean up the area with the Port of Portland’s help and turn it into a nature park. Metro has also tapped local tribal leaders to ensure Willamette Cove supports treaty rights, particularly through the creation of healthy salmon and lamprey habitats.
The future park will include a section of the North Portland Greenway Trail, interpretive signs, parking, restrooms, and river access. What do you want the Willamette Cove to be? Share your thoughts in this online survey by Friday, May 10 and sign up for updates. Planning staff will develop and share three design options later this year.
