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This newsletter provides project updates, ways to participate, and information about related work along Portland’s waterfront.
Apply to Join the Project Advisory Committee
New Application Deadline: Monday, January 19, 2026
Do you have lived experience using the park and riverfront; connections to downtown Portland; or in areas such as landscape architecture, river recreation, environmental or river ecology, construction, arts and culture, or venue operations?
We encourage you to apply during the extended application period!
PAC members help guide the project by sharing community perspectives, reviewing materials, and advising the project team throughout design and planning. Professional expertise is not required; a wide range of perspectives and experiences is desired.
The committee will meet 7 to 9 times between February 2026 and Winter 2027.
A stipend of up to $500 is available, and participation supports can be provided.
Help Amplify the Project
You can help bring awareness and community voice by:
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Sharing the updated PAC application flyer
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Forwarding this newsletter to your networks
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Connecting with us to coordinate additional outreach or materials
- Visit the project webpage for updates, resources, and past materials
If you’d like to discuss how your organization can help promote the project or reach specific audiences, please contact Jenna Stathopoulos: jenna.stathopoulos@portlandoregon.gov.
 Project Background
Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park is one of Portland’s most iconic public spaces, stretching along the west bank of the Willamette River in downtown Portland. The park plays an important role in Portland’s cultural life, downtown economy, and regional recreation.
The Bowl area, located between Salmon Street Springs and RiverPlace, is currently underutilized and has not received significant investment in many years. Aging infrastructure and limited amenities reduce accessibility and constrain how the space can be used by the public.
In 2025, Portland Parks & Recreation received $750,000 from Metro’s 2040 Planning and Development Grant Program to launch the Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park Bowl Redevelopment Project. The project will be delivered through a national design competition to develop a shared vision for the Bowl and guide future improvements to the park.
This effort is part of a coordinated, multi-bureau initiative and supports the City’s broader Downtown Revitalization priorities.
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