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Label:
Parks
Label:
In planning
The new Steel Bridge Skatepark site will be a signature skatepark and plaza in Old Town. It is approximately 63,000 square foot teardrop-shaped parcel with around 33,000 square feet of skateable terrain bounded by NW Naito Pkwy to the east, NW 1st Ave to the west, and NW Everett St to the south.
Anticipated Completion: Fall 2029
Project Updates
March 2026
We heard from 535 community members in our Steel Bridge Skatepark survey that was open from February 15 to March 9. We are processing the feedback and will have a summary to share soon. Check back for updates or sign up for newsletter updates in the link below.
February 2026
We're excited to announce the first community gathering for Steel Bridge Skatepark Project in Old Town! Drop by to give feedback on three design options and learn more about this project.
When: Sunday, February 15, 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: 220 NW 2nd Ave, 6th floor (secure access)
- Walking tour led by Portland Chinatown Museum at 1:30 pm
- Kids are welcome
- Free refreshments
- Raffle offerings from local organizations*
- Music and local organizations tabling
- An online survey will be available following the event
Access Info:
- Interpretation provided in ASL, Mandarin/Cantonese, and Spanish
- Multiple bus and MAX lines
- Street and garage parking
- Accessible entrance on NW 1st Ave
- Elevator to the event on the 6th floor
- ADA bathroom
*Raffle: Our raffle features a mix of local stays, cultural experiences, food, and unique goods, including a one-night stay at The Hoxton with dining at Tope and Pamana; museum and garden admissions; and special Vanport Mosaic experiences. Additional prizes include gift cards to local favorites, handcrafted goods, skate gear and lessons, and apparel from community organizations.
Missed the event? The online survey is open until 9am on Monday, March 9th.
¡Queremos saber su opinión! Visítenos para dar su opinión sobre las tres opciones de diseño y obtener más información sobre este proyecto.
Cuándo: Domingo 15 de febrero de 1 a 3 pm
Dónde: 220 NW 2nd Ave, sexto piso
- Recorrido a pie guiado por el Museo de Chinatown de Portland a la 1:30 pm
- Les niñes son bienvenidos
- Rifa y refrescos gratis
- Música y mesas de organizaciones locales
- Después del evento habrá una encuesta en línea
Información para llegar:
- Se proporcionará interpretación en español, chino (mandarín y cantonés) y lengua de señas americana (ASL)
- Varias rutas de autobús y MAX
- Estacionamiento en la calle y en un garaje
- Entrada accesible para discapacitados en la NW 1st Ave
- Ascensor para el evento en el sexto piso
- Baño accesible para discapacitados
¿No pudo atender al evento? La encuesta en línea está disponible hasta las 9 am del lunes 9 de marzo.
我们期待您的参与！欢迎前来就三种设计方案提供反馈，并了解更多项目详情。
2 月 15 日，星期日，下午 1 点至 3 点
西北第二大道 220 号
- 下午 1:30 由波特兰唐人街博物馆带领的徒步导览。
- 欢迎小朋友参加
- 免费抽奖和茶点
- 音乐表演和当地组织设展位
- 活动结束后将有在线问卷调查。
交通信息：
- 现场提供美国手语、中文/粤语和西班牙语翻译。
- 多条公交线路和轻轨线路
- 路边停车和停车场停车
- 入口位于西北第一大道
- 可乘坐电梯前往活动场地
- 无障碍卫生间
错过了活动？在线查看问卷开放至 3 月 9 日星期一上午 9 点。
December 2025
Predesign and site analysis continues. Over the next year PP&R will continue to work on development agreements with PBOT, ODOT, and TriMet to gain development rights. Community engagement planning has started with the first public meeting occurring in Winter 2026 where preliminary designs will be shown for feedback.
January 2025
The 18-person PAC met for the first time. See the Project Advisory Committee section below for a full roster and meeting notes of the PAC team.
November 2024
Thank you to everyone who applied for the PAC. We received 76 applications for a 12-18-member committee. The Community Engagement team reviewed submissions and announced the PAC roster in December.
July 2024
The Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town Request for Proposals (RFP) closed on July 31. The selection panel, consisting of four community members and three PP&R staff, reviewed the applications, and announced the design team after the "intent to award" was made. The PP&R project team worked with the awardee to draft a contract for the design and construction of the Steel Bridge Skatepark.
June 2024
The Steel Bridge Skatepark RFP was published with a mandatory pre-submittal meeting held on July 8 and a non-mandatory site visit on July 11. Proposals were due by July 31, 2024.
April 2024
The project held a successful Kick-Off Event on April 8, 2024, at the Garden Space, attended by local community members, skate advocates, and project partners, all excited to learn more about the skatepark's plans and timeline. Former Culture and Livability Commissioner Dan Ryan and Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Director Adena Long spoke at the event, reaffirming the City of Portland's commitment to building a world-class skatepark and plaza in Old Town, near the Steel Bridge.
January 2024
Commissioner Dan Ryan allocated $15 million in System Development Charges (SDCs) to fully fund the skatepark located near the Steel Bridge on the west side of the Willamette River. Read the full article here.
Stay Informed and Involved!
Whether you are learning to skate, ride, or roll or you are an experienced pro or want updates on the project... We want to keep you in the know!
Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town Project news and updates will be provided every 30-60 days. Enter your email address here to receive an email each time we post about the project.
Add your contact information to the project contact list
503-823-2525 (Translation and Interpretation) | Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या | 口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad | Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
Project Overview
This project has $15 million in System Development Charges (SDCs) and an additional $364,000 from Prosper Portland to support the development of the new Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town.
Portland’s skating community has envisioned a premier downtown skatepark since the early 2000s. Extensive community input was gathered and incorporated into PP&R's 2008 Skatepark System Plan, which identified this site as a priority location.
This new public plaza and skatepark will provide a fun, activated and safe space for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
What are System Development Charges?
System Development Charges (SDCs) are one-time fees on new development and are not funded by General Fund tax dollars. These fees help make sure that the city can keep up with the needs of parks and recreation users. They can only be used for projects that expand park space, not for maintenance or repairs of existing assets.
Partnership and Support
The project received significant support from several partners. Prosper Portland is contributing $364,000 to help with development. The Steel Bridge Skate Coalition and the Old Town Community Association (OTCA) have also shown their support.
The skatepark design was created by DAO Architecture, Lango Hansen Landscape Architects, and Grindline Skateparks, Inc. The design has won several awards and will play an important role in shaping the park’s future. During this preliminary design process, the City of Portland made sure input from community groups and skateboard-enthusiasts was incorporated.
As of March 2025, PP&R is moving forward on a land transfer with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on the right-of-way where the park will be located. Discussions with TriMet and Union Pacific Railroad regarding land use are also ongoing.
In spring 2025, PP&R will continue to work with project partners on property acquisition and feasibility, followed by community engagement and design.
Project Schedule
Anticipate Project Advisory Committee Timeline (subject to change):
- Q2 2024: Project Advisory Committee discussions (Completed)
- Q3 2024: Final questions and criteria for recruitment (Completed)
- Q3 2024: Begin Advisory Committee recruitment (Completed)
- Q4 2024: Selection of Advisory Committee members (Completed)
- Q4 2024: Relationship building with individual Advisory Committee members (Completed)
- Q1 2025: Convene Advisory Committee members for introductions and intention-setting for the group (Completed)
- Q2 2025: Work with Advisory Committee members to develop needs and priorities
- Q1 2026 - Q4 2026: Community-wide engagement
Key: Q1: January-March / Q2: April-June / Q3: July-September / Q4: October-December
Anticipated Project Timeline (subject to change):
- Request for Proposal (RFP): Q2 2024 - Q3 2024 (Completed)
- Project Feasibility / Site Investigation: In Progress
- Community Engagement: Q2 2024 - Project Completion (see Community Engagement timeline above)
- Schematic Design: In Progress
- Design Development: In Progress
- Construction Documentation: After final design has been selected
- Permit Submittal: TBD
- Bid / Procurement: TBD
- Construction: TBD - Estimate 12 to 18 month construction period
Community Gathering 1 - 02/15/2026
Project Advisory Committee
The Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town Project Advisory Committee (PAC) recruitment is complete. From an applicant pool of 80 candidates, we have a final confirmed PAC roster of 18 individuals. We are very excited to begin our work with this dynamic and diverse group.
Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town PAC Roster: Chris Adams-Nukala, Jasmine Burch, Dean Dickinson, Isnardo Gandarilla, Preston Harper, Joanna Harrison, Hope Huynh, Miles McGowan, Margaux Mennesson, Stevie Moe, Stig Nilsen-Goodin, Nicole Tignor, Selma Selena Urbina, Violet Aveline, Hanako Wakatsuki-Chong, AJ Waters, Jesse Wilhite, and Ben Wixon
Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town PAC tasks and activities will include:
- Bring a unique lived experience and expertise to the conversation
- Confirm and elevate community priorities for skatepark and plaza design and programming opportunities
- Serve as a liaison between PP&R and community stakeholder groups
- Work with our design team to provide feedback and input on ideas, programming, and design concepts of the skatepark and plaza
- Meet 5-6 times (virtually and in-person) in 2025