Metro Council Grants PP&R Second Award For Waterfront Park Redesign, Planning Work

(Portland, Oregon) –

The Metro Council has awarded Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) a second2040 Planning & Development Grant for the next phase of the City's Waterfront Park redevelopment project. The grant follows last year's Metro Council award with an identical amount of $750,000. The new project funding will go towards the next phase of design and planning work, including schematic design for the full park, a full topographical survey, and further community engagement efforts.

View full size image of Cherry blossoms in springtime at Portland's Waterfront Park.

"This new Metro investment keeps Portland moving toward a waterfront that is more accessible, vibrant, and resilient for generations to come," says Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. "Waterfront Park is one of our city's most important public spaces, and this funding allows us to continue turning a bold vision into a thoughtful, community-informed design, one that strengthens our connection to the Willamette River while preparing our downtown for a changing climate. I'm grateful to Metro for recognizing the importance of this work and for partnering with Portland as we build a stronger, more resilient future."

View full size image of The Waterfront Park bowl area and adjacent buildings as seen from a nearby bridge on a sunny Portland day.

In 2025,Metro awarded PP&R a separate $750,000 2040 Planning and Development Grant for the transformative Tom McCall Waterfront Park Bowl Redevelopment Project.

"Waterfront Park has the potential to reshape how people experience the heart of Portland," says PP&R Interim Director Art Pearce. "As the city center continues to evolve, reimagining the Park can create a place that draws people to the river, invites them to stay longer, and connects seamlessly with the surrounding streets and businesses. This next investment from Metro allows us to continue advancing a design process that can help make the Park a more welcoming, vibrant place to live, work, gather, and play every day."

Earlier this fall, PP&R announced the three teams that advanced to the second stage of the open international design competition for Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park — a key step in delivering one of Mayor Wilson's priority initiatives to support downtown revitalization.

Each shortlisted team is led by an architect or landscape architect. The three finalists are:

• SWA – New York, NY
• Bjarke Ingels Group – Brooklyn, NY
• Studio Egret West Limited – London, UK

Community engagement continues on the project. Some questions the City is exploring include:

• What activities and experiences should Waterfront Park support?
• How can the park better connect people to the Willamette River?
• What amenities, recreation opportunities, and community spaces are most important?
• How can Waterfront Park reflect Portland's identity, culture, and values?

The shortlisted teams were selected from 50 submissions comprising more than 150 firms from 15 countries across six continents. The three teams will now develop concepts for the park. At the conclusion of the design phase, the Jury will evaluate submissions and conduct interviews with the shortlisted teams in early 2027.

The redeveloped park is expected to serve as a strengthened civic anchor contributing to housing, business vitality, and tourism in downtown Portland. Redevelopment of the Waterfront Park Bowl area carries an estimated capital cost of approximately $40 million. The design competition is funded by the Metro 2040 Grant awarded in 2025. Additional public and private funding will be pursued to support design development and phased construction.

Next steps: concept design phase

During the second stage of the competition, the three teams will develop concept designs for the entire 30-acre park, with special emphasis on the bowl area. Teams have been instructed to create a vibrant, year-round public space that supports events, daily activity, and improved river access. Beloved existing elements — including the Japanese American Memorial Historical Plaza, mature cherry trees, and Salmon Street Springs Fountain — are to be honored and enhanced.

Each shortlisted team will receive a $50,000 competition fee upon completion of the second stage. A public exhibition of the concept designs will be presented in Portland and online in early 2027, offering community members the opportunity to review and comment. The winning team will be announced in spring 2027.

For more information, visit portland.gov/parks/news/2026/9/15/ppr-waterfront-park-design-down-three-finalists.

Project background

Stretching along the west bank of the Willamette River, Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park serves as Downtown Portland's front yard — a vital corridor for recreation, civic events, environmental connection, and cultural expression.

In recent decades, as Portland has faced economic, political, social, and environmental challenges, the park has not fully lived up to its potential. Although it remains a beloved walking and cycling route, it lacks the amenities, accessibility, infrastructure, and river connections needed to support everyday public life.

Redevelopment of the Waterfront Park Bowl area carries an estimated capital cost of approximately $40 million. The design competition is funded by the Metro 2040 Grant awarded in 2025. Additional public and private funding will be pursued to support design development and phased construction.

PP&R has conducted extensive engagement with community members and stakeholders and convened a project advisory committee to help shape the project's vision. More information is available at portland.gov/parks/waterfront.

For ongoing updates, visit the competition website: https://competitions.malcolmreading.com/portlandwaterfront

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