Section 3: Implementing the Green Loop

Information

Short-Term / Proof of Concept Design Menu

In the short term, the streets making up the Green Loop will use a mix of lower cost planting and connectivity improvements to create longer segments for people to experience the Green Loop. Consistent wayfinding signs, furniture, artistic ground graphics, and "green gateways" of potted plants can help identify these different segments as part of the future Green Loop. The use of the typical design treatments will vary along the route, depending on site-specific constraints.

Plan diagrams of Green Loop short term design menu

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Long-Term Design Menu

Over time, the Green Loop will be developed into a welcoming, park-like pathway along city streets. It will feature high-quality paving, landscaping, and seating to create a comfortable and unique experience for walking, rolling, and biking. The long-term route also includes significant investments in new bridges, traffic signals, and off-street connections. The use of the typical block design treatments will vary along the route, depending on the future context of nearby buildings, open space, access needs, and other site-specific constraints.

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Planting

A key goal of the Green Loop is to create a linear park that reads as lush and verdant. It should strive to expand the Central City's tree canopy coverage, with an aspirational target of approaching the canopy character of the South Park Blocks. Subareas like the Central Eastside, OMSI Campus, South Waterfront, and Albina/Lloyd are well below this tree canopy target.

Photos of street trees on South Park Blocks and lack of street trees in Central Eastside

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Planting in sidewalk corridors and roadways requires coordination with underground and overhead utilities. The rules about spacing trees and vegetation vary depending on the type and condition of the utility. Planting also requires coordination with transportation elements like intersections, crosswalks, and driveways to ensure people walking, rolling, biking, and driving can see and be seen.