The Willamette Falls riverwalk open house on March 30 was a smashing success! More than 800 people from across the region made it to the open house to weigh in on the Willamette Falls riverwalk at the Abernethy Center in Oregon City, exceeding even the most optimistic expectations for attendance. Check out what people shared on video at the event:
As part of riverwalk design, the design collective of Snøhetta, Mayer/Reed and DIALOG planned the open house to learn more about what people want to do and experience at the riverwalk. Project designers and event volunteers were floored by the community’s passionate enthusiasm for the project. Members of the design collective and project staff spent five hours speaking with the hundreds of interested people who came for the open house, including many residents who live near the project site as well as many who came from miles away to learn more and share their opinions. People who attended the event made their way through the six interactive stations, each focused on a different theme: Learn; Experience; Inspire; Share; Ask the Experts; and Create.
I didn’t have a chance to attend the open house – can I still participate?
Yes! We welcome your involvement! We have a virtual open house that you can participate in now through April 18th. It mirrors the experience of the open house held on March 30, and the information you share will help the design collective understand what people hope to do and experience on the riverwalk. The website is interactive and designed to make you think, so plan on spending a good 20 minutes to make it meaningful. You'll have almost the same experience as the people in the images below:
What’s Next?
The design collective is now immersed in the process of creating design concepts for the riverwalk based on input received at the open house, physical features of the site, and a deepening understanding of hydrology, habitat, and history of the site and its surroundings.
We will be out and about at more events this summer -- stay up to date on our website, facebook and twitter. We are looking forward to seeing you again soon!