Christina Robertson-Gardiner accepts the award from Stacy Humphrey on behalf of the team (team members present include Ellen Wyoming, Steve Faust, Lorelei Juntunen, Kelly Reid and Ben Schonbergr )
On October 16, 2015 the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association (OAPA) awarded the Willamette Falls Legacy Project with the award for a project with statewide significance. Award Chair Stacy Humphrey expressed the committee’s support stating “we are witnessing history in the making here at Willamette Falls.”
Christina Robertson-Gardiner, Oregon City project lead for the Vision and Master Plan accepted the award on behalf of the team and the project partners, Oregon City, Clackamas County, Metro and the State of Oregon. “The results of the Willamette Falls Legacy Project speak for themselves – the public process was worth the resources and effort that went into it. Our success stems from great planning work, the property owner, Falls Legacy LLC, and from the transparent and robust outreach process focused on the project’s four core values. The planning process removed barriers for development, created a community-supported vision that would last through political cycles, and began to raise awareness of the site to the state, national and international level.”
Mike Zilis, Principal with Walker Macy and consultant lead for the Vision and Master Plan echoed Robertson-Gardiner’s remarks. “This is truly a place of national significance. The vision established for the Willamette Falls Legacy Project came from the community's recognition of the importance of this irreplaceable resource and their commitment to its revitalization and rediscovery. Connecting people to the history and natural beauty of the Falls will catalyze the sensitive redevelopment of this place while protecting a powerful landmark for all Oregonians. It is a great honor to have worked with the people of this region in crafting the vision. We look forward to seeing the plan’s successful implementation.”
Click on the photo to download the vision document.