As river advocates striving to get things done, we’ve often made waves at City Hall and elsewhere – asking questions, pushing initiatives, forming relationships, and building support for more Willamette River access and beaches in Portland.
Currently, HAP is focused on solving the algae bloom problem at Ross Island lagoon. It’s a significant issue that will impact our usage of the Willamette River in Portland for years to come. Thanks to all who are working on this with us!
Located on the east bank of the Willamette RIver near Hawthorne Bridge, this Portland beach in the making has been a work in progress for many years. HAP has to date removed 50 yards of concrete, glass, and debris during six individual cleanup events at this beach. We have recently completed permits to create a swimming area and are paying for lifeguards from our own budget.
Over the past few years, we have “UnRocked the Bowl” to create a beach area at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. We will continue to do so every summer so Portland has a Willamette River beach to use. Numerous volunteers join us every year in this “unrockin’” community effort.
In 2014, HAP helped forge a path to a semihidden Willamette River beach under the Marquam Bridge nicknamed Poet’s Beach. It is now Portland’s first official beach, and is the launch point for The Big Float. Stones along the path are engraved with children’s poems from the Honoring Our Rivers anthology, and native Chinook words from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
We will continue to remove concrete, debris, and trash from the banks of the Willamette River. Our Portland Beach Bash & Cleanup happens the morning of The Big Float every year. We take care of three Willamette River beaches and volunteers get into TBF for free.
Future efforts will include advocacy and support for docks, beach enhancement, swimming safety, outreach, and education.
