The River Dragon debut is a celebration of a new public artwork by artist Ivan McLean and the years of work Jennifer Vitello led to bring the sculpture to life.

The celebration also recognizes Human Access Project’s broader investment in Cathedral Park and the Willamette River, including raising $1.2 million to replace the Cathedral Park Swimming Dock, remove 250 tons of concrete, remove 300 derelict piles, and install a new boom line to protect the dock from large floating river debris.

Affectionately named “Willie,” the River Dragon also recognizes HAP’s founder chapter and the sixteen years of work that helped advance public river access, urban swimming, river recreation, and a broader cultural reconnection with Portland’s waterfront.

The celebration begins at noon with a group bike ride led by Bike Loud PDX, departing from the North Jessup and North Omaha Treeway. The official ribbon cutting and dragon reveal will take place at 1:00 PM at N. Willamette Blvd. and N. Burlington Ave., followed by a 2:00 PM parade to Cathedral Park Beach led by the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers and celebratory swim with music from PopCartPDX and DJ Carlos.

 

Many thanks to Portland Metro Chamber for supporting this wonderful community event.