HAP has partnered with Oregon State University and a community of interested parties since 2017 to fix this human created algae bloom problem. To date HAP and OSU have raised close to $1M to develop a science based solution. It’s a significant issue that will impact our usage of the Willamette River in Portland for years to come, its a solvable problem and it is not an option not to fix it. 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.

Since 2012, we have “UnRocked the Bowl” moving over 50 tons of rip wrap from the rivers edge to create a beach area at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Next on tap - redeveloping this space into a world class, toe's in the river, water edge park that facilitates robust activation.

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.