Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Located in downtown Portland, Oregon, along the Willamette River, Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a sprawling 36.59-acre (148,100 m2) public park. The park opened in 1978, following the removal of Harbor Drive, a critical moment in the freeway removal movement. The park is owned by the City of Portland, specifically Portland Parks and Recreation, and spans 13 tax lots. It was renamed in 1984 to honor Tom McCall, the former Oregon governor who was committed to enhancing the beauty of the west bank of the Willamette River, as reflected in the City Beautiful plans of the early 1900s, which envisioned riverfront parks and greenways.

RiverPlace lies to the south of the park, while the Steel Bridge is to the north, Naito Parkway to the west, and the Willamette River to the east. In 2012, Waterfront Park was recognized as one of America’s ten greatest public spaces by the American Planning Association. The park is a popular destination for jogging, walking, biking, skateboarding, fountain play, lunching, basketball, fireworks viewing, and boat watching. During lunch hours (11:00 am to 1:00 pm), the park sees peak usage, owing to its recreational appeal. The park also serves as a thoroughfare away from vehicular traffic, making it highly popular with bike and pedestrian commuters during rush hours (3:00 pm to 5:00 pm). The park is home to several festivals, including the Waterfront Blues Festival, Oregon Brewers Festival, Gay/Lesbian Pride Festival, and the Bite of Oregon festival. It also hosts numerous Rose Festival events.