Title
Willamette Falls Legacy Project Programming
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
No action required.
BACKGROUND:
The Willamette Falls Legacy Project will create a new riverwalk that connects historic downtown Oregon City to Willamette Falls. For the first time in more than 150 years, visitors will be welcome to get up close and experience Willamette Falls along the Willamette River from a world-class public-space.
The riverwalk design process has been moving forward and is expected to break ground in the spring of 2020. This design process includes determining the charcter and public access alignment of the riverwalk, placement of the viewing overlooks, selection of materials, areas of habitat enhancement and development of an overall site plan. In addition to the physical design of the project, it is important to think about how users will interact with the space through the creation of a programming plan.
The visitor experience once at riverwalk is essential. Programming ensures a complete visitor experience and will keep the riverwalk active and lively. The programming plan will identify opportunities to "activate" the site's public spaces in ways that create unique visitor experience and encourage healthy economic development and investment in the area.
Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (BRV) has been selected to produce the programming plan for the riverwalk. The programming design contract is being managed by the project's non-profit partner Willamette Falls Trust in collaboration with the four public agency partners. Ashley Langworthy of BRV and Alex Gilbertson of Metro will provide the presentation.