Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon, United States
About this story
Portland Parks & Recreation has shortlisted three multidisciplinary teams to redesign the 30-acre Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park: BIG with Jennifer Bonner/MALL; Studio Egret West with West of West; and SWA Group with PLACE and Thomas Phifer and Partners. The teams will develop concepts for the full park with a focus on the Bowl area. The brief calls for improved river access, ecological restoration, inclusive design and year-round civic activity while retaining valued features including the Japanese American Historical Plaza, mature cherry trees and Salmon Street Springs Fountain. Each team will receive a $50,000 competition fee. The first stage attracted 50 submissions involving more than 150 firms across six continents.
Status and timeline
Three teams have entered a 12-week concept-design phase. Concepts will be exhibited for public comment in early 2027, and the winner is scheduled to be announced in spring 2027.
Design highlights
The brief positions the park as both ecological infrastructure and a civic anchor for downtown recovery, balancing restoration and river access with major events, everyday use and preservation of established landscape features.
Important dates
· Public presentation introducing shortlisted teams · Details
