As part of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) redevelopment of its riverfront campus, a new Waterfront Education Park is envisioned to honor and reestablish the Indigenous presence along the Willamette River. Guided by the concept of creating “a place that heals the land and unites communities through a Tribal and Indigenous lens of culture and science,” the project seeks to center Native perspectives in the shaping of this unique public space.
OMSI, the City of Portland, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) led a collaborative visioning process, bringing together Tribal Nations, Indigenous community members, and tribal-led and tribal-serving organizations to explore how the park could reflect their values, traditions and aspirations. Participants identified opportunities to create a space of visibility, identity, gathering, ceremony, education and celebration—integrating native plants, art and culinary heritage.
Mayer/Reed translated this collective vision into a series of conceptual design alternatives that explore how the desired elements could be realized along the OMSI waterfront. The firm also evaluated strategies for restoring habitat to support wildlife and fisheries. The resulting vision plan offers a framework for future development of the site. Proposed features include an enhanced greenway trail with river overlooks, restored riparian habitats, outdoor science activity zones, welcoming gateway elements, traditional fishing platforms, a gathering circle with a fire pit, an expanded dock for canoe landings, public plazas, a nature play area, and spaces for cultural expression and education. Interpretation throughout the park will celebrate and sustain Indigenous ecological knowledge and enduring cultural ties to the river.
Project Team: OMSI, Metro, City of Portland Tribal Relations Program, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), Prosper Portland, Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks and Recreation, Edlen & Co., SERA Architects, Mayer/Reed, Inc., Long Haul Capital Group.
Owner: Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI)
Renderings: Mayer/Reed, Inc.
As part of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) redevelopment of its riverfront campus, a new Waterfront Education Park is envisioned to honor and reestablish the Indigenous presence along the Willamette River. Guided by the concept of creating “a place that heals the land and unites communities through a Tribal and Indigenous lens of culture and science,” the project seeks to center Native perspectives in the shaping of this unique public space.
OMSI, the City of Portland, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) led a collaborative visioning process, bringing together Tribal Nations, Indigenous community members, and tribal-led and tribal-serving organizations to explore how the park could reflect their values, traditions and aspirations. Participants identified opportunities to create a space of visibility, identity, gathering, ceremony, education and celebration—integrating native plants, art and culinary heritage.
Mayer/Reed translated this collective vision into a series of conceptual design alternatives that explore how the desired elements could be realized along the OMSI waterfront. The firm also evaluated strategies for restoring habitat to support wildlife and fisheries. The resulting vision plan offers a framework for future development of the site. Proposed features include an enhanced greenway trail with river overlooks, restored riparian habitats, outdoor science activity zones, welcoming gateway elements, traditional fishing platforms, a gathering circle with a fire pit, an expanded dock for canoe landings, public plazas, a nature play area, and spaces for cultural expression and education. Interpretation throughout the park will celebrate and sustain Indigenous ecological knowledge and enduring cultural ties to the river.
Project Team: OMSI, Metro, City of Portland Tribal Relations Program, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI), Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), Prosper Portland, Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks and Recreation, Edlen & Co., SERA Architects, Mayer/Reed, Inc., Long Haul Capital Group.
Owner
