Portland Parks Commits $15M to Support Steel Bridge Skatepark

The Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) bureau is set to utilize $15 million from Parks System Development Charges, fees paid by developers, to facilitate the construction of a skatepark near the Steel Bridge, just west of Waterfront Park. The announcement was made this morning by Parks Commissioner Dan Ryan, who emphasized that this substantial investment would fully fund the development of the Steel Bridge Skatepark.

The concept for a skatepark on the 35,000 square-foot parcel, bounded by NW 1st, Everett, and Naito Parkway, was formalized in Portland's 2008 Skatepark System Plan, where it was envisioned as the "crown jewel" among 19 proposed facilities. In 2011, DAO Architecture, based in Portland, developed a comprehensive plan for the site under the guidance of the City of Portland and an advisory committee. Despite previous setbacks, including failed attempts to bring the project to fruition, the recent urgency for downtown revitalization, coupled with the increased popularity of skating since the pandemic, has propelled the Steel Bridge Skatepark project forward.

The complexity of the project is not solely attributed to funding challenges but is also a result of overlapping jurisdictional boundaries. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) oversees the city streets, TriMet light rail vehicles utilize one of the overpasses, Union Pacific Railroad operates a line nearby, PP&R manages the riverfront paths, and the Oregon Department of Transportation owns the ramps on and off the Steel Bridge.

After a hiatus of at least two years, during which multiple attempts to build the skatepark fell through, the momentum to revitalize downtown and the renewed interest in skateboarding have converged to overcome previous obstacles. In addition to funding, navigating the complexities of multiple jurisdictional authorities has been a significant challenge. The Portland Bureau of Transportation manages the city streets, TriMet light rail vehicles utilize one of the overpasses, Union Pacific Railroad operates a line nearby, PP&R is responsible for the riverfront paths, and the Oregon Department of Transportation owns the ramps on and off the Steel Bridge.

Over the past few years, the site has been occupied by a sizable encampment of individuals who have made the grassy lot their home. In March of the previous year, a fire beneath the bridge, associated with the encampments, garnered Commissioner Ryan's attention and appears to have accelerated efforts to move forward with the construction of the skatepark. The project is not only a positive development for the skating community but is also seen as a catalyst for addressing broader urban challenges and promoting active, non-motorized transportation solutions.