The Green Loop SWPDX Workshop Project

The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability proposes the construction of the Green Loop, a 10-mile linear public open space proposed in the West Quadrant Plan update that will further link the east and west sides of the Central City. In addition to physically affirming both sides of the river as part of the Central City, the Green Loop is expected to create a second ring of pedestrian and bicycle access, much like the East Bank Esplanade and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, that will draw activity to retail further from the river.The Green Loop addresses both the City of Portland’s Climate Action Plan goals of reducing personal vehicle reliance, improving active lifestyles and adding green infrastructure; and filling a transportation gap between two significant university campuses. Portland is also interested in attracting the “interested but concerned” to active transportation. In order to do so, it must provide a bike pedestrian facility that creates the kind of safety and security this group needs. The purpose of the Green Loop SWPDX project is to explore design concepts and treatments that will create an identity for the Green Loop section between the Tilikum Bridge and the South Park Blocks. A team of 5 Portland State University master’s in urban and regional planning students performed both qualitative and quantitative analysis of this stretch of the Loop. This presentation reports the findings of their research and how it will affect their recommendations. Themes from their findings include safety, activity, facilities and placemaking that will make the Green Loop an ideal facility for the interested but concerned group of users.