"Going to the River" Trail Opening Celebration

By Maria Thi Mai

Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of accompanying Sam to the official opening of the "Going to the River" Trail in the Swan Island industrial area. The new trail is an extension of the Greenway Trail and runs 3/8 mile along the Willamette River from the big pipe Pump Station to the Daimler Chrysler building. We walked up the trail, taking in its scenic view of the Fremont Bridge and downtown. The natural beauty of the trail is especially exciting considering that the spot used to be a Superfund site.

This trail is part of the Community Benefit Opportunity (CBO) Program's efforts to give back to communities who are negatively impacted by the big pipe construction. The Swan Island Pump Station, at the trail's southern end, was built as part of the West side big pipe project; therefore, the West Side CBO funded this and a North Going Street Sidewalk improvement project. The West Side CBO's next plan is to replace invasive species with native vegetation along the riverbank. What this equals for Portlanders is new ground to run/bike/walk around where we used to be intimidated by industry.

Commissioner Adams was joined by Gregg Everhart from the Portland Parks Bureau and Lenny Anderson, the Executive Director of the Swan Island Transportation Management Association to inaugurate the trail. Gregg Everhart pointed out the porous concrete used as trail's surface by pouring out her water and letting us watch it absorb. The concrete was chosen for its ability to absorb and filter rainwater; therefore reducing groundwater drainage. Lenny Anderson, a longtime Swan Island advocate, is "tickled pink" to see the trail open. He has long envisioned a trail that will reach from the esplanade to St. John's and hopes the CBO funding can make that dream come true.

So, next time you're on Swan Island, check out the new trail. To get there, you take Going Street and turn left at the first light. Look for the trail entrance on your right. Check it out because you enjoy scenic views of our city and because you appreciate the positive effort the CBO put forth to create it.