Central Reach

The Region's Gathering Place

The Central Reach stretches from roughly the Fremont Bridge to the Ross Island Bridge on the east side of the river and includes the South Waterfront District on the west side of the river (view map).  The River Concept, endorsed by City Council in 2006, characterizes the future for the Central Reach as follows:

The Central Reach will continue to be a highly urban, regional center with a waterfront that is the city's main civic space and a regional attraction. Access to the river and public use of the waterfront will improve through new development and transportation improvements, eventually including changes to Interstate 5.

The River Plan / Central Reach will be conducted as part of the Central Portland Plan and will address the following topics:

• Access to, along and across the River
• Water based recreation
• Relationship of buildings and waterfront districts to the River
• Waterfront businesses and activities
• Fish and wildlife habitat
• Central Eastside riverfront potential
• Educational or interpretive opportunities
• Other topics as identified

The River Team wants to hear from you. Please review the guidance language for the Central Reach on pages 21-24 in the River Concept and let us know what you think. Click here to download the River Concept. The River Team will update the River Concept before starting detailed planning for the Central Reach. Submit comments to riverplan@ci.portland.or.us or call Diane Hale at (503) 823-2281.