Riverfest—Bill Healy Foundation supplemental

Questions 1, 6, 7, and 8 might actually be about Oregon Trout as an organization…?

2. Please provide a 1 page description of your project including goals and specific objectives and why it is important.

A. Description: Riverfest is a new Portland signature event to celebrate the Willamette River running through the heart of Portland, and inspire Portlanders to deepen their connection to, and understanding of, this working river.

Riverfest results from a partnership between the City of Portland, Portland Triathlon, Oregon Trout, Willamette Riverkeeper, The Portland Boathouse, Ecotrust, and Columbia Crossing. The partnership is growing rapidly, with participation by tribes, alternative transportation groups, charities, local history groups, the tourism community, all levels of government, and more.

Riverfest will feature a host of events. Confirmed thus far are: the Portland Triathlon, Willamette Community Fair, Willamette Boat Parade, Portland Paddle, Dragonboat Races, bridge walks, and river tours. Among those now under discussion are an Oregon Symphony free concert, Portland Adventure Race, river lectures and school field trips.

B. Goals

•  Make the Willamette a focus of fun and learning

•  Actively improve river ecosystems and watershed health through citizen engagement

•  Promote increased economic activity on the Riverfront

•  Encourage high levels of citizen engagement in both urban and rural communities

•  Establish Riverfest as a signature Portland event

C. Specific Objectives

•  Connect people—especially new people—to the River (get people down to the River who have never been);

•  Enlarge people’s River experience (get people who have been to the River to directly experience it in different ways);

•  Equip people with a new and ready understanding of river history, economy, and ecology (engage every sense in providing people useful and surprising River information);

•  Create an environment of welcome and wonder for children and families (make the Willamette a family destination by providing direct and memorable river experiences);

•  Create a new, informal venue for hearing peoples’ interests and concerns about the River (give them an abundance of “ears” to talk about their River).

•  Assure participation that fully represents the City, including its under-represented communities (directly involve civic and business leaders from those communities);

•  Network river related agencies, organizations, businesses and community groups

•  Link urban and rural communities, up and downstream (encourage participation by other communities in planning and attendance);

•  Increase economic activity in recreation and tourist-related industries (showcase Willamette as local, regional and national attraction)

D. Importance

Portland wouldn’t exist without the Willamette River and Portland wouldn’t be Portland without its iconic bridges, spring Chinook caught within sight of skyscrapers, the Willamette Greenway and Eastbank esplanade, port terminals, or riverfront crowds celebrating roses, the blues or beer. One million more people are expected to call Portland home by 2040. The only way to protect and improve the River is by cultivating close, personal relationships with it. An annual event that reflects on what the River has given, celebrates those gifts, and creates an enduring sense of good fortune, gratitude, and commitment is urgently needed. That event is Riverfest.

3. Does the success of this project depend on future funding?

Yes. ---------

4. If yes, give brief explanation of future costs and strategic plan for securing that funding.

5. Describe the qualifications and experience of the people involved implementing the project.