The Metro Council on Thursday awarded a total of $6.25 million to 12 parks and nature projects spread across greater Portland. The grants are funded by the Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grants program of the voter-approved 2019 parks and nature bond measure.
Over the past 25 years, Metro has provided more than $100 million in grants for parks and nature projects around the region. This was the third round of Capital Grants from the 2019 bond measure.
“This is why voters support us: we deliver,” said Councilor Christine Lewis. “I want to again thank voters for voting yes for Metro parks and nature.”
The Capital Grants program is designed to support community-driven projects that protect water quality, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and support the region as it experiences the effects of climate change. The grants can also go to projects that increase people’s experience of nature in their neighborhoods, with an emphasis on benefitting historically marginalized communities.
“This is what government should be doing, when we lead this way, when we elevate our communities this way, when we put our money where our values are,” said Councilor Juan Carlos González. “I’m really inspired by this round of grants and I’m grateful that so many pockets of our region are going to be benefiting from these resources.”
This year’s Capital Grants awards range from a pedestrian bridge on a regional trail that crosses over railroad tracks in Tigard to a large-scale habitat restoration by an affordable housing complex in Aloha to expanding a community garden in Chinatown.
“I think it is a great program that spreads money around the region and is accessible to communities,” said Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal.
While Capital Grants dollars must go to projects that are publicly owned, partnerships are one of the program’s key criteria. That means many of the projects are led by community organizations working with local governments.
City of Tigard: Red Rock Creek Trail Implementation
$1,000,000
Construction of a pedestrian and bike bridge over the TriMet, WES and Pacific & Western Railroad line and Fuller railyard for improved access to nature within the Tigard town center as part of the Red Rock Creek and Tigard/Lake Oswego regional trails.
Friends of Gladstone Nature Park: Gladstone Nature Park Inclusive Bird Pavilion
$132,000
The inclusive bird pavilion near the new ADA loop trail in Gladstone Nature Park will enable all visitors to enjoy the park's 100-plus bird species out of the rain on a paved trail. It includes features for the blind and visually impaired , and ADA accessibility.
Housing Authority of Washington County: Aloha-Reedville Housing Wetland Restoration
$750,000
This project will restore wetland habitat at an affordable housing development to enhance existing natural resources, water quality and climate resilience. It will integrate ecological restoration with community needs by providing open space, wildlife habitat and stormwater management.
Human Access Project: Central Eastside Willamette River Seasonal Activation Pilot
$250,000
This project improves prime river-edge spaces at and around Audrey McCall Beach and the public Fire House Dock in Portland’s Central Eastside neighborhood .
$407,300
This project will fund the development and maintenance of a nature trail in the King City Community Park. There is currently a roughly 5-acre wooded area immediately adjacent to the current park field that needs to be upgraded for safety and access.
Lan Su Chinese Garden: Block 24 Garden Project
$100,000
The Block 24 Garden Project will expand a community garden in Portland's Chinatown, doubling its Asian vegetable production, enhancing food access for seniors, and creating an inclusive space that fosters cultural connection and climate-resilient practices.
Llewellyn Elementary School, Portland Public Schools: Llewellyn's Climate Resilient Schoolyard Project
$579,486
Llewellyn Elementary is creating an inclusive, accessible, climate-resilient natural space for learning and play, fostering environmental stewardship and supporting the neighboring Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and Moreland Woods, home to diverse wildlife.
Lloyd EcoDistrict: Peace Memorial Park Revitalization
$260,047
Peace Memorial Park transforms a PBOT easement into a vibrant hub linking the Lloyd District to the Willamette River. With pollinator gardens, art and stormwater solutions, it fosters equity, climate resilience and connectivity at one of Portland's most biked locations.
North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District: Park at Jennings Lodge Campus
$1,000,000
NCPRD is partnering with the Oregon City School District to develop a neighborhood park at Jennings Lodge Elementary School. The project aims to bring nature and play amenities to multiple communities in an area that is currently deficient in parks.
Portland State University: PSU Oak Savanna & ITECK Center
$600,000
Funds will support the completion of PSU's Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge (ITECK) Center Living Building capital project. The project involves student design-build, broad community input, and restoration of an urban oak savanna.
The AfroVillage PDX: The AfroFuturism Oasis
$988,020
AfroVillage PDX is converting a retiring MAX train and an underutilized site in North Portland into the AfroFuturism Oasis: a sanctuary space that blends nature, green energy and Afro-futuristic design to create a healing oasis for BIPOC communities.
$200,000
This project will expand the current community garden offerings in East Portland to include a garden built for and by the Black community in East Portland in association with the Black Wellness Center. It will be focused on healing, wellness and empowerment.