Project Location
Portland,
OR
Client
Portland Parks & Recreation
Market Sector
Project Type
- Community & Recreation
Services Provided
Project Highlights
- Maintained continuous access to major cultural venues like the Oregon Zoo throughout construction via strategic phasing and traffic control.
- Managed coordination across multiple agencies for inspections, permitting, and public works processes, including Metro, ODOT, and the City of Portland.
- Delivered multimodal safety improvements, stormwater mitigation features, and iconic entry elements within a constrained site and schedule.
Project Description
MacKay Sposito supported Portland Parks and Recreation in the successful multi-phased renovation of Washington Park’s South Entry, one of the park’s few access points to high-traffic destinations such as the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center. With a construction value of approximately $7.5 million, the project required careful construction management, inspection, and stakeholder coordination to maintain public access and safety. The team also ensured schedules aligned with major park events, such as Zoo Lights, while navigating agency requirements from ODOT, Metro, and various City of Portland departments.
The improvements focused on enhancing pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular circulation and safety while introducing stormwater infrastructure capable of treating runoff from existing parking areas. Key upgrades included new utilities, roadway paving and lighting, public art installations, and the construction of a signature Grand Entry with stone monument walls and landscaped elements. The result is a more functional and welcoming entrance to one of Portland’s premier public spaces.