Portland moves a step closer to becoming a ‘swimmable city’

Swimmable Cities is an international alliance advocating cities to clean up urban rivers.

If approved by Mayor Wilson, Portland would join dozens of cities in the United States and around the world in the alliance, including Paris, France; Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Yarra, Melbourne, Australia; and U.S. destinations including Annapolis, Maryland and Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

DON’T MISS: Best Willamette River swimming spots, according to the Human Access Project

Following Wednesday’s vote, swimmable cities advocates say this signifies the Willamette River’s importance to the city’s health, economy and culture.

Celebrating the city council vote, conservation organization American Rivers noted that the Willamette River is already a popular recreation spot with beaches, docks and boat launches.

“Rivers are life, and urban rivers are the heartbeat of our cities. Every river should be clean and safe for swimming, playing, and fun, and Portland is at the forefront,” said Sarah Dyrdahl, Northwest regional director for American Rivers. “This success is thanks to strong federal clean water protections, as well as forward-thinking action at the local level. We need to keep this positive momentum going in Portland and nationwide, because our rivers are our greatest natural assets. The more people out enjoying our rivers, the bigger boosts we have for our health, local economies, and quality of life.”

American Rivers noted despite its popularity, the Willamette “wasn’t always so welcoming.”

“For decades, it was choked with pollution, and making contact with the water was dangerous. Infrastructure investments, including a “big pipe” to prevent sewage overflows, and green infrastructure such as trees and rain gardens throughout the city to manage polluted runoff, has made the river cleaner and safer,” American Rivers said.

Swimmable Cities Director Matt Sykes lauded Portland’s support for the river access movement, stating, “Swimmable Cities is part of an international movement creating more livable, inclusive and resilient urban communities. Our alliance was launched before the Paris Olympics and now unites 153 diverse organizations, across 83 cities and towns and 30 countries. We’re excited to welcome the City of Portland as the 8th Municipal Signatory to our Charter,” adding, “Let’s stand together for communities’ Right to Swim and Nature Rights.”

In a statement, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said, “The Willamette River is Portland’s second largest public space and natural area, owned by the citizens of Oregon. It serves as a natural cooling center during hot weather and a place for recreation, contemplation, and community year-round. Green leadership means restoring, developing, and celebrating our river on behalf of the public, supporting river culture, and growing economic opportunities around river recreation. Like Paris, we’ve invested years of hard work in this effort, including our Big Pipe project, which was completed in 2011. I’m proud of everyone who contributed to making Portland a Swimmable City.”