A new Gateway Green is taking shape!

Gateway Green provides a much-needed site for off-road cycling and other outdoor recreation in East Portland. When fully built, a system of soft-surface and paved multi-use trails will allow visitors to explore the unique site and connect to the regional trail and cycling network.

This 25-acre site is located just east of Rocky Butte near the Gateway Regional Transit Center along the I-205 Multi-Use Path. Dogs are required to be on leash at all times in the park.

The park is currently in development. Improvements to make the site fully accessible and ADA compliant will begin in early 2020. Please use your personal discretion to visit the site under current conditions.  

February 2020 Update

Portland Parks & Recreation announces that substantial improvements will begin in early March at Gateway Green, a park for off-road cycling and hiking located in east Portland. Project partners include Friends of Gateway Green, Northwest Trail Alliance, and Metro.

Construction will start in early March. Gateway Green will temporarily close during construction and the improved park is expected to reopen in November 2020. Gateway Green spans 25 acres just east of Rocky Butte near the Gateway Regional Transit Center and along the I-205 multi-use path.

Gateway Green’s Phase 2 construction will include:

• Improved trails and paths, including a new gravity-oriented mountain bike trail
• Public gathering spaces and play area
• Habitat improvements and plantings
• Improved park utilities, including drinking water and restrooms.

“The continued improvements at Gateway Green are exciting news for off-road cyclists and hikers around the Portland metro area,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long. “We thank the Friends of Gateway Green, Metro, and the NW Trail Alliance for their inspiring advocacy and their continued volunteer work.”

“Gateway Green is a transformational project that will improve habitat while responding to the community’s needs,” says Juan Carlos Ocaña-Chíu, Parks + Nature Community Investments and Cemeteries Manager for Metro. “Providing a signature greenspace for a growing hub of jobs, housing, and public transportation will help keep our region livable. Metro is excited to partner with Portland Parks and Recreation to bring this incredible community benefit to people who live and play in east Portland.”

Funding for this $5.75 Million project includes $1M from Metro and $4.75M in Portland Parks & Recreation System Development Charges.

• Design Consultants:  Greenworks, PBS Engineering & Environmental
• Construction Contractor: Raimore Construction

“Friends of Gateway Green is humbled to see this construction going forward after more than a decade of advocacy for this park to become part of East Portland's collection of great public spaces,” says the group’s president, Paul Dickow. “We are grateful to be part of this partnership with PP&R, Metro, and NWTA and look forward to continuing our role in the park as a convener for new community partners to help activate this one-of-a-kind new public space.”

“Northwest Trail Alliance is a proud partner in this project,” says Juntu Oberg, who handles several roles with the NWTA. “We look forward to enhanced off-road cycling opportunities for local families and encourage everyone around the region to come to the park on public transit, supporting our ‘Ride to Your Ride’ mission.”

Portland Parks & Recreation has contracted with Raimore Construction for this unique project. Raimore is a locally owned and operated minority contractor with a field staff of over 60% minorities and women, and a management staff of over 80% minorities and women.

Visitor Access and Guidance

This park is car free! Walkers and bicycle riders can reach the site via the I-205 multi-use path, or ride MAX and buses to the Gateway Regional Center and follow the multi-use path north for about a half mile to the park entrance. 

Dogs are required to be on leash at all times in the park.

Wet Weather Rules
Please remember the following wet weather guidelines when riding; we need your help to keep Gateway Green’s trails and features in great shape during the Northwest winter. Scout the ride and use extra caution on wet or muddy days.

• Single-track riders: stay off the trails following significant rain events (if you would leave a boot or tire track, don’t use the trails)
• Jump-line riders: NO riding during muddy days
• Skills area/ Pump track: No riding once mud begins to stick to wood features or on the pump track

Thanks for riding considerately and for keeping our parks safe and fun.

Construction Schedule

There are two phases of construction in this project to maximize the habitat restoration efforts and minimize the risks associated with the limited access. The first phase was completed in June 2017. 

Phase One: June 2017 - Construction of Dirt Lab, mountain-biking and cycling features.

Phase Two: Spring 2020 - Fall 2020

• Plant / Habitat Restoration
• Multi‐use Trail
• Site Grading
• Entry Plaza
• Natural Play Features
• Grading and Earthwork
• Utilities Installation

Project Budget: $5.75 Million
Funding Sources:  $1M Metro IGA, and $4.75M Parks & Recreation System Development Charges
Design Consultant:  Greenworks, PBS Engineering & Environmental
Construction Contractor: Raimore Construction

Background

A comprehensive, community-supported design to restore habitat, improve access, and enhance other recreational activities at Gateway Green was completed in 2018. The park design includes active recreation and off-road cycling features, habitat restoration and enhancement, as well as public access and utility improvements.

Friends of Gateway Green (FoGG) s a key partner, and will manage programming at the developing park. PP&R will work collaboratively with FoGG, Metro, and other partners to engage diverse communities as we create this innovative bike park.

In 2014, the Metro Council awarded FoGG a $1 million Nature in Neighborhood capital grant, and Portland Parks & Recreation purchased the property from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Community leaders and advocates were instrumental in the development of this park. Robust support is provided by a highly visible and active group – Friends of Gateway Green. The Gateway Green Vision Plan (2008) was developed through a two-year community-led effort funded by residents and advocates.

The park site has been the focus of several previous planning efforts:

• PP&R Feasibility Study (2015),
• FoGG Concept Design (2010),
• East Portland Action Plan (February 2009),
• Gateway Green Vision Plan (May, 2008), and
• Site inventory conducted by Portland State University Master of Urban and Regional Planning graduate students (2006).