Portland's Metro is laying the groundwork for a new green oasis, calling on locals to have their say on the transformation of Willamette Cove into a nature park, per an announcement on their website. Until May 10, North Portlanders and other stakeholders can pitch in their two cents through an online survey, as reported by Oregon Metro News.

The site, a once-bustling industrial nerve center, is now hailed as one of the few remaining access points along the Willamette River in North Portland. "Willamette Cove is a special place,” declared Jennifer D’Avanzo, spearheading park planning, “Community members have known this for a long time, and we’re excited to start creating a vision for what the future nature park can be,” as she told Oregon Metro News.

Amid efforts to harmonize nature with public use, the survey seeks local knowledge on park features, from its trails to river access. Plans include essentials, such as parking facilities and restrooms, ensuring the park's design fulfills community needs while preserving the environment.

Park officials aim to blend community feedback with expert analysis to conjure up three sets of preliminary park designs – a process that will invite further public critique later in the year. “The survey that’s out now will help Metro staff find that balance and understand what types of amenities and features community members would like to see at the park,” Metro explained.

Metro's commitment to Willamette Cove dates back to 1996, but its past, marred by industrial contamination, has stalled progress. The cleanup, a collaboration between Metro, the Port of Portland, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) since 2000, is finally reaching a point where park development can start. In 2021, DEQ approved a cleanup plan, giving hope that the land will again be safe for wildlife and humans.