Construction begins on Downtown Riverfront Plaza

Eugene Parks and Open Space is excited to announce that construction has begun on the Downtown Riverfront Plaza. Bids for the plaza construction were opened in mid-May, and Brown Contracting, who completed the first phase of work on the Downtown Riverfront Park, has been awarded the contract.

This next phase of work will expand the park by approximately an acre across the Ruth Basom Riverbank Path to create an open, programmable plaza space in the heart of the riverfront development.

The design is a blend of natural and urban amenities. It boasts a variety of features, including a shady tree grove, interactive public art, a water feature and splash pad, nature play area, event space and more. Thoughtfully placed seating areas and shaded spots encourage visitors to relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the river.

Funding for the phase one of the Downtown Riverfront Park development came from the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond, Urban Renewal Agency funds and Public Works capital funds. Ongoing maintenance of the park is being funded by the Parks and Recreation Levy.

Construction is expected to take place during the next year with the plaza opening in summer 2025.

This milestone in the development of the Downtown Riverfront comes on the heels of the opening celebration for Heartwood, the first of at least six residential buildings planned for the River District. When the riverfront redevelopment property is fully developed, the 1 acre park plaza will be nestled between multifamily housing buildings and a restaurant.

Opened in 2022, the Downtown Riverfront Park fulfills a long-held goal of turning the former EWEB utility operations yard into a vibrant, active, and accessible riverfront park that reconnects Downtown to the Willamette River and serves as a regional destination.