The St. Johns Prairie Trail represents a transformative conversion of a former landfill into a regional park. This project successfully addresses a critical gap in the 40-Mile Loop, establishing a seamless connection between Chimney Park and the Smith and Bybee Wetlands. Central to the infrastructure will be a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge designed to facilitate safe transit over a major freight corridor. The trail will navigate the 244-acre St. Johns Prairie, an upland grassland habitat that serves as a vital ecological resource. The design integrates strategic wayfinding and native restoration, effectively transitioning a complex environmental management site into a scenic retreat for the North Portland community. By balancing infrastructural utility with habitat preservation, the project demonstrates the potential for repurposed landscapes to provide significant recreational and ecological value.

Client: Metro and Portland Parks & Rec

Team: Mayer/Reed, KPFF

Status: On-hold with Mayer/Reed

Credits: Images courtesy of Metro and Mayer/Reed