Portland, OR - ongoing
In 2024, I began documenting Portland’s Duckworth Dock Wednesdays, an event inaugurated the year before by local nonprofits Human Access Project and Lloyd EcoDistrict. This inspired me to dive deeper into both the river’s history and potential as it relates to city life. I learned of our city’s early vibrant river culture (including a popular floating swimming facility/dance hall near Ross Island, "Bundy's Baths", and a public bath "for the poor" under the Morrison Bridge), cut short in 1924 when, as a result of over-industrialization, it was declared no longer safe for recreation. I also explored recent efforts at redress, resulting in a river declared as of 2024 safe again for human activity - exactly 100yrs after the initial restrictions. And though some benefits of a now safer urban “blue space” may be obvious, there is certainly more to be done if it’s to be enjoyed fully and shared equitably. As Portlanders gain opportunities and encouragement to experience the innumerable benefits of our largest natural “park,” we can now hope to see a day in which the whole city cherishes its river and is committed to its stewardship. With this project, over the next couple years, I intend to: 1) explore Portland’s historic relationship to the river; 2) survey the myriad efforts to right that relationship; 3) spotlight the ways the river brings joy and life to our present community, and 4) envision the possibilities of an entire city in love with its river commons.
