St. Helens Riverwalk Phase 1 Opens, Marks Major Redevelopment Milestone

St. Helens, OR – June 2025 – The City of St. Helens has officially opened phase 1 of its Riverwalk project, a significant step in transforming 24 acres of former industrial waterfront into a dynamic public and mixed-use River District.

A half-mile stretch of land along the Columbia River has been revitalized with sustainable landscaping, public access enhancements, and habitat restoration features. "Building Blocks" projects like this represent the physical and cultural transformation of urban edges into accessible, community-oriented spaces.

The $3 million construction effort began in April 2024, with design work starting in March 2021. Led by Mayer/Reed as project manager and landscape architect, the first phase of the Riverwalk includes a redesigned Columbia View Park, 300 feet of pedestrian riverwalk, interpretive signage, scenic overlooks, stepped seawalls, and restored fish and wildlife habitat.

“Building Blocks” features projects that redefine local infrastructure and urban renewal. The Riverwalk’s initial improvements connect the downtown with the Columbia River and Columbia County’s broader waterfront trail system, while also integrating with Columbia View Circle.

“This project is a milestone in our vision to create a vibrant, connected River District,” said city officials at the opening.

Advanced Excavating Specialists served as the general contractor, while the engineering team included Otak, PAE, and NV5. Additional support came from Archaeological Investigations Northwest, Architectural Cost Consultants, Naughton Communications, and Pacific Habitat Services.

Future Plans for Phase 2

Phase 2 is currently unfunded but envisioned as an even more dynamic public attraction. It will feature a new amphitheater stage and playground at Columbia View Park, as well as southern sections of the riverwalk with beach access, picnic areas, a plaza, a gangway with a dock for light watercraft, and a large cantilevered overlook.

The Riverwalk is part of a larger redevelopment plan that includes the Streets and Utilities Extension Project, also led by Otak, which will create multimodal links between the downtown core, riverfront, and the future River District.

With a strong focus on connectivity, sustainability, and ecological restoration, the St. Helens Riverwalk is shaping up to be a model of waterfront transformation in the Pacific Northwest.

To learn more about submitting projects to “Building Blocks,” visit: djcoregon.com/building-blocks.

Originally reported by DJC Staff in DJC Oregon.