City Matters -- Summer 2005
By Alice Norris, Mayor

“Those who build the future are those who know that greater things are yet to come. They never stop to doubt. They haven’t time.”  -- Melvin Evans

The dedication of our new 320’ floating dock along the Willamette River is the first of many exciting happenings along our waterfront. Boaters and commercial tour boats can now tie up for up to 72 hours at the new dock to visit the sights of Oregon City. The first 60’ are reserved for commercial vessels, 40’ for waste pumpout, and 220’ for recreational boaters. Thanks to great staff work, the dock was funded by a grant from US Fish & Wildlife Service through Oregon State Marine Board, parks SDCs, and a donation from Columbia River Yachting Association; NOT from the general fund.

The dock (and restroom) is Phase One in the development of Jon Storm Park, a 1 ½ acre site dedicated to the memory of Jon Storm, an Oregon City volunteer who lost his life during a 1994 clean-up project at Clackamette Park. Although small, the park will be an important space, as it connects Clackamette Park, one of our largest and most popular parks, and Sportcraft Marina, a private boat launch with public access. Keep your fingers crossed that we will receive a grant and be able to complete the park next summer!

On the inaugural weekend in May, the new Belle of the Falls (refurbished by Captain Paul Simonis of the Sternwheeler Rose to run river cruises from the dock) and the Crystal Dolphin cruised to town to pick up passengers. Our vintage trolley, Helen II, will augment our growing tourism industry by running a loop to historic sites, museums, and downtown businesses all summer long. Our second trolley will be dedicated soon to provide efficiency and a convenient second Oregon City trolley route.

One of our Waterfront Master Plan goals was to increase public access to our rivers. With the completion of Clackamas River Trail last fall and now the new dock, we are making significant progress.