Human Access Project
Mission
Transforming Portland's relationship with the Willamette River.
Bottom Line for Portland
Help us do more!
Our goals include:
• Improving Willamette River edge spaces for recreation,
• Developing creative activation/programming around these spaces,
• Fostering environmental stewardship, community investment and connection with these spaces, and
• Identifying and removing barriers that prevent people from feeling comfortable interacting with the river.
Achievements:
• Opening of Portland’s 1st and 2nd public beaches in 100 years (Poet’s Beach and Audrey McCall Beach).
• Partnering with Portland Parks & Recreation to name six safer swimming areas on the Willamette River (now on the PP&R website).
• Converting the Kevin Duckworth Dock from a motorized to non-motorized swimming/fishing dock.
• Removing over 350 tons of concrete from river edge spaces.
• Catalyzing the replacement of the Cathedral Park Dock (raising $300k of the $900k total cost).
• Removing 225 abandoned dock piles from Cathedral Park Beach.
• Bringing over 35,000 people to the river with events such as The Big Float.
• Fundraising over $600,000 to support Oregon State University work to resolve the Ross Island Lagoon toxic algae bloom.
Quote
“People protect what they love.”
Jacques Cousteau
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In addition to our active DEI committee HAP arguably has the strongest water-based nonprofit board in the state. Our board is diverse by gender, ethnicity and professional background and comprised of Portland leaders, legends and emerging professionals. Forty-six percent of our board belongs to BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ communities.
This past summer we spearheaded the opening of a new public space swimming area at the historically impacted and underserved Cathedral Park.
Incentives
ALL donations up to $15,000 will be matched!!! You know HAP knows how to throw a party and we’re having another in Spring 2025! A river Swimming Hole Cruise on the Portland Spirit! Please sign up and join us!
*Every donation above $25 will receive a free pint of beer from Steeplejack Brewing!
*Every donation above $50 will receive 2 free pints of beer from Steeplejack Brewing!
*Every donation above $100 will receive 2 free pints of beer from Steeplejack Brewing and a $25 online gift certificate from Popina Swimwear.
*Every donation above $150 will receive 1 ticket on Portland Spirit for the HAP Swimming Hole Cruise May 23rd, 2025. Includes snacks, wine from Mahonia Vineyard and Steeplejack Brewing Beer (cruise value $80). Plus 2 free pints of Steeplejack Brewing Beers at one of their three pubs.
*Every donation above $250 - Two tickets on Portland Spirit for the HAP Swimming Hole Cruise May 23rd, 2025. Includes snacks, wine from Mahonia Vineyard and Steeplejack Brewing Beer. Plus two rounds of Steeplejack Brewing Beers at one of their three pubs (4 pints).
*Every donation above $500 - Four tickets on Portland Spirit for HAP Swimming Hole Cruise May 23rd, 2025. Includes snacks, wine from Mahonia Vineyard and Steeplejack Brewing Beer. Plus a round of Steeplejack Brewing Beer at one of their three pubs (4 pints).
*Every donation above $1,000 - Six tickets on Portland Spirit for HAP Swimming Hole Cruise May 23rd, 2025. Includes snacks, wine from Mahonia Vineyard and Steeplejack Brewing Beer. Plus two rounds of Steeplejack Brewing Beer at one of their three pubs (12 pints) with HAP Ringleader Willie for a deep dive into HAP‘s work with optional swim after!
Partner(s)
Portland Spirit operates a fleet of four boats for year-round dining and sightseeing cruises — an experience unlike anything else in Portland.
Steeplejack Brewing brews fresh craft beer and serves both classic and innovative pub fare out of three locations in Portland and Hillsboro. Their focus is on creating comfortable, family-friendly spaces where people can connect over good food and drinks.
John Miller’s Wildwood/Mahonia family of companies includes a diverse range of activities: Urban Planning and Development, Watersheds, Agriculture, and caring for the environment. Our companies share a common commitment to sustainability that began over 40 years ago and our definition of profit includes community and environmental benefits.
Popina Swimwear - Portland's Swimwear Boutique since 2006 featuring the made in Portland swimwear brand Popina and everything else you need for your trip to the sun. Now 100% online.
Human Access Project is in the Environment category which is sponsored by A to Z Wineworks.
They're a micro-sized organization with activities in Multnomah Co.