Human Access Project
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Transforming Portland's Relationship with the Willamette River. Organizers of The Big Float, River Hugger Swim Team, Tuesday Splashdowns at AMB.
Join the Riverlution: https://donate.humanaccessproject.com/ https://twitter.com/TheBigFloat
06/23/2026
First Outside Magazine, and now Dwell! WOW. Love that we're moving beyond a trend and into 'this is normal' territory!
Thank you, Jessica Furseth. This. Is. Awesome!
The Urban Swimming Revolution Is Here Across a growing number of European and American cities, people are taking back their waterways.
06/22/2026
Willie Day was incredible. Now let's honor Willie the best way possible: by showing up.
March yourselves straight to Alberta Abbey (126 NE Alberta) and help continue the work Willie has devoted 16 years to. Harmful algae blooms at Ross Island Lagoon won't solve themselves, and the time to act is NOW.
💚 WE NEED YOU! Let's fill the house.
This event is free, but you do need a ticket: https://www.zeffy.com/.../clearing-the-water-defeating...
Willie leading the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers 📸
Dustin Pattison
06/21/2026
June 20 is now officially Willie Levenson Day, as declared by the Portland Metro Chamber.
There was a lot to celebrate at Cathedral Park this weekend. Hundreds of people gathered for the unveiling of Willie the River Dragon, a joyful new public artwork that also honors our founder, Willie Levenson, and the movement that helped Portland fall back in love with the Willamette River.
It was a party in every sense of the word, with the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers, Pop Cart PDX, Shorty's Hot Dogs, characters from PDX Disco Dragons and Wildland Roots, a parade, and a community swim beneath the St. Johns Bridge.
Congratulations to Ivan McLean, Jennifer Vitello, Scott Fogarty, Willie, and everyone who helped bring this moment to life. Days like this remind us what makes Portland such a special place.
All photos courtesy of Dustin Pattison
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06/21/2026
TODAY (Sunday, June 21) at 6pm, Willie will be on Eye on Northwest Politics with Ken Boddie KOIN! Be sure to catch it!
What a day. Behold Willie the River Dragon. 🐉
Thank you to artist Ivan McLean for bringing the River Dragon to life and creating a piece of public art that will inspire curiosity, imagination, and river pride for years to come.
A very special thank you to community resident Jennifer Vitello. This project would not have happened without her tenacity, creativity, and grit. Jennifer believed in the vision, kept pushing it forward, and helped transform an ambitious idea into something real for the community.
A special thank you to our speakers: Jon Isaacs, Commissioner Shannon Singleton, and Mayor Keith Wilson for helping tell the story of this project and what it means for Cathedral Park and the Willamette River.
Thank you to DJ Carlos for keeping the energy high, the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers for leading an unforgettable parade, the Daughters of Triton for their magical performance, and Shorty’s Hot Dogs for keeping everyone fed.
And a huge thank you to Dustin Pattison, who always captures the best moments, and to drone master Eddy Nunez for once again showing the best of Portland through his incredible aerial photography.
The River Dragon may be made of steel, but what it really represents is community, creativity, and a growing love for our river.
Portland, you showed up. 💙🐉🌊
06/21/2026
Thank you for hosting our Ringleader, Willie Levenson, OPB & Think Out Loud's Jenn Chávez!
Willamette River recreation advocate Willie Levenson retires After 16 years of running the Human Access Project, Willie Levenson is stepping down. He shares more on his accomplishments and hopes for the future.
06/18/2026
Mount Tabor Dance Community brought the party to the St. Johns dock Wednesday night, and it was LIT!
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400 E Burnside St
Portland, OR
97214