82nd Drive Pedestrian Bridge/Art

About the Program

Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

While repairing and renovating the 82nd Drive/Park Place Bridge, Clackamas County Water Environment Services (WES) funded a public art project to span across the bridge which reflected the heritage and community values of both ends of the bridge, Gladstone and Oregon City. Local artists were utilized to paint themes and scenes onto the newly renovated bridge. These designs were proposed, submitted and suggested by the public. Officials utilized the Clackamas County’s Art Action Alliance’s own online database to identify and employ local public artists. This unique location for art will be predominantly viewed by pedestrians, bicyclists, beach combers and boat traffic. As the bridge also serves as a wildlife-viewing area, artists were encouraged to remember the county’s commitment to sustainability. To celebrate the re-opening of the bridge, WES held a well-attended ice cream social with speakers including local leaders, local bridge historian and a children’s bike parade across the bridge.