Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade

The Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade is a 1.5-mile-long pedestrian and bicycle path located along the east bank of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. Completed in 2001, it was designed as an urban renewal project to revitalize the area between the riverbank and Interstate 5.

The Esplanade runs from the Hawthorne Bridge at its southern end to the Steel Bridge at its northern end. One of its most notable features is a 1,200-foot floating walkway, which is the longest of its kind in the United States. This floating section allows the path to adapt to the Willamette River's seasonal fluctuations, which can reach up to 30 feet in depth.

Along the Esplanade, there are 13 urban markers placed at key locations to denote the eastside city street grid. These markers are accompanied by 22 interpretive panels that provide information about the river and the area's rich history, including the development of Portland's bridges and the city's eastside.

The project also serves as a demonstration of improved habitat areas for fish and wildlife, as well as riverbank restoration. The riverbank has been reshaped in places to allow for shallow habitat, and bio-engineering techniques have been employed to use native vegetation and pre-treat I-5 runoff before it enters the river.

Public art is a significant feature of the Esplanade. Four pieces created by RIGGA, a group of local artists, are located between the Morrison Bridge and the floating walkway. These include "Echo Gate," "Ghost Ship," "Stack Stalk," and "Alluvial Wall," each of which reflects aspects of Portland's history and connection to the river.

The Esplanade was renamed in honor of former Portland Mayor Vera Katz in November 2004, recognizing her vision and leadership in supporting its construction. A bronze sculpture of Mayor Katz, created by Bill Bane, was installed on the plaza at the south end of the Esplanade in June 2006.