Audrey McCall Beach, Urban beach near Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, United States.
Audrey McCall Beach sits along the eastern bank of the Willamette River and offers direct access to the water with views of downtown Portland's skyline. The site features an open sandy shoreline with river access points where swimmers and visitors can enjoy the waterfront.
The beach developed from a restoration effort where volunteers and work crews removed tons of concrete from the shoreline between 2013 and 2019. This cleanup work transformed a damaged riverbank into an accessible public gathering place for the community.
The beach is named after Audrey McCall, wife of a former Oregon governor, honoring her work for environmental protection. Today it serves as a gathering spot where locals enjoy easy access to the river and the open waterfront.
Swimming is supervised by lifeguards during specific days and times in the summer season to help keep swimmers safe. Visitors should check local conditions and familiarize themselves with water patterns and weather before entering the river.
The beach operates a program that employs people facing homelessness to maintain and care for the site, combining community service with job opportunities. This approach keeps the area clean while providing meaningful work for those who need employment.
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