Traffic Alert: Stark Street Bridge Closed May 27–28 for Shotcrete Installation
The Stark Street Bridge will be closed to all traffic on Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Crews will be installing shotcrete — a process that involves spraying concrete to create a smooth finish on the retaining wall — as part of ongoing repairs to the north approach retaining wall, which was damaged in a crash in fall 2025.
Travelers should use the Sandy River Bridge in Troutdale to access Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, and Interstate 84 during the closure.
Spring Cleanup Bulky Waste Curbside Collection Begins Saturday
The City of Troutdale's annual Spring Cleanup bulky waste curbside collection is underway. Collection is split into two weekends based on location relative to the centerline of Buxton/Troutdale Road. Items should be set out by 6:00 a.m. on the designated collection day.
- West of centerline on Buxton/Troutdale Road: Saturday, May 30
- East of centerline on Buxton/Troutdale Road: Saturday, June 6
Waste Management will collect up to the equivalent of one large couch or five garbage bags worth of bulky items per household.
Important Reminders
- Small items must be bagged
- Appliances with refrigerant are not accepted
- Multiple trucks may arrive throughout the day for different materials; final pickup may not occur until evening
- Clearly label any curbside items not intended for pickup
- Items over the allowed volume will require a separate scheduled pickup through Waste Management and may incur additional charges; items that do not meet collection guidelines will be tagged and left behind
- Bulky waste items are treated as garbage. To find out whether items can be recycled, donated, or reused, visit Metro's Find a Recycler webpage or call Metro at 503-234-3000.
For full details, visit troutdaleoregon.gov/cleanup.
New Sandy River Recreation Shuttle Now Running Through Labor Day
Getting to the Sandy River just got easier. The Trout Route, a new Sandy River Recreation Shuttle operated by Sasquatch Shuttle, is now running from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, providing convenient access to the river for swimmers, tubers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Trout Route was funded in part through a grant from Travel Oregon, expanding access to outdoor recreation and supporting a more enjoyable visitor experience in Troutdale.
For more information and to plan your visit:
Old Tourism Magazines Available Free for Clip Art and Craft Projects
The Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center has hundreds of tourism magazines available for free — full of gorgeous photos and graphics — and is looking to find them a good home before they head to recycling.
Artists, art teachers, collage makers, scrapbookers, and decoupage enthusiasts are encouraged to call ahead at (503) 491-4000 and staff will set aside as many as you'd like.
And for the record, the current issues are in stock for anyone to check out as well!
Timed-Use Permits Now Required for Multnomah Falls Parking
Visitors planning to drive to Multnomah Falls this summer should be aware of new timed-use permit requirements. Beginning May 22, a pass is required for those arriving by personal vehicle at the I-84 Exit 31 parking lot. Passes are required between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. through Labor Day.
Passes are available at Recreation.gov for a $2 reservation fee, with reservations accepted up to 14 days in advance. One pass is required per vehicle.
Visitors can also pick up a free in-person permit at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center before heading to the falls. Twenty-five permits are available daily on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, visit exploretroutdale.com/get-here/visiting-multnomah-falls.
Multnomah County Seeks Community Input on Stark Street Bridge Replacement
Multnomah County is gathering community feedback as it plans for the future replacement of the Stark Street Bridge over the Sandy River. The current bridge, which serves as a critical connection for East County residents and provides access to the scenic Columbia River Gorge, is more than 110 years old and at the end of its service life.
All users of the bridge are encouraged to participate — whether they cross it daily, occasionally, or rarely. Feedback on safety, traffic, biking, walking, and access will help the county explore and evaluate options for a new bridge. The survey is open through June 30.
American Red Cross Babysitter's Training Offered June 17
The City of Troutdale Recreation Department is offering American Red Cross Babysitter's Training for teens ages 11–15 on Wednesday, June 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The program builds confidence and real-life skills for safely caring for infants and children, covering child care basics, safety, and essential first aid.
Participants will leave with a Babysitter's Training Certificate and a 2-year Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
Program Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 17
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
- Cost: $205 (Troutdale residents) | $215 (non-residents)
- Participants should bring a sack lunch and snacks for the 60-minute lunch break
Register and learn more at troutdaleoregon.gov/babysitting
Summerfest Celebrates Grand Opening of Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park — June 20
The City of Troutdale invites the community to Summerfest, a free celebration marking the grand opening of Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park on Saturday, June 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The beautiful new park follows the Sandy River, honoring Troutdale's history while creating a new space for the community to gather, play, and connect with the outdoors.
Event Highlights
The festivities kick off with a strolling parade featuring a drum corps band, folklore dancers, baton twirlers, and more. The celebration continues with live music and dancing, friendly llamas, face painting, sidewalk chalk art, lawn games for all ages, and free treats.
The event is free and open to the public.
Learn more at troutdaleoregon.gov/summerfest
Cascadia Fine Arts Festival Coming to Downtown Troutdale May 16 – 17
The Cascadia Fine Arts Festival — formerly the Troutdale Arts Festival — returns to East Historic Columbia River Highway in the heart of downtown Troutdale this weekend. The juried fine arts and artisan craft event showcases the work of more than 75 Pacific Northwest artists across a wide range of mediums, including painting, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, metalwork, mixed media, and more.
Hours
- Saturday, May 16: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 17: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Additional Programming
Pacific Northwest Sculptors will host Raku glazing and firing demonstrations until 2:00 p.m. both days. On Saturday evening, the Groovzalot Blues Band will perform live at Mayors Square from 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Getting There
The Sasquatch Shuttle will provide service from Columbia Gorge Outlets, the Troutdale Art Center, and additional locations.
The festival is hosted by the Cascadia Arts Association (CAA), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting regional arts, with support from the City of Troutdale and local community and business partners.
Learn more at CascadiaFineArtsFestival.org
Correction & Clarification: Dogs in Troutdale Parks
In the April/May/June issue of The Troutdale Champion, we published outdated information about dogs in Troutdale parks. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
The correct information is as follows:
Dogs are welcome in these Troutdale parks: Woodale Park, Weedin Park, Kiku Park, Lewellyn Park, Sandee Palisades Park, Helen Althaus Park, Cannery Park, Sweetbriar Park, CP Park, Mayor's Square Park, Depot Park, and Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, with one exception: the fenced off-leash dog park at Columbia Park. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
For the complete rules regarding dogs in parks, visit troutdaleoregon.gov/dogs.
Community Walk at Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park — May 7
Troutdale Parks & Recreation is hosting a community walk at Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park on Thursday, May 7 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. Participants will meet at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center (475 E Historic Columbia River Hwy).
The walk is a great opportunity to explore the park's scenic trail, river views, and connections along the Sandy River for those who haven't yet had a chance to visit.
No registration required. For more information, visit troutdaleoregon.gov/walk.
Metro Seeks Community Input on the Future of the Greater Portland Region
Metro is inviting residents to share their vision for the greater Portland region through the Future 50 survey. Responses will help guide regional planning for future generations. The survey is open through May 15.
Participants will be entered to win tickets to a Portland Thorns match, the Oregon Symphony, the Oregon Zoo, or an annual Metro Regional Parks pass.
Update: Stark Street Bridge Weekday Closures Extended Through May 11
Repair work on the Stark Street Bridge north approach retaining wall has been extended. The bridge will remain closed to all traffic — including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays through Monday, May 11.
This is an update to the closure originally announced in April.
Movies in the Park — Final Event Friday, June 26
May 4 on Facebook
Troutdale Parks & Recreation invites the community to a free double feature at Movies in the Park on Friday, June 26 at the Little League field next to Imagination Station.
- 7:00 p.m. — The Peanuts Movie (G - 92 min.)
- 8:30 p.m. — A Minecraft Movie (PG - 101 min.)
This will be the final Movies in the Park event. Due to budget reductions in the proposed 2026–2027 fiscal year, funding for the City's Movie Program has been cut, resulting in the cancellation of all remaining previously scheduled events — including the August 2026 Movies in the Park, Merry Movie Night in December 2026, and Movies in the Park in June 2027.
We hope to see you there for one last night under the stars.
Visit troutdaleoregon.gov/movies for full details.
Glenn Otto Park Closed May 5 for Parking Lot Maintenance
Glenn Otto Park will be closed to the public on Tuesday, May 5 for parking lot maintenance. The gate will be closed and vehicle access will be restricted to maintenance crews only.
New Edition of The Troutdale Champion Now Available
The latest edition of The Troutdale Champion is now available online. This issue introduces some of of the new businesses in Troutdale, previews upcoming public works projects, breaks down the spring cleanup events, reveals when lifeguards will be back on duty at Glenn Otto Park, and plenty more.
Read it at troutdaleoregon.gov/champion.