Oxbow Regional Park is located within the Sandy River Gorge, twenty miles east of downtown Portland. The old growth forest lining the meandering river forms a unique natural setting for a diverse mix of wildlife and flora. The park contains extensive trails for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation to experience and connect with nature. In 2015, METRO commissioned DAO to design their multi-function Welcome Center at the park’s entrance within this primeval context.

The 2600-square-foot facility houses Ranger offices, conference and multi-function space, public restrooms, Reception lobby with interpretive displays, and Naturalist programs serving numerous volunteer and student outdoor school groups. The design also incorporates site improvements to parking, stormwater rain garden, boulder elements and native plantings.

The Center serves as a gateway to the park but is modest in scale and presence to be respectful of the natural setting. The building’s floor plan is based on environmental responsiveness and efficient circulation, with offices lining the northern bar, and conference and support rooms on the southern side. The two bars are offset about the main hall, with large cantilevering roofs creating generous front and back covered porches for volunteer gathering and event staging.

The material palette is minimal and durable primarily of board form concrete and salvaged wood framing, decking, and furniture. Extensive glazing and central clerestory provide views to the natural surroundings and daylight is maximized through the open structure. The project’s open layout, daylighting, ceiling fans, enclosure, and other measures are designed for the facility to operate with minimal mechanical conditioning and electrical energy use.

Sliding barn doors allow the building interior to be portioned off for daytime educational workshops or after-hours events. Interpretive elements are incorporated throughout to highlight Oxbow Park’s plants and animals through etchings in the concrete, wood panels, steel gates and other architectural features. The Welcome Center achieves METRO’s goals for improved visitor services and operations to further enhance environmental stewardship for this remarkable regional park.