Your Yes vote on Measure 26-203 today: a priceless experience tomorrow

A YES vote on Measure 26-203 is a vote for opening up the Willamette Falls experience for all to enjoy—and investing in more parks and nature experiences across the region.

Long-time arts and parks advocate Julie Vigeland grew up in Oregon and has served on both the Oregon Arts Commission and the Portland Parks Board. Here’s why she’s voting YES on Measure 26-203 on Nov. 5.

Growing up, Willamette Falls was part of nostalgic trips and time with my grandparents. My family would drive up from Salem to visit my grandparents in Portland. We would always take Route 99, and I would press my face into the car window just to catch a glimpse of the Falls.

I’ve pledged to vote YES on Measure 26-203—the Nature for All bond—to allow everyone to see the Falls up close. Please join me.

It wasn’t until last year that I first went on a tour of the Falls. Having only seen the Falls from afar for so long and then suddenly being that close was exhilarating. Overlooking the Falls and having the water spray in my face left me with this intensely powerful feeling. During my tour, I was completely overwhelmed.

And each time I go back, there’s something new to experience. The heron, osprey and lamprey—the look on other people’s faces when they see it up close. It’s priceless. And, with your YES vote, the Nature for All bond can invest $20 million in this incredible place—without raising taxes.

It is so important that we preserve this historical site so that more people can see the Falls up close and understand why it’s so special to our region. It’s not just something for today. We’re building for the future—for our kids, grandkids, our great grandkids.

Nature for All offers us the opportunity to preserve the rich natural spaces in our region and to make the vision for the Willamette Falls public riverwalk a reality. When you sign your name in support of the Nature for All bond, we all get one step closer to ensuring that the wonder and splendor of Willamette Falls can be experienced by all.

Join me this November in voting YES on Measure 26-203.

Sign your name and pledge your support today.

Julie Vigeland
Oregon arts and parks advocate, and Willamette Falls Trust campaign cabinet member