Metaline Falls Portage Park

The Metaline Falls Portage Park Design-Build Project is a shining example of how history, community, and innovation can come together to create something extraordinary. Developed over more than two years through close collaboration between the owner, design team, and contractor, this project transformed a historically significant industrial site into a vibrant community park. The site, once home to a power plant that operated from 1937 to the mid-1950s, carried layers of history—including its industrial legacy, Native American heritage, and environmental sensitivities.

One of the most notable achievements was the team’s ability to balance preservation with modern design. Historical features were carefully integrated into the new park while meeting today’s safety and accessibility standards. During excavation, the discovery of mine waste, cultural artifacts, and rare lichen added complexity, prompting environmental remediation, archaeological documentation, and thoughtful design modifications. Innovative solutions—such as winter construction scheduling, creative permitting strategies, and the installation of engineered log jams to enhance fish habitat—showcase the project’s commitment to both environmental stewardship and community enrichment.

Today, the park stands as a model for how challenging sites can be reimagined into meaningful spaces that honor the past while serving future generations. It is not just a recreational destination—it’s a living story of history, culture, and sustainable design.