How cities like Portland and Chicago are breathing new life into their urban rivers

The Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, used to be too polluted for swimming, but efforts by organizations like the Human Access Project have made it safe and enjoyable for residents. A major pipe project helped clean up the river, while events like “The Big Float” brought people to the water. Similar efforts are underway in cities like Chicago to revitalize urban rivers. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to change how people perceive and use their local waterways. The hope is to create a cultural shift that will allow more cities to enjoy their rivers for recreation.