Media & Awards
In the News
Washington Park Free Shuttle Extends Evening Hours Through October
OCTOBER 3, 2026 — Portland’s KATU wrote about Explore Washington Park’s free shuttle running two additional hours each evening through October, giving visitors more time to explore the Park’s fall colors without a car. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
• • •
Washington Park’s New Trip-planning Website Makes Visiting Portland’s Most Popular Destinations Easier and More Accessible
AUGUST 5, 2026 — Oregon Business shared a story about Explore Washington Park’s new grant-funded website. The website is the latest step in Explore Washington Park’s broader Transportation Access Plan, designed to accommodate growth and improve visitor experience. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
• • •
PP&R Announces Forest & Washington Park Express Shuttle Pilot Project
JUNE 8, 2026 — Portland Parks & Recreation recognized Explore Washington Park’s logistical and technical expertise in a shuttle pilot designed to connect more communities with Portland’s natural spaces and reduce transportation barriers to visiting Forest and Washington Parks. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
• • •
Make Memories That Will Last a Lifetime—Take TriMet to ZooLights!
NOVEMBER 14, 2025 — TriMet announced a partnership allowing ZooLights ticket holders to ride transit at no additional cost, with support from Explore Washington Park, Metro, and the Federal Transit Administration to make visiting the Oregon Zoo by transit easier. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
• • •
Take a Transit Trip to Washington Park from Downtown on New TriMet Route
JUNE 3, 2022 — Portland Monthly sent a reporter to test the expanded TriMet Line 63 and Washington Park Free Shuttle, offering a firsthand look at how visitors can reach the Park’s gardens and attractions without driving. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
• • •
Washington Park and TriMet Have Expanded Bus and Shuttle Access to the West Hills Attraction
MAY 17, 2022 — Willamette Week covered the partnership between Explore Washington Park and TriMet to expand transit service to the Park and provide free shuttle connections between its major attractions. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
• • •
Washington Park Celebrates 150 Years
JULY 1, 2021 — The Southeast Examiner highlighted Washington Park’s 150th anniversary and Discover Points, an interactive experience by Explore Washington Park connecting visitors with the Park’s history and cultural stories through audio and written content. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
• • •
How to get to ZooLights: Washington Park Urges Transit, Lyft Use
DECEMBER 4, 2018 — The Oregonian highlighted Explore Washington Park’s efforts to encourage visitors to use public transit and Lyft to get to ZooLights, helping reduce traffic and parking congestion during the popular holiday event. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
• • •
Washington Park’s Free Shuttle Carried Over 120,000 Riders in 2016
FEBRUARY 8, 2017 — Portland Parks & Recreation reported that Explore Washington Park’s Free Shuttle carried more than 120,000 riders in 2016, contributing to increased transit use and fewer vehicle trips to the Park. READ THE ARTICLE ↗
Awards & Recognition
Explore Washington Park Website Wins Four CSS Design Awards
OCTOBER 26, 2026 — Explore Washington Park’s website received four awards from CSSDesignAwards, a web design and development award platform for digital leaders. Awards include Best UI Design, Best UX Design, Best Innovation, and a Special Kudos Award for “exemplary work that deserves recognition” from a panel of judges.
One Park: Building a Holistic Visitor Experience at Washington Park
2022 — The Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) recognized Explore Washington Park’s One Park strategy with an Honor Award, celebrating a collaborative, research-driven approach to creating a more cohesive visitor experience across Washington Park’s gardens, attractions and cultural institutions. VIEW THE PROJECT ↗
Featured Stories & Videos
Fall Fun in Washington Park
OCTOBER 3, 2024 — Explore Washington Park’s marketing director appeared on KOIN’s AM Extra to highlight seasonal experiences throughout the Park, from “Howloween” at the Oregon Zoo to peak fall colors at Portland Japanese Garden and Hoyt Arboretum, and share tips for visiting via public transit. WATCH THE SEGMENT ↗