City of Hillsboro, OR

03/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/30/2024 23:23

Wapato Woman at Rood Bridge Park

Image: Wapato Woman by Travis Stewart

Wapato Woman now stands overlooking the wetlands beside the Tualatin River in Hillsboro.

She celebrates Chamámptu or Wapato Place, a site at Rood Bridge Park that was developed in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. With intricately formed details, the sculpture by artist Travis Stewart depicts the spirit of wapato in the female form. Made of red cedar and weathering steel, the navel holds a small, carved frog figure representing marsh lands and serving as the t'amanowas or spirit power for the sculpture.

Image: The navel holds the t'amanowas or spirit power for the sculpture.

Stewart, a contemporary Northwest artist of Chinook, Kalapuya, and Rogue River descent, lives in Grand Ronde, Oregon, and works in a variety of mediums to depict stories defined by the cultural landscape and design of the Willamette Valley and Columbia River people. Stewart has devoted his life to the preservation of the art and culture of the tribes of Western Oregon.

Chamámptu (pronounced chu-momp-too or tcha-MAHMP-too) is the Tualatin-language name given by the tribe to the public watercraft launch and river access site in Rood Bridge Park. The name, meaning wapato place, recognizes the significance of the river for transporting and gathering of the tuberous aquatic plant that is a source of food and medicine.

Image: Weathering steel detail on Wapato Woman.

In addition to Wapato Woman, a new interpretative sign that honors the site greets visitors to Chamámptu.

Rood Bridge Park features nearly two miles of trails that weave through wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. The 58-acre community park has traditional amenities, like playgrounds and picnic shelters, but also a rhododendron garden, lily pad-spotted ponds, and the River House, an elegant Hillsboro Parks & Recreation rental facility and favorite private event location for locals.

The river access and seasonal watercraft launch are popular in the summer with kayakers and paddleboarders who come to explore the river, but the site can be visited and enjoyed year-round. Check out canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at Rood Bridge Park from the Tualatin Riverkeepers.

Plan Your Visit:
Rood Bridge Park is at 4000 SE Rood Bridge Road. The park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week.

Hillsboro Parks & Recreation resources: