We’re excited to announce the inaugural meeting of the Metro Zoo Train Task Force—is happening March 25th, 2025! This important first gathering will bring together a diverse group of leaders and stakeholders to:

Get to know one another
Confirm the Task Force’s role and purpose
Share background information to set the stage for future collaboration
This is a crucial first step in shaping the future of the Zoo Train and its role in the broader Washington Park experience.

Task Force Participants Include:

Metro Councilor Christine Lewis, Co-Chair
City Councilor Olivia Clark, Co-Chair
Adena Long, Director, Portland Parks & Recreation
Diedra Krys-Rusoff, MERC Commissioner & Secretary-Treasurer
Mike Murawski, Operations Director, Explore Washington Park
Jennifer Parks, Sr. Manager of Destination & Industry Affairs, Travel Portland
Matt Ruddy, Trailkeepers of Oregon
Susan Harnett, Board of Trustees, Oregon Zoo Foundation
Kimberly Brown, President, Friends of the International Rose Test Garden
Jason Sipe, Director of Operations, Portland Japanese Garden
Utpal Passi, Deputy Director of Operations, Oregon Zoo
Mort Bishop III, Friends of the Washington Park and Zoo Railway
Kathy Goeddel, Friends of the Washington Park and Zoo Railway

Facilitator: Brandy Steffen, JLA Public Involvement
Metro Liaison: Ina Zucker, Deputy Director, Metro Council