Boardman, Oregon, a small city nestled along the Columbia River in Morrow County, is a significant hub for agriculture, industry, and transportation within the region. Understanding its layout and key features is easier with a visual aid – a map. A map of Boardman reveals a planned community, largely grid-based, reflecting its relatively recent development compared to older Oregon towns.
The most prominent feature on any map of Boardman is the Columbia River, forming its northern border. The Port of Morrow, one of the largest ports on the Columbia River, dominates the waterfront. Look for wharves, loading docks, and industrial complexes clustered here. The port is crucial for shipping agricultural products, particularly wheat and potatoes, both downriver towards the Pacific Ocean and upriver.
South of the port area, the grid street pattern becomes more apparent. Highway 730, also known as the Columbia River Highway, acts as a major east-west artery, running roughly parallel to the river. This highway connects Boardman to other communities along the Columbia, such as Umatilla and Hermiston to the west, and Irrigon and Arlington to the east. Many local businesses, restaurants, and services are located along or just off this highway.
Interstate 84, a major transportation corridor, bypasses Boardman to the south. Access to Boardman from I-84 is primarily via Exit 164. The presence of I-84 significantly contributes to Boardman’s role as a regional transportation hub. Truck stops, fueling stations, and related services are often found near this interchange.
Residential areas in Boardman are located primarily south of Highway 730 and generally consist of single-family homes. Parks and recreational facilities are interspersed within these residential zones. Maps often highlight Boardman Marina Park, offering waterfront access and recreational opportunities. Other parks and green spaces are scattered throughout the town, providing community gathering spaces and recreational amenities.
Agricultural land surrounds Boardman on three sides – east, south, and west. These farmlands are vital to the local economy. Large-scale irrigation projects, drawing water from the Columbia River, enable the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. A map might depict irrigation canals and agricultural fields, highlighting the city’s dependence on and integration with the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Industrial zones, often related to agricultural processing or energy production, are located on the fringes of the city, separated from residential areas. The presence of facilities related to renewable energy, particularly wind farms, is becoming increasingly noticeable on maps of the region surrounding Boardman, reflecting the growing importance of renewable energy in the area.
In summary, a map of Boardman, Oregon, reveals a city shaped by its location on the Columbia River and its role as a transportation and agricultural hub. The planned grid layout, the prominent port, the presence of major highways, and the surrounding agricultural lands all contribute to the city’s distinctive character and its importance to the region’s economy.
