City of Gresham

2020 Spring Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

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Spring 2020 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Pining for a Parks District Albertina Kerr Housing Update Wilkes East Land-Use Update Glisan Street Lane Reduction

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our regular meetings.

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Nadaka Nature Park won't have much of a reason to celebrate the new year.

PMG PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER KEIZUR - Lee Dayfield said a parks district funding mechanism is the best option for maintaining Nadaka Nature Park, which lost its fiscal agent and programming at the end of 2019. Click to enlarge

By Christopher Keizur
Source: Gresham Outlook (Oct 18, 2019)

The beautiful green space in the heart of the Wilkes East Neighborhood will be empty after losing its fiscal agent — transforming what was once thought of as the model for future parks in Gresham into just another open area. Despite the work that has been poured into the park, residents will have less of a reason to visit than ever before.

"It almost makes me cry to walk through here and know all those kids won't be coming here to be educated," said Lee Dayfield. "This park was their backyard, playground and forest."

There is no better person to talk to about Nadaka Nature Park than Dayfield. She spearheaded the charge to transform her dream park into a reality. She overcame red tape and bureaucracy, founding Friends of Nadaka to help secure grants and other funding.

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council, a Portland-based organization, had supported the Gresham park since its inception. But with some changes to the board and executive director, the group has decided to focus on other projects.

The backing for Nadaka will end when the money runs dry, which is estimated to happen in January 2020. That means no more activities — from community cleanups to educational gatherings for local schoolchildren — that made the park so special.

"They were so strong and supportive of us for seven years," Dayfield said. "People will notice a big difference."

Click "Read more" (below) to continue reading this article.

Neighborhood Board Meeting When: Mon Feb 10, 2020 6:30PM-8PM Where: 559 NE 167th Pl Portland, OR Get Map!

Board meetings are now scheduled for the 2nd Monday each month 6:30PM
For more information please contact: info@wilkeseastna.org

Upcoming Meetings

• Mar 09, 2020 *
• Apr 13, 2020
• May 11, 2020
• Jun 08, 2020
• Jul 13, 2020
• Aug 10, 2020 *

* Public Meetings

Wilkes East Neighborhood
17104 NE Oregon St
Portland OR 97230

Public Welcome. Get Involved! When: Tue, Feb 11, 2020 7PM-8:30PM Where: Gresham City Hall Rms 2A & 2B 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

For more information about the Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations, contact Carol Rulla, Coalition President, at 503-663-1466 or crullaor@gmail.com.

Let's Kick Ball! When: Sun, Jan 05, 2020 5PM-7PM Where: Friends of the Children Gym 424 NE 172nd Ave. Get Map!

Indoor Sunday Futsal youth recreation is open to all students in grades 6-12 on Sunday from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Friends of the Children gym.

• Free
• Open to boys and girls in grades 6-12
• Learn new skills, make new friends, play futsal
• Participants must bring a signed waiver to play
• Adult supervision and mentorship provided by Active Children Portland volunteers

For more information, email Ricki Ruiz at Ricardo.Ruiz@GreshamOregon.gov or call 503-583-0771.

Futsal flier and waiver

Read more about Sunday Futsal.

When: Tue, Jan 07, 2020 6PM-8PM Where: Council Chambers 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

Regular Council meetings allow necessary City business to be dealt with, such as citizen recognition, citizen advisory committee reports, bid awards, resolutions, ordinances, public hearings, etc. Regular Council meetings are streamed live on the City's website at GreshamOregon.gov/Videos.

For more information contact the City Recorder at 503-618-2697.

Read more about Council meetings.

When: Wed, Jan 08, 2020 6PM- Where: Gresham City Hall Conference Rm 1A 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

The Historic Resources Subcommittee maintains an inventory of historic landmarks in Gresham, reviews and recommends a decision on proposed actions to alter or demolish structures on the adopted inventory, and participates in special projects and events that increase public awareness or provide education on historic preservation.

For more information about this event, contact Mary Phillips, Senior City Planner at 503-618-2610 or Mary.Phillips@GreshamOregon.gov.

Let's Go Walking! When: Thu, Jan 09, 2020 9AM-5PM Where: Meet at Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

Springwater Trail Hike from Boring to Rugg Road

• Distance: Approximately 5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 100 feet
• Trail conditions: Pavement
• Round-trip travel: 8 miles
• Suggested donation per rider: $1

We will drive to Boring and park at the Boring trailhead, where parking and restrooms are available. We will start our walk on this section of the Springwater Trail, the last section to be paved back in 2013. We will walk west to Rugg Road, where we will turn around and return to our cars at the Boring trailhead. We will then drive back to Gresham and have lunch at a local downtown restaurant.

Bring water and snacks for the trail. Since the walk is all on paved sections of the Springwater Trail, wear shoes that are comfortable for walking on asphalt. Umbrellas may be necessary, depending upon the weather, since the trail has no tree canopy.

For more information about this hike please contact Mary Ann Buck at 971-344-1946 or buckbanter@gmail.com.

Senior Healthy Hikers asks that participants be 50 or older. A couple wishing to hike is welcome if one member of the couple is 50 or better.

Pets are not permitted on our hikes or walks.

Senior Healthy Hikers member guidelines

Get involved, Make a difference When: Mon, Jan 13, 2020 6:30PM- Where: Gresham City Hall Council Chambers 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

The Planning Commission advises City Council on long-range, comprehensive planning and land use issues within the city.

For more information about this event, contact Amanda Lunsford, Administrative Analyst, at 503-618-2235 or Amanda.Lunsford@GreshamOregon.gov.

Public Welcome. Get Involved! When: Tue, Jan 14, 2020 7PM-8:30PM Where: Gresham City Hall Oregon Trail Rm 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

For more information about the Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations, contact Carol Rulla, Coalition President, at 503-663-1466 or crullaor@gmail.com.