Parks & Recreation

Youth gardeners cultivate Gresham park

Nonprofit Play Grow Learn celebrates youth-oriented efforts at Nadaka Nature Park. Info here!
PMG PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER KEIZUR - Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall celebrated the youths maintaining Nadaka Nature Park during a visit Thursday morning, March 11.

Source: Gresham Outlook, March 16 2021
By Christopher Keizur

Nonprofit Play Grow Learn celebrates youth-oriented efforts at Nadaka Nature Park

When the winter ice storm hit East Multnomah County earlier this year, it wreaked havoc on a popular Rockwood greenspace.

Nadaka Nature Park had been buffeted by rain, sleet, snow and high-winds. Branches fell across the 10-acre property, young trees had been uprooted, pathways destroyed, and the community garden was a mess.

But for the youths who have been working at Nadaka for the past year, the damage was not daunting. Instead they rolled up their sleeves, grabbed their shovels, and got to work.

"This park is beautiful," said 19-year-old Rico Garland. "We all care about it and helping our community."

Twice a week, 20 youths have been working at Nadaka Nature Park, 17615 N.E. Glisan St., through the nonprofit Play Grow Learn. They plant, weed, and clean the park to ensure it remains a safe and fun place for local families to visit.

The Play Grow Learn youths, ages 15-24, all receive a stipend for their work, and are helping fill the gaps in Gresham when it comes to funding and maintaining parks. For those kids, Play Grow Learn led to the first time they had ever visited Nadaka, despite it being in their community.

"They want to work and take ownership of the park," said Germaine Flentroy, program coordinator with Play Grow Learn. "All it takes is one opportunity."

Now, if not for the youths, the state of Nadaka would be in a much more dire place.

"I'm so grateful (they) are helping maintain this park, because the city isn't able to," said Lee Dayfield, the creative force behind Nadaka.

The youths led Gresham leaders on a tour of everything they have accomplished at Nadaka in the past year. Click to enlarge.
PMG PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER KEIZUR - The youths led Gresham leaders on a tour of everything they have accomplished at Nadaka in the past year.

On Thursday, March 11, those kids were able to showcase their hard work to Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall, who visited Nadaka to learn more about Play Grow Learn's efforts.

The mayor walked along a newly constructed path through the wooded area, toured the gardens where community members are learning to grow their own healthy produce, and admired the dozens of trees that have been planted. He even got a lesson on how to propagate new plants from cuttings.

"What Play Grow Learn is accomplishing here is incredibly important and impressive," Stovall said. "The best part was listening to their passion about planting trees."

The tour was also a chance for the youths to connect with the new leader of their city. Many were excited to meet "someone famous," and used the opportunity to speak with Stovall about what their communities need.

And of course, they were proud to show Stovall all that has been accomplished at Nadaka.

"Do you see that — we planted those trees," Garland said.

Fund-amental problem

For many years it has been the same song, different tune in Gresham — the city does not have the funding to support parks.

The problems began two decades ago with a pair of ballot measures passed in Gresham that hamstrung the city's ability to fund greenspaces.

Mayor Travis Stovall spoke about the need to find funding mechanisms for Greshams parks. Click to enlarge.
PMG PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER KEIZUR - Mayor Travis Stovall spoke about the need to find funding mechanisms for Greshams parks.

The votes set a permanent property tax that was the second lowest in the state.

In 1990, Gresham's property taxes paid for 100% of police and fire services. Now, those taxes are only able to foot 40% of those expenses. And the lion's share goes to public safety, leaving parks to wither.

"It's about funding mechanisms to get our parks to a new level," Stovall said.

One solution would be to form a parks district, which the city is investigating with a feasibility study. The district would have the power to construct, reconstruct, alter, enlarge, operate and maintain lakes, parks, recreation grounds and buildings; acquire necessary lands; and to call necessary elections after being formed.

But it is difficult to implement, and necessitates city leadership lessening control over greenspaces and a successful public vote. Other solutions include a new parks utility fee; increasing the existing Police-Fire-Parks fee; or vying for an Operations Levy/Bond Measure, which would collect from property taxes.

A group within the community, including Dayfield and other leaders at Nadaka, have also requested participatory budgeting when it comes to parks, which allows for community input in how to spend funds.

"Years ago the city had to cut parks and recreation programs, which was really hard on the community," said Keri Handaly, who works with the Nadaka kids through Gresham's water resources division. "Programs like Play Grow Learn help bring back those needed services."

While there are no easy answers, the work being done by youths at Nadaka highlight a potential future for the city's parks.

"We are doing the stuff that otherwise isn't going to get done, and showing the city what can be accomplished with a shoestring budget," said Anthony Bradley, executive director of Play Grow Learn.

Seeking support

Play Grow Learn youths are filling in the gaps at Nadaka Nature Park. Click to enlarge.
PMG PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER KEIZUR - Play Grow Learn youths are filling in the gaps at Nadaka Nature Park.

Play Grow Learn is thriving at Nadaka thanks to a coalition of partners all coming together.

Friends of Nadaka lends guidance and has continued its ambassador program.

Vanessa Chambers and Rhonda Combs continuing oversight at the park, tidying the playground and ensuring the space remains safe and welcome to the many families who visit.

City staff and Friends of Trees visit to provide expertise; Adam Kohl and Outgrowing Hunger operate the community garden and assist in securing grants; East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District provides funding; and Metro Regional Government and East County Rising both have backed the nonprofit organization.

The latest partnership is with PGE Project Zero, which will send two interns this summer to help Play Grow Learn at Nadaka.

"The program connects young folks with meaningful employment," Taaj Armstrong, cohort dean for Project Zero's green jobs internship program. "We are so excited to partner with Play Grow Learn."

But everything Play Grow Learn is accomplishing remains on unstable ground.

"This all could be gone tomorrow," Flentroy said. "We are surviving on short-term grants and solutions."

Play Grow Learn requires more support to keep going, and they hope the visit from Mayor Stovall might signal future backing from the city of Gresham. The nonprofit organization needs more stable funding and in-kind support to continue teaching youths skills and keeping them out of dangerous situations.

"I believe the support is out there," Bradley said.

If they can secure it, Play Grow Learn has a bright vision for Gresham. They want similar programs in every East Multnomah County park, with teams of teens caring for greenspaces, learning valuable skills, and finding future employment opportunities.

"We all have to do our part to represent and teach kids of color," Flentroy said.

Support Play Grow Learn
To volunteer or provide donations to Play Grow Learn to back its efforts to teach youths valuable skills, email Anthony Bradley anthonybradleypgl@gmail.com or Germaine Flentroy gflentroypgl@gmail.com.


This story first appeared in The Outlook. Support community newspapers. Subscribe at http://savinglocalnews.com

Wilkes East Neighborhood, 2020 Fall Meeting: Mon Nov 09, 2020 7PM-8:30PM

11/09/2020 - 7:00pm
11/09/2020 - 8:30pm
Etc/GMT-8
Wilkes East Neighborhood 2020 Fall Meeting: Mon Nov 09, 2020 7PM-8:30PM. Everyone's invited! Join your Neighbors. Get involved. Make a difference! Online meeting via Zoom. Info here!

Watch for these red & white Meeting Signs the week before our meeting.

Fall Meeting Notice

When: Mon Nov 09, 2020 7PM-8:30PM
Where: Online meeting via Zoom

Click here to Join Meeting

Meeting ID: 552 671 8670
Passcode: #Neighbors

Neighborhood Meeting, Everyone's Invited

Join Your Neighbors. Get involved. Make a difference!

Save the date
Be sure to save Monday, Nov 9th at 7PM for the Wilkes East Neighborhood 2020 Fall Meeting. The meeting will be held online via Zoom meeting.

Agenda

  • Robin Sells, Gresham Chief of Police
  • Emily Bower, Executive Dir, City of Gresham Redevelopment, Downtown Rockwood
  • Election of Officers
  • Lee Dayfield, Parks Advocate, Progress report to get a Parks District for Gresham
  • Neighborhood news and more

Dial-in Zoom
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 552 671 8670
Passcode: 5705607294

Seeking Board Members.   Are you motivated, passionate, creative?
Did you know you can become a Member-at-Large at any time? Being a Board Member is a great opportunity and experience for any neighbor, whether you’ve been on a board before or you're considering the idea for the first time. No experience required. Nominate yourself. Info here! or contact any board member. Get involved! Make a difference!

Who should attend?
Participation is open to all residents who live, own property or a business, organization, church or government agency within our boundaries

Be Part Of Your Community. Plan To Attend.

The Wilkes East Neighborhood is located in the northwest corner of the City of Gresham, Oregon, and is one of Gresham's sixteen neighborhoods. Wilkes East Neighborhood borders are roughly NE Sandy Blvd to the north, NE 181st Ave to the east, NE Glisan St to the south, and NE 162nd Ave to the west. Get map!.


Wilkes East Neighborhood Meeting Signs. Info here!

Watch for these red & white Meeting Signs the week before our meeting. The signs were purchased with assistance of the City of Gresham Neighborhood Grant Program, and with volunteer hours to set them out and retrieve them. Signs Now NW also made a generous contribution to this project.

Mark your calendar. See you there!

Questions or comments?
Contact Wilkes East Neighborhood by email at info@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: Wilkes East Neighborhood, 17104 NE Oregon St, Portland Oregon 97230

Parks Virtual Informational Online Open House #2: Tue, Sep 22, 2020 6PM-7PM

09/22/2020 - 6:00pm
09/22/2020 - 7:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Parks Virtual Informational Online Open House #2: Tue, Sep 22, 2020 6PM-7PM . Info here!

Get Invloved, Make a Difference

When: Tue, Sep 22, 2020 6PM-7PM
Where: Online meeting via Zoom

Join us for a virtual open house, to be held with two separate one-hour Zoom sessions that fit your schedule.

We'll review:

  • Community feedback on six park concept plan designs
  • Concept plan report outlining potential enhancements for Gresham's six undeveloped parks, which aim to reflect the needs of each neighborhood and the overall Gresham community while also protecting access to nature

A vital part of the City's planning process is hearing from the community, to ensure all voices are heard. Since early 2019, Gresham residents have provided input through online surveys as well as on-site and virtual events. The concepts aim to meet the current and future demands of Gresham's growing population. They also outline financial needs for developing the parks in the future if funding is identified.

A Zoom link to register for this event will be posted soon.

For questions about this event, contact Tina Osterink, Natural Resource Planner at Tina.Osterink@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2392.

Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2020 Zoom Meeting Info

Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2020 Zoom Meeting. Info here!

Time: Aug 10, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join by PC

▼ Join Zoom Meeting by clicking the link below ▼  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5526718670?pwd=Z1FNOURkTUFPbEdCTlk0V1A5ZDFxZz09

  • When the dialogue box appears click "Open Zoom Meetings".
  • Wait for the Video Preview window to open.
  • Click the Join button that's right for you!

Meeting ID: 552 671 8670
Passcode: WENA_Aug

Some helpful hints:

  • Join the meeting early and mingle with your neighbors!
  • If you have a camera choose 'Join with Video' so everyone can see you!
  • If you don't have a camera no worries, choose "Join without Video".
  • If you have a 'flip phone' or standard telephone please use "Join by Phone" below.
  • If you can't hear ANYONE most likely the volume on your actual computer is turned down (not in the Zoom app).
  • If you are having audio issues and can't communicate via sound, you can click on the Chat button (bottom center of screen) to share a message with the host.
  • New to Zoom? The web browser client will download automatically when you start or join your first Zoom meeting, and is also available for manual download here (in case you'd like to install it before the meeting).
     

Join by Mobile

One tap mobile
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Join by Phone

Dial by your location
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Meeting ID:552 671 8670
Passcode: 76697192

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbrpZQNoCC

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2020 Newsletter here!

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2020 Newsletter here! Wilkes East Neighborhood, Gresham Oregon USA. Diversity, Harmony, Community- Together 'WE' can make a difference.

2020 Summer Newsletter

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


alt=
Read it now!

Summer 2020 Newsletter

Inside This Issue:

  • An Inclusive Neighborhood
  • Columbia View Park Concept
  • Nature-Deficit Disorder
  • Coping During the Pandemic
  • Importance of Our Parks
  • Albertina Kerr Housing Update

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.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-500 words and may be subject to editing Include a related photo. Send by email to chair@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: 17104 NE Oregon St • Portland OR 97230.

Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help.
To volunteer contact chair@wilkeseastna.org.

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Spring 2020 Newsletter here!

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Spring 2020 Newsletter here! Wilkes East Neighborhood, Gresham Oregon USA. Diversity, Harmony, Community- Together 'WE' can make a difference.

2020 Spring Newsletter

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


alt=
Read it now!

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.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-500 words and may be subject to editing Include a related photo. Send by email to chair@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: 17104 NE Oregon St • Portland OR 97230.

Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help.
To volunteer contact chair@wilkeseastna.org.

Nadaka Nature Park future uncertain; community members call for dedicated recreation funding

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

Nadaka Nature Park future uncertain; community members call for dedicated recreation funding. 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. Info here!
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.

City of Gresham Fall Open House for Westside Parks: Thu, Nov 07, 2019 6PM-8PM

11/07/2019 - 6:00pm
11/07/2019 - 8:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
City of Gresham Fall Open House for Westside Parks: Thu, Nov 07, 2019 6PM-8PM. Info here!

Open House

When: Thu, Nov 07, 2019 6PM-8PM
Where: Gresham City Hall
Conference Center
1333 NW Eastman Pky
Get Map!

Join us to review and comment on site diagrams and activities for each park. These include the Southwest Community Park, Jenne Butte Neighborhood Park, and Columbia View Neighborhood Park.

Event flyer

For more information about this event, visit the Planning for Parks page or contact Tina Osterink at 503-618-2392 or Tina.Osterink@GreshamOregon.gov.

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Fall 2019 Newsletter here!

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Fall 2019 Newsletter here! Wilkes East Neighborhood, Gresham Oregon USA. Diversity, Harmony, Community- Together 'WE' can make a difference.

2019 Fall Newsletter

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


alt=
Read it now!

Fall 2019 Newsletter

Inside This Issue:

  • Albertina Kerr Workforce Housing
  • WENA Board Elections Nov 11th
  • Extreme Weather In Our Region
  • Nadaka Happenings & Changes
  • Update: A Playground For Kirk Park

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.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-500 words and may be subject to editing Include a related photo. Send by email to chair@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: 17104 NE Oregon St • Portland OR 97230.

Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help.
To volunteer contact chair@wilkeseastna.org.

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2019 Newsletter here!

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2019 Newsletter here! Wilkes East Neighborhood, Gresham Oregon USA. Diversity, Harmony, Community- Together 'WE' can make a difference.

2019 Summer Newsletter

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


alt=
Read it now!

Summer 2019 Newsletter

Inside This Issue:

  • Columbia View Park improvements
  • National Night Out, Tuesday Aug 6th
  • Back to School, Movies in the Park
  • Nadaka Happenings & Changes
  • WENA Meeting Mon, Aug 12, 6:30PM

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.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-500 words and may be subject to editing Include a related photo. Send by email to chair@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: 17104 NE Oregon St • Portland OR 97230.

Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help.
To volunteer contact chair@wilkeseastna.org.

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