Nature

Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall

City hopes team can change decade of funding frustration, improve parks & recreation Source: Gresham Outlook, March 19 2021 By Christopher Keizur

A decade ago, Travis Stovall joined a task force dedicated to seeking solutions for Gresham's parks funding woes.

The Green Ribbon Task Force was created in 2010 to address the need for sustainable parks funding within the city. After investigating various funding methods, the task force put forward its suggestion — a parks district in East Multnomah County.

The idea represented an exciting way to bolster parks and recreation that had been withering for years. The task force wanted the city to implement a $0.25 property tax levy to generate roughly $2.1 million a year. They spoke of Gresham partnering with Fairview, Wood Village and Troutdale, which would have resulted in an annual payment of $31 to $53 for the average home in East Multnomah County.

But that idea was never put before voters as a ballot measure to save parks, with city officials citing a lack of support from the public. Thus, the city effectively ignored the work done by the Green Ribbon Task Force.

"I was disappointed they didn't move forward with the ideas," said Stovall, who has since been elected as mayor of Gresham. "At this point, we need multiple opportunities for council to work with and think of initiatives that would lead to (parks) ballot measures."

Now 10 years later, Gresham is convening another green team to investigate potential solutions to stop the continued hemorrhaging of parks and recreation.

During a Tuesday morning, March 16, meeting, Gresham City Council helped plan the Parks Community Advisory Group. The team would have up to 30 members, with a broad representation of the community and members who live or work in Gresham. The city wants to have 30% of participants be Black, Indigenous or people of color.

The Parks Community Advisory Group would create a vision and options for the future of Gresham parks and recreation — including two or three funding options and mechanisms to support them in an effort to avoid the failure the last time this was attempted.

"We really want to make sure council's expectations are clear to this group to avoid any frustrations," said Steve Fancher, director of environmental services and city operations.

The city hopes to find participants for the Parks Community Advisory Group in the coming weeks, and will be recruiting from local organizations and communitites.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Seeking Volunteers When: Thu, Jan 07, 2021 via Zoom Time: 2:00PM-3:30PM & 6:00PM-7:30PM Where: Via Zoom

Gresham residents may participate in our COVID-safe bird survey this winter to help the City collect information about local bird populations and habitat needs. The City is offering free online training to all interested volunteers. Experience is not required, and training is open to all ages. Families are encouraged to join in.

The bird survey training will include:

• How to identify birds.
• How to use a bird survey application that will allow you to upload your findings to an international bird database.

A smartphone or computer is required. All other materials will be provided.

Two trainings are available via Zoom:

• Thursday Jan. 7, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm
• Thursday Jan. 7, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm

RSVP to receive the training invitation.

For more information, contact Marissa.Eckman@GreshamOregon.gov

Learn more about the City's bird surveys.

1. Place your order online at www.sparrowhawknativeplants.com, between Sept 1 -16. Shop from a diverse selection of 80+ species of native plants from the comfort of your home.
2. Pick-up pre-ordered plants at Gresham City Hall on Sat, Oct 3. All pick-ups will be physically-distanced & outdoor.
3. Plant you plants. Double your impact. Sink your hands in the dirt - and feel great knowing that your new native plants enhance the habitat in your backyard, while a portion of the proceeds from your purchase supports Friends of Nadaka

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

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

Tina Osterink, City of Gresham
Natural Resource Planner

In the spring of 2019, the City of Gresham began a process initiated by the City Council to identify potential recreation improvements for six undeveloped parks throughout the city. The parks identified for future improvements were two community parks and four neighborhood parks, including Columbia View Neighborhood Park.

This exploration of future improvements was initiated by the city to understand community desires for each park, capital costs for potential improvements, and maintenance needs if developed. Community feedback will help prioritize which park improvements will be implemented as funding becomes available.

Staff and a consultant team conducted on-site meetings, surveys and an open house throughout 2019. Community feedback was used to develop high level concept plans for all six undeveloped parks. The plans include a range of design and facility options for each park, including Columbia View Neighborhood Park.

Based on analysis of Columbia View’s unique existing conditions and feedback during public engagement meetings, the following concept plan was developed.

Columbia View Park's Concept Plan

Community feedback throughout 2019 noted opportunities for the park may include play structures for kids, designated off-leash dog areas, improved accessibility for all ages and abilities, education displays, and picnic areas. Constraints include maintenance, safety concerns, a lack of trash receptacles, and concerns with attracting too many people to neighborhood park. Additional feedback from nearby neighbors during a virtual meeting held in June 2020 is as follows:

• Keep this neighborhood park in a natural state with limited upgrades.
• Supportive of trails to improve access and a community garden but wanted staff to consider either eliminating the shelter and courts or at least move those items towards the school.
• Consider natural long-lasting materials for an ADA perimeter path around the park.
• Dog park located under chestnut trees hurt dog paws and in what is now informally known as “the fetch it zone”.
• Some would prefer an off-leash area vs. fenced dog leash area.
• Consider placing amenities closer to H.B. Lee Middle School but engage the school first.
• Concern with picnic shelter location on upslope portion of park that interferes with backyard privacy and could contribute to real or perceived safety concerns.
• Lack of police access into the SE portion of the park near potential amenity placement.
• Further explore feasibility of providing secondary access off NE Pacific St.

During the June 2020 meeting, staff stressed the importance of balancing input from nearby neighbors with meeting the equity, opportunity and access needs for community members who live within the quarter-mile walking and biking service area.

Next steps in the outreach process include meeting with Community Based Organizations to gain their input on the concept plan for Columbia View Neighborhood Park, online review of the concept plan report from July 13 – August 31 and then convene on August 10 at the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association Meeting (online via Zoom).

Additional information can be found at the Parks Planning website and you can reach out to Tina Osterink at Tina.Osterink@GreshamOregon.Gov or by phone at (503) 618-2392.

Project website where the concept plans and draft report can be viewed: https://greshamoregon.gov/Parks-Planning/

Grab Your Gloves! When: Sat, Mar 07, 2020 8:45AM-12PM Where: Two locations in Gresham Get Map!

• Plant, weed and mulch with us
• Snacks, tools and lunch provided
• Family-friendly event

Johnson Creek is urban, but it is home to a variety of wildlife, including threatened and endangered salmon. We will be working at ten locations along the 26-mile watershed in an effort to revitalize and protect this unique waterway. Find the location nearest you, come out and get your hands dirty, and enjoy a free lunch with us.

Gresham locations

• Main City Park
• SW 7th Street and SW Eastman Parkway

For more information about this event, contact Courtney Beckel at courtney@jcwc.org or 503-652-7477, ext. 101.

Register to volunteer.

Restoring Our Habitat When: Sat, Feb 01, 2020 12PM-2PM Where: Kelly Creek Pond at the corner of SE Eagle Lane and SE Woodland Way Get Map!

The City's Natural Resources Program is hosting an amphibian egg mass survey as a part of a regional effort to track the Pacific chorus frog, northwestern salamander, long-toed salamander and northern red-legged frog.

Join us for Part 2 of the volunteer amphibian survey training. This outdoor training teaches:

• How to identify an egg mass
• Survey techniques
• Field methods

Gear will be provided. Wear weather-appropriate clothing.

An outdoor training is mandatory for anyone that wants to participate in surveys. If this date does not work for you, contact Marissa Eckman at Marissa.Eckman@GreshamOregon.gov

RSVP today

Read more about the amphibian surveys project

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

Let's Go Walking! When: Wed, Jan 15, 2020 9AM-5PM Where: Meet at Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

Rock Creek Trail Hike - Cherry Lane Trailhead to Rock Creek Park

• Distance: 3.8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: Nominal
• Trail conditions: Paved pathway and boardwalk
• Round-trip travel: 62 miles
• Suggested donation per rider: $7

This trek will take us along a paved pathway that follows Rock Creek from the Cherry Lane Trailhead through Orchard Park to Rock Creek Park and back through natural greenspaces, occasionally skirting residential and corporate complexes. The restroom facility is a semi-permanent portable toilet at Cherry
Lane Park, with another at Orchards Park. After our hike we will drive a short distance to BJâs Brewhouse for lunch.

Bring water and snacks for the trail. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

For more information about this hike please contact Doug or Dana Duval at 907-230-6543 or danakol24@aol.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