On a hot, sunny evening last week, I left behind the bustle of Northeast Glisan Street in Gresham and strolled into the shade of Nadaka Nature Park, where the air smelled fresh, birds were singing and the community was bursting with excitement.
That night, a groundbreaking celebration kicked off the transformation into a full-fledged park. But even without formal amenities, Nadaka has become a place for the surrounding community to gather and connect with nature – a testament to the many advocates who have worked together to make it happen.
Five years ago, the original 10-acre park was neglected and difficult to access. Supporters realized that, by purchasing two acres to link the park with Glisan Street, they could accomplish something much bigger. They set out to secure the land, turn it into a beautiful gateway and revitalize this much-needed park.
It would be nearly impossible to recognize all the people who brought this project to life: Passionate neighbors from Wilkes East and Rockwood. Nearby businesses, like St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church and the Pacific Garden Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. The City of Gresham. Conservation groups, including the Audubon Society of Portland and the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. The Nelson family, who sold their land at a discounted price because they believed in the park. Schools and youth programs, social service agencies, and the list goes on.
Nadaka Nature Park embodies the collaboration and innovation that voters had in mind when they passed a regional natural areas bond measure in 2006, asking Metro to dedicate part of that money to community nature grants. It also demonstrates why voters asked us to expand those community investments last year, when they approved a parks and natural areas operating levy.
I am proud that Metro has been able to support Nadaka Nature Park with not one or two, but three, Nature in Neighborhoods grants. The first helped secure the connecting piece of land. The second supported its transformation. And the third, awarded just last week, will make it possible to launch conservation education programming.
At the groundbreaking celebration, spray paint marked Nadaka’s future community garden and nature play area. They are so close to being here, on the ground – a day that felt far off when I first heard about this vision five years ago, as a Gresham city councilor.
But that’s the way these things go. An idea sounds far-fetched, practically impossible. Then a few more people latch onto the vision, and a few more. Each partner brings some resources to the effort, whether that’s time, money, expertise or a willingness to get muddy. Our region invests in moving the dream forward. And the next thing you know, a nature park is planting its roots.
Click to access a history of the Nadaka Nature Park & Garden Project from Audubon Portland.