Designing for undeveloped parks
We want to hear from you as we plan for six undeveloped parks in Gresham.
Provide feedback through this Story Map
Use this Story Map tool to review each of the six parks tabs and give us feedback. Look at the draft designs, choose your favorite activities, and let us know if the vision of the parks meets your family and community needs.
We also invite you to review the Gresham Parks Concept Plan report through Aug. 31.
Online information sessions
Please send your comments or requests to meet virtually directly to Tina Osterink at Tina.Osterink@GreshamOregon.gov.
Project background
The City Council is exploring ways to expand and improve Gresham’s park system, with plans in the works for Gresham's undeveloped neighborhood and community parks. This is a multi-year Council Work Plan item.
Gresham has six undeveloped parks that include open space or natural areas with no recreational amenities. Two of the six parks are classified as community parks that serve the entire city and provide recreation for all age groups, from easy picnicking and walking to active sports and play areas.
Each undeveloped park has been broken up into different zones. The zones represent areas for specific activities, such as play areas, dog parks or wildlife viewing. The zones help define areas where we want to protect and preserve the natural environment while maximizing opportunities to activate other areas for public use.
Based on analysis of the unique existing conditions and feedback on the zones diagram during public engagement meetings, the following concept plans were developed:
Outreach
In 2019 staff and a design consultant team worked with the community to identify unique features and a vision for each undeveloped park site. Outreach efforts included:
- Six on-site outreach meetings
- Two community park online surveys
- Four neighborhood park online questionnaires
- Six Neighborhood Association meetings
- Eight city-wide outreach events, including two open houses
- Promotion of outreach events on the City website, social media, utility inserts and City newsletter
- Engagement with 100 youth
From these outreach events, we've heard the following:
- Keep parks safe and green
- Protect open space and natural areas
- Desire for context sensitive improvements
Next steps
- Stakeholder virtual meetings, story map and concept plan report feedback: Summer 2020
- Anticipated Virtual Open house: Fall 2020
- Anticipated Council approval: Fall 2020
More about the parks