Gresham's Lee Dayfield found the hidden gem in Wilkes East and opened it up for all

Lee Dayfield just inside the north gate of Nadaka Nature Park. Click to enlarge.

Nadaka Nature Park For years, the plot of land tucked away in Gresham's Wilkes East neighborhood was forgotten. Source: The Oregonian, Nov 14, 2012 by Nancy Anderson

Those who noticed the forested 10 acres must have figured it was off limits. An 8-foot-tall fence topped with barbed wire enclosed the site, save for one small entrance. Few would have guessed this was public land, officially known as Nadaka Nature Park.

But in 2008, the right person with the right heart and a vision stumbled upon the park and set out to make it known and accessible.

Lee Dayfield of Gresham has since led an effort involving extensive community partnerships to give the park new life and purpose.

Click here to read the entire Oregonian article and view the new community garden design.