State grant makes Nadaka Nature Park dreams a reality
By admin - Posted on August 1st, 2013
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Nadaka Nature Park, through a partnership with Gresham, is awarded a $523,000 grant for park improvements
 OUTLOOK PHOTO: JIM CLARK Nadaka Park. Click to enlarge |
Source: Gresham Outlook, August 2, 2013 The state has awarded a $523,000 grant to fund improvements at Nadaka Nature Park in Gresham’s Wilkes East neighborhood. "It is unbelievable," said Lee Dayfieid, who cried, laughed and screamed when she heard the news last week that the park, through its partnership with the city of Gresham, won the $523,480 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. |
The money means that the little-known and once-neglected forested area in the middle of the city can become a full-blown neighborhood park complete with community gardens, a nature-based play area, picnic shelter and improved walking trail.
Gresham city councilors in March approved applying for the state grant, requesting $550,000 for park improvements.
As a nonprofit agency, the Friends of Nadaka were unable to apply for the grant because it is considered a local government grant, said Dayfield, who has spearheaded the grassroots effort to improve and expand the park.
In 2009, with grant funding from Metro and East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, the Friends of Nadaka purchased 2 acres that abut the park to the south, called the Nelson property. Purchasing the property, located east of St. Aiden’s Episcopal Church, allowed the public to access the park from Glisan Street.
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A master plan for the 2 acres — which are not nearly as woodsy as the rest of Nadaka — calls for creation of a park with community gardens, a children’s nature-based play area, open space and other amenities. "It is pretty amazing," Dayfield said. "Now we can really start to see things happen." The news comes just as the nonprofit organization is poised to host its third annual Nadaka Community Festival on Saturday, August 3rd, noon to 3PM. |
 OUTLOOK PHOTO: JIM CLARK. Garden Project Plan. Click to enlarge |
Those who use the park also are thrilled by the prospect of the park becoming a destination for children and families.
