Recreation

City of Gresham Sunday Futsal: Sun, Dec 30, 2018 5PM-7PM

12/30/2018 - 5:00pm
12/30/2018 - 7:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
City of Gresham Sunday Futsal: Sun, Dec 30, 2018 5PM-7PM. Let's Kick Ball!. Info here!

Let's Kick Ball!

When: Sun, Dec 30, 2018 5PM-7PM
Where: Friends of the Children gym
424 NE 172nd Ave.
Get Map!

Indoor Sunday Futsal youth recreation is open to all students in grades 6-12 on Sunday from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Friends of the Children gym.

  • Free. Open to boys and girls.
  • Learn new skills, make new friends, play futsal.
  • Participants must bring a signed waiver to play.
  • Adult supervision and mentorship provided by Active Children Portland volunteers.
  • Sponsored by the City of Gresham.

For more information, email Ricki Ruiz at Ricardo.Ruiz@GreshamOregon.gov or call 503-583-0771.

Read more about Sunday Futsal and print the waiver.

City of Gresham Fri Night Basketball 2018: Fri, Nov 30, 2018 6PM-10PM

11/30/2018 - 6:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
City of Gresham Fri Night Basketball 2018: Fri, Nov 30, 2018 6PM-10PM. Let's Hoop It Up! Info here!

Let's Hoop It Up!

When: Fri, Nov 30, 2018 6PM-10PM
Where: H.B. Lee Middle School
1121 NE 172nd Ave.
Get Map!

Middle school and high school youth can attend free basketball practice, skill building and game play on Friday nights at H.B. Lee Middle School, 1121 NE 172nd Ave.

  • Open to boys and girls in grades 6-12
  • Learn new skills, make new friends, play basketball.
  • Adult supervision and mentorship provided by the Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC).
  • Sponsored by the City of Gresham.

Schedule

  • 6-8 p.m. for grades 6-8
  • 8-10 p.m. for grades 9-12

Registration form

For more information, visit our basketball page or contact Coach Michael Magnum at 503-975-2929.

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2021 Newsletter here!

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2021 Newsletter here! Wilkes East Neighborhood, Gresham Oregon USA. Diversity, Harmony, Community- Together 'WE' can make a difference.

Summer 2021 Newsletter

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


alt=Read it now!

Summer 2021 Newsletter

Inside This Issue:

  • Trackers, Never Lose Stuff Again
  • New Special Needs Adult Program
  • Wilkes East Land-Use Update
  • Saving 267 Trees; Shaull Woods
  • Meet City Councilor Dina DiNucci

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 general meetings.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-400 words and may be subject to editing. Include a related photo. Send by email to chair@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: 17104 NE Oregon St • Portland OR 97230.

Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help.
To volunteer contact chair@wilkeseastna.org.

Senior Healthy Hikers, Lewisville Park Hike: Wed, Aug 19, 2020 10AM-5PM

08/19/2020 - 10:00am
08/19/2020 - 5:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Senior Healthy Hikers, Lewisville Park Hike: Wed, Aug 19, 2020 10AM-5PM. Let's Go Walking! Info here!

Let's Go Walking!

When: Wed, Aug 19, 2020 10AM-5PM
Where: Meet at trailhead
Get Map!

Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic

  • All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
  • We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
  • Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.

Hike details

  • Distance: 3 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy/moderate
  • Elevation gain: 74 feet, with a few steep hills
  • Trail conditions: Packed dirt, some gravel, pavement
  • Round-trip travel: 54 miles
  • Parking fee: $3 per car

This hike begins at the Ponderosa I-3 parking area at Lewisville Park in Battleground, Wash. We will begin by crossing a bridge onto a river trail that leads to the park entrance and a grassy area to check out the unique birdhouses. Then we will follow a 12- to 15-foot-wide forest trail with rolling hills and many types of edible berries (be careful not to touch any stinging nettle plants). After 1½ miles, we will descend steeply from the forest trail to a paved path that parallels the Lewis River. Along the way, look for pygmy rabbits and Steller's Jays/ We will gather near the river to eat our lunch (restrooms available). Following lunch we will continue on a natural trail to see the rapids and then head back to our cars.

Bring water, snacks, and a sack lunch. Sturdy hiking shoes/boots are needed.

For more information about this hike please contact Ruth Cummings at 503-926-4840 or cummings0465@frontier.com or Ron Janzen at 503-333-8419.

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

Free Basic Bike Repair: Aug 23: Sun, Aug 23, 2020 1PM-5PM

08/23/2020 - 1:00pm
08/23/2020 - 5:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
Free Basic Bike Repair: Aug 23: Sun, Aug 23, 2020 1PM-5PM. Coho Picnic Shelter, Main City Park. Info here!

When: Sun, Aug 23, 2020 1PM-5PM
Where: Coho Picnic Shelter
Main City Park
219 South Main Ave.
Get Map!

The non-profit organization Bikes for Humanity is offering free basic bike repairs. Outdoor, socially-distanced repairs will happen near the Coho picnic shelter.

You can also donate old bikes to be fixed up for those in need.

For more information about this event, contact Andrew at Bikes for Humanity at 503-496-9641.

Senior Healthy Hikers, Lookout Mountain Hike: Tue, Aug 25, 2020 10AM-5PM

08/25/2020 - 10:00am
08/25/2020 - 5:00pm
Etc/GMT-8
SSenior Healthy Hikers, Lookout Mountain Hike: Tue, Aug 25, 2020 10AM-5PM Let's Go Walking!. Info here!

Let's Go Walking!

When: Tue, Aug 25, 2020 10AM-5PM
Where: Meet at trailhead
Get Map!

Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic

  • All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
  • We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
  • Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.

Hike details

  • Distance: 2.9 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation gain: 565 feet
  • Trail conditions: Packed dirt, rocky in places
  • Round-trip travel: Approximately 125 miles

This hike starts at the 6,525-foot level, so there could be snow patches on the trail. The hike climbs through subalpine meadows to the scarp of Lookout Mountain, then follows the shoulder of the peak through stunted forests until reaching open slopes, rock pinnacles, and expansive views of Mount Hood. At the summit, on a clear day, views of Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters are visible to the east, and Mt. Rainier to the north.

Plan to bring water and snacks, along with a sack lunch to enjoy at the summit. Wear good hiking shoes and sunscreen or a hat for the sun, since there is no tree cover at the top. Hiking poles could be helpful, but not necessary.

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

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2020 Newsletter here!

Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2020 Newsletter here! Wilkes East Neighborhood, Gresham Oregon USA. Diversity, Harmony, Community- Together 'WE' can make a difference.

2020 Summer Newsletter

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


alt=
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

Got a story or tip to share?
Wilkes East residents are encouraged to submit articles and tips for the newsletter. Articles should be limited to 300-500 words and may be subject to editing Include a related photo. Send by email to chair@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: 17104 NE Oregon St • Portland OR 97230.

Volunteers Needed
Newsletters are hand-delivered to Wilkes East residents and businesses by neighborhood volunteers. There are always routes that need delivery people. Routes are small and many. We can always use your help.
To volunteer contact chair@wilkeseastna.org.

City of Gresham: Input on Columbia View Neighborhood Park’s Concept Plan

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 neighborhood Park's Concept Plan
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/

Nature-Deficit Disorder

Heather Newcomb, Neighbor

I visit Columbia View Park every day. I walk the four blocks with my two toddlers and large dog to the park for our daily dose of nature. Every few months, we visit the closer Pat Pfeifer for the playground or go to Nadaka to play in the sand, but Columbia View offers a unique setting that I choose over the others. This park is more special because it provides an immersive nature experience. With Columbia View’s expansive sight lines, my neighbors and I are able to enjoy the park simultaneously whilst keeping quietly to ourselves as we wish. Here we calm our minds, explore the trees that look like forts to my children, listen to the birds, and pick flowers. We walk large loops and rest under the trees. The thick canopy provides shade from the sun in the summer and a dry area from the rain in the winter. This park is our third place — our second home.

(Read more below the break)

Two hours a week — In a 2019 study of 20,000 people, the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter found that those who spent two hours a week in nature were substantially more likely to report good health and psychological well being. Those two hours could come in one dose or over several, but there were no benefits to the participants who did not meet the minimum of two hours.

Spending time in untampered green space has also proven to decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other conditions. I myself use the park each day to ease anxiety symptoms. With our filled schedules, it is critical to have this advantage of untouched green space nearby our homes. People do not have time to drive out to the Gorge regularly, which is also becoming increasingly crowded on weekends. As a mom, I find it is prohibitive to load the kids into the car every time we want to venture out.

Currently, the city of Gresham seeks to develop more amenities within Columbia View Park. They have reached out four times to seek feedback from the community. At each instance, I personally have heard an outcry from our neighborhood. Many ask to let this unique and special landscape remain an untouched green space. At each subsequent step, however unfortunately, more and more elements have been added to the city's plan.

The current proposed design includes a cement walkway, a fenced dog park, cement courts, picnic shelters, and a community garden. This is far too many things for such a small space and apparently a cookie cutter design reiterated for several parks in the city. The plan did not take into consideration police sight lines to the picnic shelter, unrealistic secondary access points through neighbors’ property, the grade of the land, or the expanse of ground people would have to traverse carrying gardening tools. Further, it will destroy Columbia View’s unique natural landscape and green feeling, and raise the risk of overnight trespassing, drug use, and drinking directly next to HB Lee Middle School.

Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, who have been studying the effects of nature on the brain since the 1970s, say that in city environments, neighborhood streets, the classroom, and at work, people strain to use more of the brain. In nature, people relax their minds, pay attention more broadly, and exert less mental effort. This leads to an overall healthier body and mind. The amenities the city plans will diminish the unique restorative qualities of our neighborhood green space at Columbia View Park. It will make the neighborhood less desirable. It will make the park a destination for those who live outside the neighborhood, increasing vehicular traffic and congestion.

If you value the irreplaceable dose of restorative nature in our neighborhood park, I urge you to reach out to Tina Osterink from the City of Gresham (tina.osterink@greshamoregon.gov), our city council members (greshamoregon.gov/Meet-the-Council), and attend our August 10th Wilkes East Neighborhood Association meeting to insist our feedback is heard!

The neighborhood association is interested in your feedback and your continued support on the Columbia View Park development plan. Please follow this link tinyurl.com/wenasurvey to provide us with an email to receive updates and let us know your own thoughts on what the park might look like.

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