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Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village start a parks district?

by | Mar 4, 2014 | Columbia River Gorge, Troutdale OR

The Sam K. Cox Building in Troutdale, OR
Currently the only city in the East County that has a recreational program is Troutdale. There is discussion and planning to see if Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village could create a parks district similar to that of Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District . It would take some time and some money but could greatly benefit the local communities that participate.  Read more below about how this could help the cities that would participate. 

Better parks, full-fledged recreational programs and other activities keep residents healthy and active and are part of what people and employers seek while choosing a community, Sherick said. They also keep kids engaged in constructive activities.

“They don’t write on walls if they’re happy kids,” she said. “They don’t destroy parks if they’re happy kids.” 

Sherick said a parks district primarily would function with existing facilities, including school buildings and athletic fields, city parks, public buildings and natural areas. But it would generate enough funding to run programs that might include after-school activities, sports leagues and special interest classes that cities and school districts simply can’t afford to operate. Those programs would help create jobs and support community events.

SRC: Read Full Article from the Oregonian here.

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