Take Springwater from concept to reality.

Imagine a future in which residents of East County are given a chance to approve a special district to provide adequate, stable, and ongoing funding to parks and recreation programs.

A system by which shared resources are leveraged for optimum and efficient community use with economy of scales. Like high school weight rooms and fitness areas open after school and in evenings for community use. Well maintained school sports fields and upgraded pools providing swimming lessons and a chance to host regional competitions.  A completed Graden Sports Park as a venue for youth and adult sports tournaments. 

Undeveloped or partially developed parks — such as Bella Vista, East Gresham, Columbia View, Jenne Butte, Kirk, South Central, Southeast Community, Southeast and Southwest Community— would be a thing of the past, complete with paths, picnic tables, lighting, playgrounds, landscaping, benches, horseshoe courts. 

When Metro bonds pass, the community does not need to rank projects and fund just one because most of those projects would already be funded. 

Kids have access to afterschool programs to help keep their minds and bodies active while keeping them out of trouble and on the path toward higher graduation rates, less drug use, and fewer gangs. Middle schoolers participate in team sports for free instead of having to pay out-of-pocket.

The elderly have access to nearby parks, fitness and wellness programs, as well as real-world classes on things like how to file taxes or use the latest social media technology. 

People feel like they belong. They have a sense of community. Less money is spent on incarceration and health care. More time is spent in nature or going to a cultural event at a community center, meaning less time in doctor offices, court rooms or food banks.

These investments in parks, open space and recreational facilities increase property values and improve livability. Companies take notice and relocate businesses to the area, creating living-wage jobs and economic stability. 

More restaurants and small businesses set out shingles to meet the needs of the growing community, further driving the local economy. 

Attracted to East County’s quaint town centers and recreational pursuits, tourists come — many on bikes — to explore the Columbia River Gorge, take in mountain views from our buttes, sip suds at brew pubs, toast at wineries, and enjoy other amenities like fishing trips or float tours of the Sandy River. These tourists note the area’s clean water, fresh air, lush forests, and wildlife. Their social media pics go viral, more people book trips, and the cycle continues.

This is what a parks and special services district can do.

It’s about health and wellness.

Stewardship of nature.

Services for the young, old and anyone in between.

Local prosperity, regional impact.

Join us in taking the Springwater District from concept to reality.