GRESHAM, Ore. – A big day for the city of Gresham, as people celebrate the opening of a brand new nature park. Hogan Butte Nature Park sits on top of an extinct volcano, and took more than 25 years to become a reality.
“I think it demonstrates to the rest of the region what Gresham residents already know,” said Mayor Shane Bemis. “We have a very special community”
From giant volcanoes in the distance, to small delicate flowers, up close, Hogan Butte Nature Park is a special place, says Mayor Bemis. The new 46-acre park sits south of downtown Gresham and west of US 26. A paved trail brings you to the top of Hogan Butte, an extinct volcano.
Hogan Butte is part of the Boring Lava Field and the "East Buttes," a cluster stretching from southeast Portland to Damascus.
Gresham is one of the few places in the United States to have extinct volcanoes within its city limits.
The City began the process for acquiring land on Hogan Butte more than 25 years ago, through a 1990 City bond measure and two later Metro bonds.
Visitors can enjoy this park today thanks to considerable effort from Gresham citizens, the city, and many community partners such as Metro, the Trust for Public Lands, the U.S. Forest Service and the Buttes Conservancy, which all advocated for the conservation of Hogan Butte lands over the years. Metro and Oregon State Parks helped build the park.
“The view is amazing and you couldn’t have gotten a better day if you’d have put in an order,” said runner Ted Garner, who found the new park Saturday. “Another place to go on a crisp morning or sunny summer afternoon,” he said.
Saturday’s celebration also comes complete with some new animal friends from Audubon Society of Portland. They're on display for the day to show the importance of wildlife. You'll see plenty of that here, if you keep your eyes open.
It’s place to get in touch with nature, and make memories at the same time.
“This is one of those special places that grandparents can bring their grandkids up, come together,” said Mayor Bemis. “Have a picnic and see the beautiful scenery that is Oregon, and Gresham.”
For more information and directions to the new park, visit this website.