Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods Community Choice Grants give Gladstone residents direct power to decide how parks and natural areas should improve. Through participatory budgeting, community members propose ideas, refine them, and vote on the projects they want funded.
In 2023, this process directed $2 million toward community‑driven projects, and Gladstone now has the same opportunity. These grants focus on community‑led parks and nature projects that benefit communities of color, Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, and others historically overlooked in government decisions. This funding exists because voters approved Metro’s 2019 parks and nature bond measure.
Gladstone’s Five Proposed Projects Residents can vote for up to five projects, and Gladstone has five on the ballot:
- Natural Shade at Max Patterson Park
- Meldrum Bar Restoration – river habitat, trails, seating, interpretive signage
- Schoolyard Greening at John Wetten Elementary
- Invasive Plant Removal at Glen Echo Wetlands
- Shade for the Clackamas North Bank along Cross Park
Voting Details
- Public voting: April 20 – June 15
- Each person may vote for up to five projects
- Total funding available: $2–3 million for parks and nature improvements
- Metro will host a booth at the Gladstone Spring Market on Saturday, May 16 at the Community Center