Shirley Craddick

Trails fair will share the latest news about projects throughout the region

Fri, 03 May 2013 20:00:42 GMT

If you want to hear the latest about trail projects taking shape across the region, attend the Regional Trails Fair, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand Avenue in Portland.

Happy campers: Nike awards $10k to zoo nature program

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:30:20 GMT

The Oregon Zoo Foundation has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Nike Employee Grant Fund to help introduce low-income and minority youth to the benefits of outdoor camping and conservation, officials announced this week.

$2.1 million to improve air quality and community health

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:05:05 GMT

Metro announces the recipients of $2.1 million in funds awarded through the Regional Travel Options grant program. These fourteen grants will support projects that increase opportunities for residents to use transit, carpool, ride their bicycles or walk.

Region's downtowns and main streets bloom with help from public programs

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:45:45 GMT

With today's growing preference for walkable communities and locally owned and operated businesses, historic streets and districts are re-emerging as the heart of the community that draw people together and help rebuild local economies. Learn how Metro's Development Center acts as a public partner in two programs for revitalizing downtowns and main streets that offer strategies from small – such as lighting and window display techniques – to grand, such as a comprehensive revitalization curriculum for a commercial district.

Lily and Tusko now owned by Oregon Zoo after help from foundation

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:00:05 GMT

The Oregon Zoo finalized a $400,000 deal this week with Have Trunk Will Travel to buy out a contract with that California-based outfit, which loaned Tusko to the zoo.

Ready, set, reserve!

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:15:17 GMT

It's no secret that Oxbow Regional Park is a favorite camping destination in East Multnomah County. For 50 years, the 1,000-acre natural area park has been a recreational treasure, offering visitors an opportunity to walk in an old growth forest, view migrating salmon and sleep under the stars.

Metro Council will ask voters to approve local option levy for natural areas, water quality in May

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 02:11:24 GMT

In their final meeting of the year, the Metro Council on Tuesday unanimously agreed to refer a five-year local option levy to voters in May, asking for help to restore the region's natural areas, improve water quality and fish habitat, maintain parks, and provide people with more opportunities to experience nature.

Glendoveer management contract finalized with CourseCo

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:49:44 GMT

It's a rare commodity in East Portland that families have used for generations. A place where a round of golf is affordable and where you can escape from a hectic day to a beautiful natural area and find some quiet and calm… Ask the community what makes the Glendoveer Golf Course and Tennis Center such a special gem in East Portland and these are some of the comments you'll hear. As CourseCo, a leading West Coast golf operator, stands poised to take over the management of the regionally-owned property, its priority is to keep it that way.

Metro Council OKs new Ringside Steakhouse contract at Glendoveer

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:29:17 GMT

The Metro Council confirmed today that the Ringside Steakhouse – an eastside institution since 1979 – will continue operations at the Glendoveer Golf Course and Tennis Center.

Metro offers free admission for military personnel

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:40:59 GMT

Metro will acknowledge Veterans Day by offering free admission to Metro parks and the Oregon Zoo for military veterans and active military personnel, as well as family members who accompany them. Families of deployed military personnel also will be given free admission.

Metro’s Nature University is now accepting applications for early 2013

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 23:32:10 GMT

If you love nature, enjoy working with children and have access to personal transportation, consider becoming a volunteer naturalist by attending Metro’s Nature University. Nature University is a 12-week training course that starts people along the path of becoming naturalists and teachers.

Transportation fund aims to boost economy, make more equitable access to jobs

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 23:29:08 GMT

The Portland area could invest $34 million in transportation projects that create jobs, make safer streets and improve access to jobs for low-income and minority communities.

Metro will negotiate with CourseCo, Inc for a contract to operate Glendoveer

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:17:20 GMT

Metro has begun discussions with CourseCo, a leading West Coast golf course operator, to negotiate a contract to manage the regionally-owned Glendoveer Golf Course and Tennis Center.

Metro seeks applicants for four community member seats on influential transportation committee

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:55:48 GMT

Metro’s Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee, or TPAC, is seeking volunteers interested in transportation issues to serve on the panel starting January 2013. There are four community-member positions up for appointment.

Public and private-sector partners urge new investments to support traded-sector job growth

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:54:27 GMT

A new report released this week by five public- and private-sector organizations brings to light the value of large-lot industrial sites to the Portland metropolitan region. The report shows a lack of market-ready sites inside the region's urban growth boundary, identifies specific hurdles to market-readiness and outlines how the development of 12 case study sites could result in the direct creation of 12,500 new jobs with average annual wages of $97,000 and $764 million in additional personal income tax revenue for the state over 20 years.

Neighbors give nod to four firms in competition to manage Glendoveer

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 01:13:59 GMT

An independent group of people who live near Metro’s Glendoveer golf course, tennis center and fitness trail recommended that four firms be interviewed in the competitive process to select the facility’s next operator.

Out of space, Metro ends sales of plots at Gresham Pioneer Cemetery

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 01:11:14 GMT

When the region's first cemeteries were established, space was hardly at a premium. But as cities have grown around the cemeteries, corralling them between neighborhoods and highways, they're quickly running out of room to grow

A personal message from Councilor Craddick: Coming together to support transportation, safety and jobs

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:17:57 GMT

On August 10, I updated you about the Metro Council’s endorsement of the East Metro Connections Plan, which followed unanimous endorsements by the cities of Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale, and Wood Village and Multnomah County. This effort brought business and government together to lay the groundwork for transportation investments and economic development.

A personal message from Councilor Craddick: Successful public-private partnership to reduce waste

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:17:18 GMT

Last week, Metro signed a significant new contract with Miller Paint, a business based in my district, for the distribution of MetroPaint. This collaboration highlights a successful public-private partnership that supports our economy while helping reduce and recycle waste.

Citizen panel will review proposals to operate the Glendoveer Golf Course and Fitness Trail

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:15:59 GMT

The 12 members of the Glendoveer Citizen Review Panel met for the first time Aug. 2 to discuss the request for proposals and the selection process for a new operations contract. The panel will help the Metro Council evaluate proposals to manage the golf course, tennis center, driving range and pro shop at Glendoveer and select firms to move forward to the interview process.

A personal message from Councilor Craddick: A prosperous future for East Metro

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:50:00 GMT

When I was given the opportunity to represent the communities of east Multnomah County as your Metro Councilor, I had hopes that we could realize great gains through collaboration. There is a critical need for governments and business to work together to solve problems as we navigate through a complicated present into a changing future.

East county leaders take decision to Metro Council

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:37:44 GMT

Elected and community leaders from east Multnomah County will ask Metro Council on Aug. 9 to endorse a plan for near- and long-term transportation investments. The Metro Council action will mark the final approval of the East Metro Connections Plan, a strategy that links transportation, employment growth and community values.

A personal message from Councilor Craddick: Exploring The Intertwine during July 20 policymaker bike ride

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 23:29:29 GMT

Last Friday, I joined a group of about 150 policymakers on a bike ride throughout the east part of the region. I was happy to be able to welcome this group to the east side and to showcase the Intertwine – the network of parks, trails, and natural areas throughout our region. The bike ride highlighted some of the region’s best trails and natural areas, as well as the connections still needed to complete the network.

Freeway and trail projects get OK from Metro Council

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:14:24 GMT

One by car. Two by bike. All 7-0.

The Metro Council approved one freeway project and two trail projects on Thursday, amending the region's short-term transportation plans to greenlight the three endeavors.

We hear you East Metro, loud and clear

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 23:00:59 GMT

Resounding agreement on priorities for east Multnomah County communities was established this week. A unanimous vote at Fairview City Council on July 18 marked the final local endorsement of the East Metro Connections Plan. In the last three weeks, the councils of Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village and the Multnomah County Commission also unanimously voted to support the plan.

Opt In survey results confirm priorities for new Glendoveer operations contract

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 20:07:07 GMT

Affordability, customer service and better, well-maintained facilities were all priorities for participants in a recent Opt In survey about future operations at Metro's Glendoveer Golf Course.

A personal message from Councilor Craddick: Metro’s Get Street Smart series supports businesses and great communities

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:21:08 GMT

Sustained economic competitiveness and prosperity is one of the key attributes of a great community, and in these difficult times we need to do all we can to support our businesses. Active and busy downtowns support both businesses and communities.

A personal message from Councilor Craddick on the East Metro Connections Plan and other news

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:11:27 GMT

Transportation investments set the stage for economic growth by ensuring that people, goods, and services can move efficiently and safely within a community and around the region. The East Metro Connections Plan – or EMCP – is a collaborative effort of Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village, Multnomah County and Metro to create a vision for a prosperous and successful East Metro region.

Intertwine honored for website

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:51:47 GMT

The Intertwine Alliance and Metro were honored this week by the Coalition for Recreational Trails for Outstanding Use of Recreational Trails Program Funds in the category of Education and Communication for the development of the Intertwine web site.

Identifying solutions for East Multnomah County

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:45:08 GMT

On April 18, the East Metro Connections Plan steering committee -- made up of elected officials, community members and stakeholders -- approved the substance of an action plan for the East Metro area. Their draft recommendation includes improvements to the transportation system that could be implemented as soon as funds are secured as well as those that will be needed in the future to accommodate the growing number of households and jobs. This action plan was built based on community input, today’s needs, past planning processes and future projections based on population and employment growth.

Second annual Regional Trails Fair explores The Intertwine

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:49:06 GMT

If you're a trails fanatic, make the trek to Metro from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 for the second annual Regional Trails Fair. You'll learn the latest news about projects across the region, with more than 25 booths staffed by local trails partners.

Oregon Zoo seeks memorabilia for Packy’s 50th birthday celebration

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:14:09 GMT

Beloved Asian elephant, a Portland icon, hits the half-century mark this April

In preparation for Packy’s 50th birthday celebration April 14, the Oregon Zoo is seeking the public’s help in tracking down and sharing early memories of the beloved pachyderm.

Packy, a Portland icon, made international news in 1962 as the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years. The big event happened shortly before 6 a.m. on April 14, and news about the 225-pound baby spread rapidly. Newspapers and radio stations around the world announced the birth, and Life magazine covered the event with an 11-page spread describing "The Nativity of Packy." Gifts flooded the zoo –– everything from gold-plated safety pins to hand-knitted baby clothing to an elephant-sized quilt –– and visitors flocked to see the new pachyderm.

As Packy’s 50th birthday approaches, the zoo is working to preserve his history and would like to augment its visual records from Packy’s early years.

"We know visitors love Packy and the rest of the zoo’s Asian elephant herd," said Kim Smith, zoo director. "We’re hoping some of their experiences from the past 50 years are saved on film, and that they’re willing to share memorabilia and stories with us. I’d especially love to hear from anyone who knows about Packy’s quilt."

Smith said a visitor told her about a quilt that had been made for Packy when he was a baby, and she is hopeful someone can supply more information, pictures of the quilt, or perhaps even the quilt itself. The zoo is also seeking old home movies, film footage, slides, photos, postcards, View-Master reels, newspaper clippings, magazine articles or other memorabilia relating to Packy’s early years.

The zoo hopes to display some of these materials during Packy’s birthday celebration and eventually place them in a permanent historical archive. Copies will be accepted in addition to original materials. Donations may be sent to the Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221, in care of Packy’s Birthday.

The zoo is also seeking stories from or about anyone who shares a birthday with Packy (April 14, 1962) — same date, same year or both. Stories and remembrances may be posted to the zoo’s Facebook page, e-mailed to events@oregonzoo.org or sent to the Oregon Zoo using the above address. The zoo may use some of these stories on its website or to help publicize the April celebration.

For questions regarding donations, contributions or Packy stories, please e-mail events@oregonzoo.org.

Packy is now the oldest male Asian elephant in North America, and one of the largest, standing 10 feet 6 inches tall at the shoulder and tipping the scales at around 12,500 pounds. He has fathered seven calves, including 28-year-old Sung-Surin ("Shine") and Rama, both of whom currently live at the zoo.

What’s your opinion on important transportation projects in East Metro?

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:56:46 GMT

Don’t worry if you missed the March 14 open house for East Metro Connections Plan. It’s not too late to help shape future transportation investments in Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village and Multnomah County.

Get Centered! Announcing Jon Schallert Business Workshops, March 20 and 21

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Get Centered! is an event series that provides tools and resources to help communities attract investment and revitalize the region's downtowns and main streets.

Update: 3/14 East Metro Connections Plan Steering Committee meeting canceled

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:03:17 GMT

The March 14 East Metro Connections Plan steering committee meeting has been canceled out of respect for Gussie McRobert, former mayor of Gresham, whose service will take place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Gresham City Hall. The open house will still take place from 5:30-7:30 at the East Hill Church, Kid City Theater, 695 North Main Avenue, Gresham.

Upcoming opportunities to help shape East Metro’s future

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:12:57 GMT

This spring, the east part of the Metro region will make important choices that will affect our transportation system, community and economic development, and there are upcoming opportunities for members of the public to influence the decisions that will be made soon.

A personal message from Councilor Craddick on walkable, climate smart communities

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:46:11 GMT

One of the great things about living in this area is the many great neighborhoods, with homes and shops within easy reach. Any effort we can make to expand those opportunities is something we should pursue. That's why I was glad to be part of a recent unanimous Metro Council vote keep forging ahead with the Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project.

Oregon Zoo condors on track for another eggs-ceptional year

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:43:42 GMT

Endangered birds produce sixth egg of season at zoo’s off-site facility.

Metro seeks public comment on four-year federal transportation projects schedule

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:45:31 GMT

Metro invites the region to view and comment on the upcoming four-year schedule of federal transportation investments in the Portland area. The four-year schedule, known as the 2012-2015 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program, encompasses all federal spending on transportation, including highways, public transit, pedestrian and bike projects in the three-county metropolitan area.

Oregon Zoo to open new Veterinary Medical Center Jan. 19

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:35:55 GMT

After 16 months of careful construction and equipment installation, the Oregon Zoo's new Veterinary Medical Center will open its doors on Thursday, Jan. 19. The public can peek inside Jan. 20-22, when the zoo will offer behind-the-scenes tours.

Metro Council approves championship disc golf course at Blue Lake Regional Park

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:40:36 GMT

On Dec. 8, 2011, Metro Council approved funding to construct an 18-hole disc golf course at Metro’s Blue Lake Regional Park. The course design will be the first gold-level disc golf course in the Portland metropolitan area.

Zoo's animals to gobble up Thanksgiving 'Beast Feast'

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:20:37 GMT

Leftovers, schmeftovers! Throughout the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, Oregon Zoo animals will gobble their way through their very own Beast Feast, a cornucopia of enrichment activities and treats aimed at stimulating their minds and stomachs.

Metro walks its talk with new green building policy

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:07:05 GMT

With the recent adoption of its first-ever green building policy, Metro has set new sustainability standards for all the agency’s facilities and developed properties, from regional parks, solid waste transfer stations and the Oregon Zoo to venues such as the Portland Expo Center and Oregon Convention Center.

Roberts commemorates women's suffrage at Metro Council meeting

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:12:11 GMT

The sashings were part of ceremonies across the state commemorating the 1912 law allowing Oregon women the right to vote. After five unsuccessful attempts, Oregon voters finally passed the law and became the seventh state granting women suffrage through a ballot initiative process.

A personal message from Shirley Craddick: Connecting our parks, trails, and natural areas with the Intertwine

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:30:00 GMT

One of my roles as a Metro Councilor is to serve as a liaison to the Intertwine Alliance. What is the Intertwine, anyway?

Zoo's elephant Rose-Tu is pregnant again

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:12:19 GMT

The Oregon Zoo’s Asian elephant Rose-Tu is pregnant, zoo officials announced today. The 17-year-old pachyderm, who gave birth to Samudra in 2008, is expected to deliver another member of the zoo’s celebrated elephant family in late 2012.

Metro Council completes urban growth decision

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:47:32 GMT

Today the Metro Council voted 6-0 to add 1985 acres to the region’s urban growth boundary for future housing and jobs. (Councilor Rex Burkholder was excused.) This represents less than a one-percent expansion of the region’s urban footprint to accommodate thousands of additional households and workers over the next 20 years.

Metro expands natural areas at Rock Creek, Deep Creek, Chehalem Ridge and Canemah Bluff

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:55:53 GMT

Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program started the fall with a flurry of land acquisitions, from the west side of the region to the east side. New natural areas build on Metro’s work in several areas that have been focal points of the 2006 natural areas bond measure.

Metro tests new approach to fight illegal dumping

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:40:24 GMT

Bright orange tags that declare “This item has been illegally dumped,” are appearing on discarded sofas, mattresses and other bulky items left on street corners as part of a new effort to stop illegal dumping, clean up neighborhoods and reduce costs to Metro’s solid waste rate payers.

Volunteers needed for trail improvements at Glendoveer

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:10:48 GMT

Metro and Friends of Glendoveer are seeking volunteers to help prepare the Glendoveer Fitness Trail for wet weather. Metro is working closely with local groups after community feedback clearly showed East Portland's appreciation for the Glendoveer Golf Course and Fitness Trail, and a desire for more maintenance at the facility.