Come celebrate the Gresham-Fairview Trail at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 19. The public celebration will be held on the trail’s new pedestrian bridge over West Powell Boulevard in Gresham.

Metro has been involved for more than 15 years in making the trail a reality. It enhances both recreation and commuting, and links neighborhoods to schools, parks, natural areas and businesses.

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer and Metro Councilor Shirley Craddick will join Gresham City Councilor Josh Fuhrer at the celebration to mark the completion of an important part of the trail, from the Springwater Corridor to Burnside Street. The multi-use path continues north to Halsey Street.

Blumenauer helped secure more than $2 million in federal funding for the Gresham-Fairview Trail. Metro steered those funds to the project, as well as an additional $500,000 from the 2006 voter-approved natural areas bond measure. Other money came from the Oregon Department of Transportation and the federal stimulus.

Metro and the City of Gresham are working to expand the trail to roughly five miles, connecting all the way to the 40-Mile Loop trail along Marine Drive. It may take another five to 10 years to complete the trail, as Metro still needs to secure access to land north of Halsey Street. Metro’s Natural Areas Program buys land – or the rights to put a trail on it – only from willing sellers.

The Gresham-Fairview Trail is a pivotal section of the region’s overall trails system, and a key investment in the east side’s livability and vitality. It connects areas that are both ethnically and economically diverse.  

Walkers, bicycle riders, joggers, skaters and those who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters can use the trail while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Native shrubs and drought-resistant trees line stretches of the path. Dogs are welcome on the path but must be on a leash and picked up after.

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Learn more about the Gresham-Fairview Trail
Find trail access points
Learn more about Metro’s 2006 natural areas bond measure