Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park

Map of the planned Sandy River Park & Trail

A park as extraordinary as the one taking shape along the banks of the Sandy River doesn’t come around often. It will be a new destination that will honor Troutdale’s history while creating fresh opportunities for recreation along the Sandy River. At the heart of the park is a 12-foot-wide linear trail that stretches from Depot Park to the south side of I-84 in the area known as The Confluence at Troutdale. Once complete, this trail will seamlessly connect to the iconic 40-Mile Loop, opening up endless opportunities for walking, biking, and exploring.

Recent construction milestones include a newly built retaining wall and grading for the paved trail that will lead to a raised walkway and river viewing platform. These features will showcase breathtaking perspectives of the Sandy River and highlight the park’s natural beauty. A small nature play space is also planned, thoughtfully designed to blend into the riverside setting.

As exciting as the developments at the new park are, the same can be said for the woman we’re dedicating it to. All too often, the history and stories of a community are forgotten with time, but that is not the case with not Troutdale—and we have Sharon Nesbit to thank for that. The name Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park celebrates historian, journalist, and beloved community storyteller Sharon Nesbit. As a founder of the Troutdale Historical Society and longtime columnist for The Outlook, Nesbit dedicated her life to preserving the stories that make Troutdale unique. The park’s name reflects not only the importance of documenting history but also of celebrating heritage—the people, places, and traditions that define a community. Seven interpretive signs throughout the park will share Troutdale’s history, ensuring that Nesbit’s legacy as a guardian of local history lives on.

As Sharon once said, history is about what happened—but heritage is about what we value and carry forward. This park will celebrate both.

Set to be completed by summer 2025, this project promises to be a beautiful new hub for recreation and relaxation. The trail and park will also complement future private commercial and residential development efforts in the City's first and only urban renewal district (URA).

The project was advertised for competitive sealed bids from construction contractors on June 11, with the bid opening held July 18. The construction contract has been awarded to the confirmed lowest bidder, Colf Construction of Vancouver, Washington.

For more information on the bidding process, please visit the project RFP page.

2014 - Sandy River Access Plan

In 2014, the City in partnership with Metro developed the Sandy River Access Plan, which created the template for proposed waterfront park and trail to better connect Troutdale residents and visitors with one of our most iconic natural assets, the Sandy River. In doing so, park and trail investment would coincide with private development that works well with the surrounding area.

2019 & 2020 - 30% Design

In October 2019, an open house on trail and park design concepts was held, with about 50 attendees offering feedback. From that feedback, the City worked with MZLA and Firwood Design Group to establish a 30 percent design of the park and trail.

The design calls for a minimum 12 foot wide trail that connects with the existing trailhead to the I-84 bridge in the north with the currently improved trail in Depot Park to the south. The design calls for an elevated section that will go underneath the Union Pacific Railroad trestle. The path will need to be elevated in this area to accommodate for allowable slope ratings for ADA compliance and to have minimal interference with natural floodplains in this area.

The park that is envisioned will be linear in nature and would feature three main areas of congregation, including the possibilities of play equipment for kids and a gathering area for picnics and events. Efforts to maintain significant trees already on site and to introduce new trees were also addressed.

2020 - 2022 - 60% and 90% Design

The City has completed the design phases for the trail, with the 90 percent designs finalized in October 2022. A multi-year invasive species removal program, initiated as part of the project, has achieved remarkable success. Large areas previously overtaken by blackberry and English ivy have been restored to support native vegetation and improved ecosystem health along the trail and its embankments.

The City secured funding for the project, receiving grants from Metro and Oregon State Parks. This financial support has been instrumental in bringing the trail closer to completion, ensuring high-quality design and community value.

2024 - 2025 - Construction of the Trail

The City officially broke ground on the Sandy River Park & Trail on October 10, 2024 - the same days as the official ribbon cutting for the Ch’ak Ch’ak Trail. In May 2025, the park was officially named Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park after local historian, journalist, and longtime Troutdale resident Sharon Nesbit.

The trail is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.