Troutdale council directs staff to prepare resolution to name new Sandy Riverfront Park for historian Sharon Nesbitt

The Troutdale Parks Advisory Committee asked the City Council on Feb. 25 to name the new Sandy Riverfront Park “Sharon Nesbitt Heritage Park,” and the council directed staff to prepare a resolution for a future meeting.

Tiffany Long, chair of the Parks Advisory Committee, told the council the committee unanimously voted to request the name and emphasized that Nesbitt is still living and would be able to receive the honor. Multiple residents and local historians spoke in support of the naming during an extended public comment period, recounting Nesbitt’s decades of local history work, writing and walking tours.

Speakers at the council meeting credited Nesbitt with compiling oral histories, publishing local histories and advocating to preserve historic sites such as the former Multnomah County Poor Farm (now McMenamin’s Edgefield). Margaret Rice, a longtime volunteer, listed awards and civic roles Nesbitt has held, including the Oregon Heritage Excellence Award and founding the Troutdale Historical Society.

Councilors voiced strong support for the proposal. Mayor Ritma said he would like staff to return with whatever document is needed to accomplish the naming “at the next meeting or the one after that.” Councilor Glenn (surname in transcript) moved the city direct staff to prepare the necessary paperwork; Councilor Jesse Davidson said he would “be happy to second anything that comes up.” The council did not vote on the name that night; staff will bring a formal resolution back for adoption at a later meeting.

Sharon Nesbitt spoke to the council and thanked the community; several residents said the proposed name honors a living community historian who has documented Troutdale’s past in books and columns and led tours for decades.