In a unanimous nod to former Mayor Shane Bemis, the City of Gresham has given Hogan Butte Nature Park a new namesake. According to a recent City of Gresham announcement, the park will now be known as the Shane T. Bemis Nature Park, honoring the ex-mayor's influential tenure. The decision was made on March 17, as a way to enshrine his contributions to the city he served for well over a decade.
Bemis was not just a former city councilor turned mayor; his tenure has been marked by strategic economic investments and a push for public safety enhancements. During the annual State of the City address, Bemis was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, a gesture signifying the high esteem in which he's held. Mayor Travis Stovall praised Bemis, saying, "Mayor Bemis propelled this community forward with tireless dedication, and today, we stand on the foundation he built." These awards and recognitions come as direct appreciation for a leader who has been at the heart of Gresham's evolution into a prosperous community, as per the City of Gresham.
From 2003 to 2007, Bemis contributed as a City Councilor before becoming Mayor, a post he held until 2020. His leadership was characterized by a proactive approach to building the city's economy, and public safety and improving the overall well-being of the Gresham community. For instance, his efforts in economic revitalization and expanding public spaces have been integral to strengthening the social fabric of the area.
Gresham City Manager Eric Schmidt remarked on the renaming, "Hogan Butte Nature Park offers some of the most stunning views in our region, so it was only fitting to rename it and pay tribute to such a visionary leader.” These tributes serve not only as an homage to his service but also aim to inspire future leaders about the significance of investing in community strengths, as reported by the City of Gresham.
