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- Meet Our Sunrise Volunteers
- Helping Sunrise Corridor Residents Stay Cool and Safe During Extreme Heat
- From Classrooms to Careers: Workforce Projects Open New Doors in the Sunrise Corridor
- Community Invited to Celebrate New Public Art at Riverside Park
- Wayfinding Signage Project Moves Closer to Installation
- Free Fall Workshop Series Coming to the Sunrise Corridor
- Sunrise Youth Civic Engagement Program Welcomes First Cohort
Meet Our Sunrise Volunteers
Volunteer Information
Name: Mark Aasland
Role in the Sunrise Community Coalition project:
Member of the Coalition Leadership group
Your Sunrise Story
1. What is your connection to the Sunrise Corridor community (Example: resident, business owner, community organization, etc.)?
I am a former long-time resident, heavily involved in area volunteer projects. Since moving to Oregon in late 2013, I started looking for ways to meet people. I started by joining a couple of local organizations. Through these organizations, I learned about several volunteer opportunities. The first volunteer opportunity I started was with the City of Happy Valley on their Parks Advisory Committee. I was a member of this committee for eight years and helped the city form its own parks district. During this time, the city liaison informed me of an opportunity to be part of the Sunrise Corridor Visioning project.
2. Why did you decide to volunteer for the Sunrise Corridor Visioning process?
I decided to volunteer for the Sunrise Corridor Visioning process because I believe it is important to help shape the future of transportation, land use, and community development in a way that reflects the needs and priorities of those who will be most affected. The Sunrise Corridor represents a significant opportunity to improve connectivity, support economic growth, and enhance quality of life for residents and businesses. By participating in the visioning process, I wanted to contribute my experience and perspective, collaborate with other stakeholders, and help ensure that future decisions are informed by thoughtful planning, community input, and long-term sustainability considerations.
3. Which of the Vision Plan’s priorities (transportation; jobs and economy; neighborhood and places; and open space, public health, and environment) are you most excited about, and why?
I am excited about all the priorities identified for the Sunrise Corridor Visioning process. However, I am particularly enthusiastic about transportation, neighborhoods and places, and open space. Through my experience serving on the Parks Advisory Board, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that parks and open spaces can have on a community's quality of life. I believe this corridor will be greatly enhanced once the transportation improvements are completed, creating better connectivity, improving livability, and supporting opportunities for additional open space and community-focused amenities. The combination of thoughtful transportation planning and accessible open spaces will help create a more vibrant and sustainable community for current and future residents.
4. What do you hope this project will bring to your community in the future?
I hope this project will create a well-connected, vibrant, and livable community for future generations. By improving transportation options, the Sunrise Corridor can enhance safety, reduce congestion, and provide better access to jobs, schools, parks, and other community destinations. I also hope the project encourages the development of walkable neighborhoods, preserves and expands open spaces, and creates places where people can gather and connect.
5. What’s something you’ve learned or enjoyed most while being part of this volunteer group?
I have been greatly impressed by the diverse group of volunteers who have come together for this process. Each participant brings a unique perspective and set of experiences, which has led to meaningful and productive conversations. Throughout our discussions, everyone has been respectful of one another's viewpoints, creating an environment where ideas can be openly shared and thoughtfully considered. It has been inspiring to collaborate with a group committed to shaping a shared vision for the future of the Sunrise Corridor and to discussing what we hope this community can become in the years ahead.
Wildcard Question
Coffee, tea, or something else — what powers your volunteer spirit?
What powers my volunteer spirit is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community. I enjoy collaborating with others, learning from different perspectives, and helping create a shared vision for the future. Knowing that our efforts today can improve the quality of life for future generations motivates me to stay involved.
Helping Sunrise Corridor Residents Stay Cool and Safe During Extreme Heat
Sunrise Corridor residents pose happily with their newly installed cooling device as part of the Sunrise Corridor Community Heat Mitigation Program
As extreme heat events become more frequent, the Sunrise Community Coalition is helping ensure some of the community’s most vulnerable residents have access to a safer, cooler home.
Through the Sunrise Corridor Community Heat Mitigation Program, Clackamas County Public Health Division, the Department of Transportation and Development (DTD), and the Sunrise Community Coalition partnered to provide portable cooling devices to residents who may not otherwise have access to air conditioning or other cooling resources.
The initiative was created to support residents who face greater risks during extreme heat, including seniors, renters, low-income households, and those living in homes without existing cooling systems. Outreach focused on three housing communities in the Sunrise Corridor: Village Place Apartments, The Crossings Apartments, and Clark Mobile Home Community.
Forty residents applied for the program, and applications were reviewed based on factors such as age, income, and housing conditions to prioritize those with the greatest need. Ultimately, 38 cooling devices will be installed in eligible households throughout the community.
For residents receiving these devices, the impact is more than just a cooler home. It provides comfort, peace of mind, and a greater ability to stay safe during periods of extreme heat.
“I wasn’t going to be able to afford one, so it really means a lot,” said Kathy O’Donnell, a Village Place Apartments resident who received a cooling device. “I appreciate Clackamas County and everyone who had a part in making this happen.”
The cooling device distribution project is one of several early implementation efforts identified through the Sunrise Corridor Community Vision Plan. It reflects the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to building a healthier, more resilient community by addressing challenges identified by residents and community partners.
Through collaboration across County departments and with community organizations, the Sunrise Community Coalition continues turning community priorities into meaningful projects that improve everyday life for residents.
From Classrooms to Careers: Workforce Projects Open New Doors in the Sunrise Corridor
The Sunrise Community Coalition is investing in two workforce projects that help connect young people with career opportunities and support local businesses in building the next generation of workers. While both projects focus on creating stronger connections between students and employers, they serve different needs.
Clackamas Workforce Partnership (CWP) is working across a variety of industries to help Sunrise Corridor businesses create youth internship opportunities and build relationships with future workers. WBTO Partners and Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center are taking a more specialized approach, focusing on the advanced manufacturing industry by connecting classroom learning with the skills and experiences local manufacturers need.
Both projects were identified as priorities through the Sunrise Corridor Community Vision Plan and represent the Coalition’s continued work to move from planning into action.
Helping Businesses Create Youth Internship Opportunities
Through its Sunrise Corridor Workforce Education Project, Clackamas Workforce Partnership is helping businesses understand how they can create meaningful internship experiences for local youth. The project provides employers with guidance, resources, and support as they explore opportunities to bring students into their workplaces.
Since launching, CWP has hosted two workshops for interested businesses at Clackamas Community College’s Harmony Campus and connected with six businesses interested in learning more about hosting interns. Participating businesses represent a range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and services.
Several employers, including North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce, QB Fabrication & Welding, Righteous Design, Cornell Pump Company, and RoseVilla, are continuing conversations about potential internship opportunities.
The next major milestone is placing students into paid internships while continuing to support businesses as they develop successful programs.
“This project is important because we are fostering connections with people in the community and bringing more awareness to the Sunrise Corridor area,” said Esmeralda Sanchez, Director of Business Services at Clackamas Workforce Partnership. “We are excited to strengthen relationships between businesses, youth, educators, government, and the many organizations and people who work hard to make this a great community.”
Building the Next Generation of Advanced Manufacturing Workers
The WBTO Partners and Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center project focuses specifically on preparing students for careers in advanced manufacturing, an industry with strong demand for skilled workers in the region.
Since launching in April, the team has identified nearly 200 manufacturers throughout the Sunrise Corridor and begun connecting with employers to better understand their workforce needs. In May, Sabin leaders, manufacturing instructors, and workforce partners visited PCC Structurals, Benchmade, and Warn Industries to learn more about local manufacturing workplaces and what employers need to successfully host high school interns.
The team is now preparing to connect with additional manufacturers with a goal of creating 10 internship opportunities for Sabin students. The project will also help ensure students are learning skills that match real workplace needs and help employers better understand how they can support younger workers entering the industry.
“Manufacturers keep telling us they want to open their doors to young people; they just need a clear and workable way to do it,” said Chris Holden, CEO of WBTO. “We are building that bridge from a high school manufacturing classroom to a real production environment and, ultimately, to a career here in Clackamas County.”
The project has also highlighted local success stories, including Benchmade’s existing youth employment opportunities, showing that young people can successfully participate in manufacturing environments when the right support is in place.
Together, these projects help create more opportunities for students, support local employers, and strengthen the connection between education and careers in the Sunrise Corridor.
Community Invited to Celebrate New Public Art at Riverside Park
A new piece of public art is coming to Riverside Park, and the community is invited to celebrate its installation on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 12 - 1 p.m.
The Headman sculpture, created by Bobby Mercier, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, honors the rich cultural history of the Clackamas River and the Indigenous leaders who have cared for these lands for generations.
The sculpture is part of a collaborative effort led by the Clackamas River Basin Council to create public art and interpretive signage that connects visitors with the cultural and ecological significance of the Clackamas River. The project was made possible through a partnership between the Clackamas River Basin Council, Clackamas County Office of Tourism, and the Sunrise Community Coalition.
The installation celebration will feature a welcoming ceremony led by Bobby Mercier and his family, offering attendees an opportunity to experience the artwork through the artist’s own cultural perspective. Guests will also have time to meet Bobby, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with community members and project partners.
The Sunrise Community Coalition supported this effort as part of its ongoing work to bring community-led projects to life throughout the Sunrise Corridor, including projects that celebrate local history, strengthen connections to public spaces, and support community identity.
Whether you are interested in public art, local history, or simply spending time with your community, we hope you will join us for this special celebration.
Headman Sculpture Installation Celebration
- Tuesday, Aug. 12
- 12-1 p.m.
- Riverside Park 17298 SE Water Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
Wayfinding Signage Project Moves Closer to Installation
The Sunrise Community Coalition Leadership Group recently reviewed the latest concepts for a new wayfinding and placemaking signage system designed to help create a stronger sense of identity throughout the Sunrise Corridor.
Working with SeaReach Ltd., the project team shared updated designs for a variety of signs, including the Sunrise Shared-Use Path markers, the Clackamas Industrial Shuttle signage, and a refreshed entrance sign for Riverside Park. Leadership Group members provided feedback to help refine the final designs before they move into production.
The project is now entering its final design phase. Once feedback is incorporated, the project will advance, with installation anticipated in 2027.
Be sure to check out the accompanying images for a preview of some of the signage concepts that will soon help welcome residents, businesses and visitors throughout the corridor.
Free Fall Workshop Series Coming to the Sunrise Corridor
The Sunrise Community Coalition is partnering with two nonprofit organizations, the Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) and Financial Beginnings. The Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) and Financial Beginnings will offer two free workshop series this fall to help Sunrise Corridor residents build knowledge in their rights as renters and confidence in their financial management skills.
The Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Workshop Series, presented by the Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants, will provide practical information about leases, tenant and landlord responsibilities, housing resources and effective communication to help renters better understand the rental process.
The Financial Wellness Workshop Series, presented by Financial Beginnings, will cover topics such as budgeting, credit, debt, savings and other tools to support long-term financial stability.
Both workshop series are planned for late September through October. Meals will be provided, and registered attendees are eligible to receive stipends for their attendance and participation. Dates, locations and registration details will be announced soon.
These workshops support the Sunrise Corridor Vision Plan by strengthening the neighborhoods and places in the area and connecting residents with practical resources that promote housing stability, financial well-being, and a stronger, more resilient community. They are one of many community-led initiatives helping bring the Vision Plan to life.
Sunrise Youth Civic Engagement Program Welcomes First Cohort
The Sunrise Corridor Youth Civic Engagement Program is officially underway, and the response from local students has been incredible. The program has reached its full cohort capacity, bringing together high school students who live, learn, work, or spend time in the Sunrise Corridor and are eager to learn more about their community and to build leadership skills.
The program was created as part of the Sunrise Community Coalition’s ongoing efforts to put community priorities into action. During the visioning process, more than 1,500 community members, organizations, civic leaders, and elected officials helped identify priorities for the Sunrise Corridor's future, including investing in youth and preparing the next generation of community leaders.
“This program is about creating opportunities for young people to better understand how their community works, build confidence, and see themselves as future leaders in their communities,” said Adam Torres, Clackamas County’s Transportation and Development Department staff and project manager for the Sunrise Community Coalition. “We are excited to learn alongside this group of students and hear their ideas about the future of the community.”
The three-part program includes interactive workshops focused on civic systems, communication skills, and applying what students learn through a project-based civic engagement activity.
The first session, Civic Systems & the Sunrise Corridor, took place on July 20 and introduced students to local government, community decision-making, and the work underway throughout the Sunrise Corridor. Upcoming sessions include:
- August 3: Communication & Civic Participation Skills
Students will build skills in communicating ideas, working with others, and participating in community conversations. - August 17: Applied Practice & Project-Based Civic Engagement
Students will apply what they’ve learned through a hands-on activity focused on real-world community engagement.
Students will also have the opportunity to connect with community leaders and special guests throughout the program, including Clackamas County Administrator Gary Schmidt and Oregon State Representative April Dobson.
The Sunrise Youth Civic Engagement Program is another example of the Sunrise Community Coalition turning community input into action and creating opportunities for residents of all ages to help shape the corridor's future.
Adaptive Access at Riverside Park Project Receives Community Choice Grant
The Sunrise Community Coalition is excited to share that the Adaptive Access at Riverside Park project has been awarded a $160,333 Metro Community Choice Grant. With an additional $80,167 match from Clackamas River Water, the project represents a total investment of $240,500 in the Sunrise Corridor.
The project will improve access to Riverside Park through enhancements such as pedestrian paths, landscaping, signage and site amenities, creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect with the Clackamas River and enjoy this community space.
This award is a great example of what can happen when community members get involved. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Community Choice Grants process and voted to support this project. Your involvement helped bring this investment to the Sunrise Corridor.
The project also complements other Sunrise Community Coalition efforts underway, including wayfinding signage, tree plantings at Riverside Park, and the development of a park and nature trail symposium. We look forward to sharing updates as this project moves forward.
Sunrise Community Coalition Connects with the Damascus Community
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Sunrise Community Coalition booth at the Roads, Routes & Safety event in Damascus! We appreciated the great questions, conversations, and curiosity from community members who came out to learn more about the Coalition and the transportation improvements planned as part of the Sunrise Corridor work.
We enjoyed connecting with residents and sharing more about the projects underway to support a safer, more connected community.