Vance Park is a well-worn jewel in the rough in Gresham, Oregon’s Rockwood neighborhood. Used for a variety of purposes, like futsal, community gardens, Frisbee golf, and children’s playground, it’s potential lies in more uses and the reuse of the adjacent sites, including Vance Pit. The Pit is comprised of a defunct gravel pit, suspected former landfills and other industrial uses. The Rockwood community faces considerable challenges and opportunities. As Gresham’s highest density and poorest neighborhood, Rockwood boasts a rich ethnic tapestry. It has struggled economically in recent years, and the City, county and state partners are committed to nurturing a more prosperous community. Rockwood CDC has embarked on a strategy to promote community and economic development. Through Rockwood Speaks and other initiatives, they are steadily building a base for the economic growth and stability of the neighborhood and its residents.