About

Tsuru Island and the Gresham Japanese Garden

The Rebirth

In July of 2011, Tomiko Takeuchi, native Oregonian, and third generation Japanese American (Sansei), and Jim Card, a retired landscape contractor, conceived the revitalization of Tsuru Island. With the City of Gresham’s approval, Card orchestrated the planning, design, and rebirth. His master plan included five benches defining different focal points, moving visitors through the garden by turns in the path. Dedicated volunteers contributed countless hours of their time.

During the rebirth, 150 cubic yards of debris were removed and replaced with boulders, a multitude of donated plants, a meandering stream bed, irrigation and landscape lighting. Tsuru Island was unveiled in September 2014.

By 2016, Tsuru Island saw the reconstruction of the moon bridge, installation of a bluestone path, an azumaya (gazebo), and a karesansui (dry garden). Read entire history here.

_

MIssion Statement

The Gresham Japanese Garden provides a place of culture, beauty and learning for all who visit. We strengthen the community through leadership, stewardship, education, and volunteerism.

_

The organization consists of:

Gardens and Spaces
  1. Tsuru Island (Japanese garden)
  2. Ebetsu Plaza
  3. Endowment Fund path
  4. Ambleside Annex
  5. Pollinator Garden
  6. Mural Garden
  7. Hiroshima Peace Garden
  8. Kyoudou Center
  9. Exhibition Area
  10. Cutting Garden
  11. Shade house
  12. Greenhouse
Workshops & Programs
  1. Art of Bonsai
  2. Introduction to Ikebana
  3. Pruning Program
  4. Exploratory Worksite Program
Cultural Activities
  1. Japanese New Year (Shogatsu)
  2. Hina matsuri
  3. O-hanami / Yozakura
  4. Boy’s Day
  5. Star Festival (Tanabata)
Community Events & Fundraisers
  1. Teddy Bear Parade
  2. Beautifying Main City Park with hanging flower baskets
  3. Bi-annual Plant Sale
  4. Wreath making fundraiser
  5. Chamber of Commerce host
  6. Free Seminars
An all-volunteer group steadfastly fosters and nurtures the Gresham Japanese Garden. The Garden is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit with a three-person board of directors, and an endowment fund dedicated to supporting stability and maintenance into the future. 

Board of Directors

  1. Jim Card – Garden Director
  2. Sue Protz – Activities Director
  3. Mary Taylor – Treasurer

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

 

At the Gresham Japanese Garden, diversity is the foundation of a thriving community, and the beauty of our garden reflects the diverse people who visit, contribute, and find peace within it. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is inseparable from our mission to cultivate a space of reflection, connection, and shared humanity.

We acknowledge the historical and cultural significance of the Japanese garden as a symbol of resilience, unity, and respect. In this spirit, we are dedicated to dismantling barriers, addressing systemic inequities, and ensuring that the garden serves as a place of belonging for all across race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, and economic status.

As a public space, we recognize our responsibility to reflect and uplift the communities around us, especially those marginalized. Through culturally informed programming, partnerships, and outreach, we aim to amplify underrepresented voices and provide pathways for engagement, learning, and leadership.

Equity is not a destination but a journey that requires action. We commit to fostering an environment where difficult conversations can take root and where diversity is celebrated as a strength that shapes the landscape of our collective future. By weaving inclusion into every aspect of our operations, from governance to volunteerism, we strive to create a garden that mirrors the richness of the human experience a place where every visitor feels seen, heard, and valued.

Together, we grow stronger. Together, we cultivate a legacy of belonging.