Beloved bronze sculpture stolen from Nadaka Nature Park

Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance with locating a bronze sculpture stolen from Nadaka Park at 17615 NE Glisan St., sometime in the last two weeks.

A member of Gresham Outdoor Public Art (GOPA), David Bauman, noticed Slider, the 2-foot-tall bronze otter was missing on May 3.

Photo of Slider, the bronze otter

The bronze otter, along with a raven, was installed at Nadaka Park in August 2017. The sculptures were created by local artist, Rip Caswell, and his son, Chad. The Raven is still sitting on top of a wooden pole, looking for his friend.

GOPA raises funds to buy outdoor public art and then donates to city of Gresham outdoor spaces. Other bronze sculptures have been donated and placed in front of the Gresham Police Department and in historic downtown Gresham.

GOPA board president, Judy Hahn, stated, “The sad part is the neighborhood really came together to name the otter, Slider, and the raven, Seeker. The community will be missing Slider and members of GOPA would like to see him returned. We’re hoping someone just wanted to put it in their yard.”  

Hahn has been in contact with local metal recyclers who she says are very careful not to take metal they suspect is stolen.

Anyone with information about the theft or location of Slider, the bronze otter, is asked to call the Gresham Police tip line at 503-618-2719.