Tucked between the a university and urban living, Fannie Mae Dees Park has remained a staple in the community for decades. However, no one knows it by it's official name, instead its known as Dragon Park.
Jamie Michael and her son Wyatt have been coming here for years. "One of his favorite things to do was climb on it. We were here the day they started fencing it up and he lost his mind," Michael said.
That was back in May. "Every time we come I look for some sign of progress and I haven't really seen any," she explained.
The tiles that make up the artwork on the dragon are now covered in tarps to protect from the coming cold months. The fence has been there awhile and will remain awhile longer. For first time park goers, it's a bit of an eyesore.
"Well I drove by and saw it was blocked off and was a little confused by it, came up and saw the signs and I'm glad there's a restoration effort happening," said Colin Poulton.
Metro Parks is partnering with the Hillsboro West End Neighborhood Association. Pak officials said the project will happen in phases. First an art conservator will help with the structural repairs through the late winter. By Spring the city hopes to begin reapplying the tiles and just like when it opened in 1980, that will be a community project.
When it does re-open new residents will truly know the meaning behind the nickname, Dragon Park. "I notice online that people call it the Dragon Park, which is interesting because I haven't seen it," Kelly Carroll said.
