Monday, August 29, 2016

August 2016
Chairman’s Column

 Toraj Khavari

There are three lessons, rather principals, I have learned during the last 4 years while leading the grassroots organization Friends of Bull Mountain Park. Let us explore them together.

“Unity is a force multiplier.” Working together toward common goals brought us this far. The Friends of Bull Mountain Park, business partners, professional services, and volunteers have achieved significant goals and milestones. More than 60 projects have been completed since the park dedication, June 21, 2012. Friends of Bull Mountain Park has been working with City Of Tigard, Tigard Park and Recreation Advisory Board, and local communities since 2012.  Through numerous public meetings with City of Tigard, Lango Hansen and Friends of Bull Mountain Park, ideas of neighbors and local citizens about park development have been received and considered.  Lango Hansen Landscape Architect Company worked with City Of Tigard, Tigard Park and Recreation Advisory Board, Friends of Bull Mountain Park, and local communities during the concept design, 2013, and Nature Play, Picnic Shelter, and ADA Trails design, 2016. Multiple public meetings engaged all parties to influence the designs and discuss features.
In addition to design public meetings and work events, Friends of Bull Mountain Park is holding six “Picnic in the Park” events with entertainment. The “Picnic in the Park” events are directed to continue educating the communities while engaging the attendees in Nature play and healthy activities.
  • Metro NIN 2015 Grant is approved and ready for spending.
  • City Of Tigard Capital Improvement Plan is ready.
  •  The Friends of Bull Mountain Park contracts with major partners are executed.
  • The Request For Quote Construction is public, permits are in process, and looking forward to starting the Picnic Shelter, Nature Play and ADA Trails construction.


Word and deed are a powerful combination.” Visions, dreams, goals, and a beautiful park in the neighborhood will come to be reality, with deeds and actions. Thousands of in-kind dollars and volunteerism with minimum expenses have brought the park to today’s status and accommodations.  As you visit and walk through the park, as you go through the trails, as you see the picnic tables, benches, signs, etc. every amenity that you see has been groomed, touched, and cared for by volunteers. There are so many stories in this park bringing neighbors, nature, and education together that we've filled up literally 30 newsletters with stories since November of 2012.


 Faithfulness is usually underrated.”  The Bull Mountain Park’s projects require $29,000 additional funds during 2016. If you are waiting, sitting on the fence to get involved, I encourage you to live for a purpose, leave a legacy, and support the well-needed Park development. I truly believe “More is given to those trusted with some.”

Faithfulness is usually underrated.”  The Bull Mountain Park’s projects require $29,000 additional funds during 2016. If you are waiting, sitting on the fence to get involved, I encourage you to live for a purpose, leave a legacy, and support the well-needed Park development. I truly believe “More is given to those trusted with some.”

It is a privilege to be part of this amazing organization. Your involvement and support are needed and appreciated. See you in the park and look forward to your involvement.

The above quotes are from Kevin Palau, CEO and President of Louis Palau Association, Author of “Unlikely.”  

Groundbreaking Ceremony at Bull Mountain Park
By Virginia Hall

With much anticipation and years in the making, the Bull Mountain Park is another step closer to becoming a reality. On June 24, 2016, in the quiet, secluded, wooded area tucked in on Bull Mountain, the Friends of Bull Mountain Park celebrated the groundbreaking of Tigard’s first Nature Play Park at 13950 SW Alpine Crest Way.  The park swathed in wildflowers with a summer drizzle and flanked by enormous climbing logs, the groundbreaking ceremony commenced with donors, officials from the City of Tigard and Metro, FBMP Board Members, and neighbors for the Golden Shovel event.
Metro Councilor Dirksen

In preparation for the ground turning, Conrad Pearson served as Master of Ceremonies for the event and explained the history of parks throughout time and the impact on communities.  Toraj Khavari, Chairman of the FBMP, then recalled the improvements made over the last four years: trails, restrooms, picnic tables, benches, to name a few.  “As you walk through the park, as you go through the trails, as you see the picnic tables; every amenity that you see has been touched and cared for by volunteers.”  Khavari noted that the park project received grants from the City of Tigard and Metro, as well as private donors, to fund the development. 
 Appreciation Presentations done by Irene Khavari and Linda Shaw

Former Tigard Mayor, Craig Dirksen, current Metro Councilor, spoke to when the park first came into existence. “When I joined the Tigard City Council (in 2001), the city of Tigard had 288 acres of parks and open space, and our population was growing literally by hundreds every six months,” Dirksen stated, “I'm very proud to say that by the time I left office at the end of 2012, we had 560 acres of parks and open space in Tigard, and increase 288 acres.”
City of Tigard Parks and Recreation,
Steve Martin and Greg Stout

Tigard City Council President Jason Snider applauded the work done by the Friends of Bull Mountain Park. Snider said, “On one hand, we are here to celebrate Bull Mountain Park, and on another hand, we are here to celebrate each other and what you guys (Khavari and volunteers) have all accomplished, and what we have been able to accomplish together.
Toraj Khavari and Lango Hansen’s Heidi Baker and 
Brooks Ostendorf

In 2012, the City of Tigard purchased 10-acres for this neighborhood park.  After years of meeting, planning, grant writing, fund raising, and designing, construction will begin Fall of 2016.  The Nature Play Park will contain a picnic shelter, climbing rocks and logs, picnic tables, benches, and an ADA accessible trail.

 Toraj Khavari, Metro Councilor Dirksen, Tigard City Council 
Jason Snider and major donors.
Linda Shaw with the Bull Mountain Park Picnic Blanket
From Left:  Tigard City Council President Jason Snider,
 Friends of Bull Mountain Park CEO and President Toraj Khavari, 
and Metro Councilor Dirksen,
References and more reading:

1- Golden shovel ceremony held at Bull Mountain Park - http://pamplinmedia.com/ttt/89-news/312797-190963-golden-shovel-ceremony-held-at-bull-mountain-park

2- Park becomes reality with help from a few friends

Gaarde Connection
By Toraj Khavari

The Gaarde to Morningstar soft trail is designed, and we are working on the trail system construction.  The Bull Mountain Park property was purchased partly for the connection value and for bringing communities together.  The Friends of Bull Mountain Park is continuing to support the City Of Tigard commitment to “Walkability” while upholding the Metro Nature In Neighborhood values.  The Bull Mountain Park soft-surface trails connect to existing asphalt trails; 800-1000 ft. of new trail will connect the existing trails to Gaarde.  The following diagram shows the locations of the trails.

The following design constraints were considered during the design and construction.

Metro / Clean Water Services:

·         Approval processes.
·         Traverses Clean Water Services “Goal 5” moderate to high value wetland area (seasonal stream) and designated vegetative corridor.
·         Trail is soft-surface, maximum of 3’ wide
·         Water crossing features:
o   Structure 1-3’ above grade
o   20-40’ of elevated (1’ above grade) causeway east and west of crossing
§  (NOTE: similar to what is found today on Pathfinder Trail)
o   10’ long bridge with hand rail to cross a 4’ wide, 2.5’ deep stream
o   Base of bridge is 1’ above top stream bank

·         Environment Mitigation and Stream Rehabilitation: significant amounts of trash along stream to be removed, invasive species removal (e.g.: Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, holly) and replanting with native species (e.g.: salmonberry, hardwood) throughout site.


Come Grow with Us……….Naturally
By Sarah Soper

As we continue to seek new funds for our park, new visitors to the park reinvigorate us every day. This park is for our community, and our community will build it! We embarked on a huge task in 2014, and we will continue our efforts. Every new day brings newfound knowledge of what it takes to get this park built. Please consider donating to the cause!
Checks made payable to: Tualatin River Watershed Council
Check Memo line:  Friends of Bull Mountain Park Project or FBMP Project
Send to:         

April Olbrich
Friends of Bull Mountain Park (FBMP) Projects
Tualatin River Watershed Council (TRWC)
PO Box 338
Hillsboro OR 97123-0338

Project Updates
By Sarah Soper


We are as busy as ever now with the main projects of the park, including the picnic shelter, nature play and ADA trails. Current activities include finalization of the park design, submittal of an amendment to NIN Metro Grant and other grants, and bid requests to contractors. Plus, we are working with the City of Tigard to start the preconstruction process, including submitting all necessary permit applications. The window of opportunity before the rainy season is closing fast, but we are hoping to start construction in the fall. There are so many variables at this point, but we remain optimistic.
Donors
 Major Underwriter and Grants
  Metro Nature in Neighborhood
  City of Tigard Capital Improvement Plan
Donors and Sponsors
  Tigard Noon Rotary (Legacy Donor)
  Bonnie G. Conger (Legacy Donor)
  Anonymous (One family, Visionary Donor)
  Austin Industries, Scott & Loni Parrish (Visionary Donor)
  Mr. Tree (Visionary Donor)
  Ken & Joan Austin (Patron Donor)
  Mike & Cheryl Druding (Patron Donor)
  Jake Egger (Patron Donor)
  Greatbatch Inc. (Patron Donor)
  Paul & Sarah Messenger (Patron Donor)
  James & Lorraine Clauss (Patron Donor)
  Robert & Sarah Soper (Patron Donor)
  Irene M. Khavari, Sunstone Distributors (Patron Donor)
  Renee M. Johnson (Patron Donor)
  Synopsys (Patron Donor)
Corporate Donors
  Dan Muro of RE/MAX
  JAE Oregon, Inc.
  John and Steve Barker/Barker Construction
  M. Crew - Enrique Marguez
  Parr Lumber
  Pacific West Roofing, Stan Robinson
  Right Angle Digital Print & Supply Inc.
  The CarMax Foundation
  Tigard Burgerville
  Tigard Sherwin-Williams, Nate McNeely
  UBS
  Northwest Playground Eq. Inc., James Wellington
  Washington Square Dental, Dr. Rashidi
  Broadway Rose, Sharon & Dan Maroney
  Right Angle Digital Print & Supply Inc.
  Cruise In Country Dinner, Terry & Nancy Hummel
  Trees Restaurant, Shannon Johnson & Ashlie Elstad,
  Dr. Timothy Hubbard D.C., Sherwood Chiropractic
  Catrick Cleaners

Checks made payable to: Tualatin River Watershed Council
Check Memo line:  Friends of Bull Mountain Park Project or FBMP Project
Send to:    

April Olbrich
Friends of Bull Mountain Park (FBMP) Projects
Tualatin River Watershed Council (TRWC)


PO Box 338
Hillsboro OR 97123-0338
Toraj Khavari and Mayor Cook 
For more details about the FBMP’s projects and BMP concept plan refer to the following documents.
                                    City Of Tigard -  http://www.tigard-or.gov/community/bull_mountain_park.php
                                    FBMP Nature Play Projects Information - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FEBMP/files/Nature%20Play%20Projects%20Information/
                                    FBMP November 2014 Newsletter - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FEBMP/files/newsletters/


FBMP Contacts
    Chairperson : Toraj Khavari   toraj.khavari@gmail.com
    Newsletter Editor: Sarah Soper   snsoper@mac.com
    Tigard Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) Liaison: Tim Pepper  tpepper@gmail.com
    Trail Masters: Tim Pepper  tpepper@gmail.com and Jenn Eaton  jennilynn311@yahoo.com
    Volunteer and Event Coordinator: Linda Shaw  lindashaw13178@msn.com
    Eagle Scout Advising and Web Administration: Bruce Harbison  c5racer88@gmail.com


FBMP Meetings
 Please mark your calendars and join us.
Time and Dates: 7 PM to 8:30 PM, Thursday October 27, 2016.
Where: Fire Station #50, located at 12617 SW Walnut St. Tigard OR, 97223

Bull Mountain Park
The BMP soft trails start at multiple (6) entrances: SW Greenfield Drive, SW Benchview Place, SW Woodshire, SW Alpine Crest Way, SW Fernridge Terrace, and SW Ridgefield Ln.

Come and enjoy the park, be active, be healthy, and be green. Bull Mountain Park area photo and trail maps:

Connect with the FRIENDS of BMP at the following sites:
                                                            Yahoo® User Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FEBMP
                                                            Facebook® - http://www.facebook.com/FEBMP
Park Address - 13950 SW Alpine Crest Way, Tigard, Oregon 97223

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