Octoiber 2016
Chairman’s Column
Toraj Khavari
We achieved a major Milestone. Friends of Bull Mountain Park (FBMP) signed a contract with GSE Inc. (Greg Schroeder Enterprise) on Sept. 14, 2016.
We have enough funds to start but NOT enough to finish. The FBMP and GSE Inc. entered into a contract that guarantees the amount for the total project, if we can complete it by Sept. 30 2017. But if we extend the project past Sept 2017, the cost will go up and we lose the favorable pricing for a complete project.
In that spirit, City of
Tigard recently proposed and passed funding for Bull Mountain Park to establish
ADA friendly access with an ADA standard connecting trail that will lead to the
Picnic Shelter, the Nature Play area and ADA standard picnic tables. As the park develops, Snider anticipates
opportunities to engage with our Grade Schools for field trips and other
educational activities. He supports public spaces, particularly
parks, where families and friends can go to have a good time.
We have enough funds to start but NOT enough to finish. The FBMP and GSE Inc. entered into a contract that guarantees the amount for the total project, if we can complete it by Sept. 30 2017. But if we extend the project past Sept 2017, the cost will go up and we lose the favorable pricing for a complete project.
Thanks
to “YOU”, Metro, City Of Tigard, other donors, and volunteers, the Bull
Mountain Park has gotten this far but we will continue its development as far
as the money takes us!
Persistence
and the continuous focus on our goals is the key to the Bull Mountain Park
development.
The
Friends of Bull Mountain Park is doing its part, so we ask you to do your part.
Please donate to the cause! Get involved and help us to raise additional funds
so that we can celebrate the successful completion of the park.
See you in the park outside the construction
area,
Toraj
Interview
with Jason Snider, Council President, City of
Tigard
By Sarah Soper
Since its beginning in
2012, Friends of Bull Mountain Park (FBMP) has had the opportunity and privilege
to interview those individuals whose interest
and support have had the most
impact on Bull Mountain Park and its development. On August 23, the tradition continued when
FBMP Board Members interviewed Council President, Jason Snider. Council President Snider
has lived in Tigard since 1999, and is
currently the administrator of the
Regional Gastroenterology Department
at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. As Council President, a peer
Councilors appointment, Snider has the added
responsibilities of presenting complex issues
to Mayor Cook or on behalf of Mayor Cook,
gathering information in order to expedite decisions on behalf of Tigard
citizens and serving as a liaison between City of Tigard and commercial
providers/vendors. Following are
comments and insights resulting from that interview.
Sarah Soper, Tigard City
Council President Jason Snider and Toraj Khavari
Vision
For
questions relating to Council President Snider’s vision for City of Tigard and
in particular, Bull Mountain Park, he responded that a priority is the safety
of park visitors and citizens. Snider
knows that the City is safe, but more important to him is that people ‘feel’
safe and have confidence that they are safe, whether in the parks, on the
trails or in their homes. Having
volunteered as a Tigard Reserve Police Officer from 2001 – 2004, his
perspectives as well as his proposals pertaining to police and safety, are
based on hands on experience.
Snider is running for re-election in November. While many projects have finished well (among them, the Lake Oswego Water System), there are many in process that he would like to see to a beneficial end, and other projects that are not yet started but that would be great for the With ongoing issues such as urban growth boundaries and the Tigard Triangle, Snider, if re-elected, will continue his work with a basic knowledge of what his constituencies favor, enabled with new energy of a full term ahead. In his next term, Snider and his Council peers would like to continue finding ways to expedite the Council’s work and save time and tax dollars when City tasks and improvements are not further complicated by external considerations but can be accomplished within the City’s authority for completion.
We asked about the Light
Rail ballot proposal this fall; Snider agrees that the best vote is the most
informed vote. To that end, he
recommended that we read the Voter’s Pamphlet carefully, along with exploring
some of the online information that is available. We inquired about light rail considerations
that have been off the table for a long time but still have a negative review. He encourages us to read the newest
information available. For a more comprehensive
overview, see the following site.
http://www.tigard-or.gov/city_hall/southwest_corridor_plan.php
Lindashaw13178@msn.com
As many of
you might have noticed, construction has started. In September, we chose a
contractor from the Request for Proposals submissions, a public bid process for
the construction quotes. We then selected a construction company after
interviewing 2 possible contractors. We signed a contract, and submitted our
permit applications. We met onsite with the City of Tigard for a
preconstruction meeting on October 7th. The Woodshire Entrance is
closed off and work has begun to make that entrance an ADA friendly drop-off.
We are making every effort to keep the other areas of the park open during
construction but we ask everyone to respect the construction zone for the
safety of all.
In October,
FBMP had a Metro Site Visit for our extension of the Nature in Neighborhood
grant extension. The City of Tigard, Metro representatives and FBMP were in
attendance. See the full article at the following site.
http://www.tigard-or.gov/community/pw_news.php
PO Box 338
Park Address - 13950 SW Alpine Crest Way, Tigard, Oregon 97223
Support
Council
President Snider and the City of Tigard have demonstrated ongoing support for
the Bull Mountain (Neighborhood) Park development since 2012. City of Tigard, Metro, Friends of Bull
Mountain Park and many supportive citizens have shared the commitment to the
proposed projects. Involvement in the
park development has served as a valuable learning experience for the National
Honor Society students, Eagle Scout candidates, Boy Scouts and other students
who have had the opportunity to present and attend various meetings with
elected City Officials present.
The
City of Tigard remains committed to maintaining Bull Mountain Park after the
approved projects have been completed by Friends of Bull Mountain Park, and
have been accepted by the City of Tigard.
During the development, City of Tigard staff members are committed to
overseeing the projects to ensure that the work is completed according to
design, and safety during development and in the park after the projects are
completed.
Financial
support is still needed. While President Council Snider cannot speak to future
funding, he is supports the development. From having spent over four years on
the City of Tigard Budget Committee, he understands more than most the issues
of ‘cost creep’. Friends of Bull
Mountain Park, now awarded CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) funds to include
an ADA approved trail connecting the two ADA friendly drop off locations, is
facing an increase in the costs associated with ADA standards throughout the
park.
Financial
support is still needed. While President Council Snider cannot speak to future
funding, he is supports the development. From having spent over four years on
the City of Tigard Budget Committee, he understands more than most the issues
of ‘cost creep’. Friends of Bull
Mountain Park, now awarded CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) funds to include
an ADA approved trail connecting the two ADA friendly drop off locations, is
facing an increase in the costs associated with ADA standards throughout the
park.
We focus on the vision and
have confidence in our City of
Tigard and Metro for continued
support and assistance. We thank Council President Jason
Snider for his time and
encouragement.
Tigard City Council
President Jason Snider attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony
A Nice Problem to Have
By Irene Khavari
When
Friends of Bull Mountain Park became a grass roots organization in 2012, it
never occurred to me that we would become incorporated with a 501 (c) 3
affiliate to manage Metro funds and other cash donations. As is true of all good volunteer groups, as one
thing was completed, another project was considered, presented for approval and
it was also completed…to the tune of 60 hands on, out of pocket projects
COMPLETED! These range from over a mile
and a half of soft trails throughout the Bull Mountain Park to various benches,
picnic tables, ADA standard toilet, tool shed, etc.
By
the time this FBMP Newsletter is released, most will have noticed the
construction started to establish an ADA friendly drop off at the Woodshire
Lane and Alpine Crest entrances. The excavation for the picnic shelter, Nature
Play and ADA standard trails connecting these entrances is scheduled to begin
in October, having been approved by the City of Tigard; also, a spending
requirement for funds released through the Metro grant.
The
truth is, we have enough to begin construction, but need more to finish. The blessing or problem, depending on if
you’re a half full or half empty person, stems from the City of Tigard CIP
(Capital Improvement Plan) grant of $100,000 to develop an ADA standard trail
and two ADA friendly drop off sites at Woodshire Lane and Alpine Crest
Way. With these funds, the Friends of
Bull Mountain Park quickly recognized the value of having a park loop rather
than a straight trail. The loop would
serve to take all visitors on a more pleasant path to all the features in the
park. The enhancement, as you would
expect, will require additional funds.
The
Good News – the contract entered into between Friends and GSE is inclusive and
the costs are contractually guaranteed if all construction is completed by Sept
30, 2017. If not, the costs associated
with completing the park development will go up.
An
editorial comment – at the wonderful park summer picnics, at the Farmer’s
Market and even in church, I’ve heard comments on how wonderful the plan is –
or what would make it a good, better or best park, in their opinion. Okay- FBMP is committed to development as far
as the money takes us. With the existing
funds available, it will be an all “obligations met park”. With additional funds by year -end, it can be
spectacular. And, become a model that can be replicated for other park
development in Tigard.
So,
if you are compelled by the plan, ongoing construction and preserving one of
our most natural treasures while making it accessible to all ages and
abilities, now is the time to make your gift.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made to FBMP or TRWC and a receipt
for tax reporting will be provided. We
look forward to enjoying the Bull Mountain Park with you. Please make it so through your generous
donations.
Volunteer Project
By Natalie Clark
Invasive species often take over and control
our parks. These species are non-native to the area and can cause harm to the
surrounding wildlife and plants. On October 23rd, Tigard High School's National
Honor Society helped remove invasive species from the Bull Mountain Park. These
species included, ivy, geranium and blackberry bushes. Without the help of the
eleven National Honor Society students, these species would continue to grow
and kill off trees and other plants in the park.
It was so amazing to be informed on the
differences of the plants and be able to truly understand the importance of
having the correct plants in the forests. The weather was absolutely perfect
and everyone was exposed to some wildlife as a deer walked down the path while
we were working. I am so thankful for Linda Shaw and the many others
involved with maintaining and restoring Bull Mountain Park's true beauty!
Thank you again so much Linda for allowing me
to work along side you to complete this project!
Picnic in the Park
By Linda Shaw
We had 6 “Picnic in the Park” events this past summer.
The concept was simple: you bring your blanket, chair and your picnic dinner
and we’ll provide the entertainment. We had bands that ranged from
7 musicians to 1 individual playing the acoustic guitar. Even
on those 100 degree nights, the park is completely shaded at 5:00 p.m. to host
these events. We had anywhere from 60 -100 neighbors join us at each
picnic, and the music was fantastic every time.
We love promoting the musicians that are right
here in Tigard. If you are a band member or know someone who is, and
would like to perform at the park, please have them contact me for the Summer
of 2017.
A special thanks to the following people who made
these events happen this summer;
Irene Khavari - selling our Bull Mountain Picnic
blanket and earrings to continue our fundraising efforts.
- Dale Werner from Alpenrose Dairy brought ice cream cups to help cool us off.
- City of Tigard-granted the Friends of Bull Mountain a community grant to help advertise and sell items for fundraising.
- Signscope on Hwy 99 - made our signs to help us promote our summer events.
- And all the bands who came to perform: Hot Rod and the Convertibles, Jason Moore Guitar Students, High-water Johnny/Big Chief and the Hedgehogs, Jack Mortenson Music/Niamh Official Music and the Tigard High Guitar band.
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you
next summer!
Linda Shaw
Volunteer Coordinator for Friends of Bull Mtn.
Park
Project Updates
By Sarah Soper
Greg Schroeder with GSE
starts contruction
OBEY ALL Signag
City of Tigard Public Works Update
By Sarah Soper
http://www.tigard-or.gov/community/pw_news.php
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
Leave a Legacy
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
Construction
has started
Greg Schroeder and Toraj
Khavari signing contract.
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: January 26, 2017 - 7 PM to 8:30 PM
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 Security - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EBMPNWC/
Park Address - 13950 SW Alpine Crest Way, Tigard, Oregon 97223
