Chris Kahle

Howdy

Victor von Salza

As of the end of July 2008 I am no longer BNA Web master. You can read more about me, my work, and interests at my Web site www.vonsalza.com and my flickr page.

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Previously... I joined the BNA Board in 1997 shortly after moving here with my wife Mary Anne and our Bearded Collie Spencer. Bridlemile had just been split out from Bridlemile-Robert Grey into the current Bridlemile and Hillsdale neighborhoods.

Initially I served on the BNA Land Use committee with Rich Adelmann and many others and whose main project at that time was working on developing the Bridlemile Vision Statement as part of the SW Community Plan which was updating zoning for all of SW Portland.

In November 2000 I created the BNA's first Web site which I have updated continually since then. In Spring 2007 I moved the BNA Web site from my Web site to its current home here on the SWNI server. At about the same time I also began compiling the monthly BNA SWNI News reports.

Sometime in early 2002 I became BNA Parks Chair and worked on the SWNI Parks Dog Off Leash Siting Committee. I remained Parks Chair until 2007 when Chris Kahle graciously volunteered to take on that position which I could no longer spend enough time on.

In March of 2003 I became involved with the Bridlemile Creek Stewards(BCS) Albert Kelly Creek Restoration(AKCR). I created and updated the Web pages for all three of BCS creek restoration projects thru Spring of 2008. In 2005 I began work on the Your Watershed Habitat Web site as part of the outreach effort of the BCS for the AKCR project. In 2007 I moved the AKCR and BCS Web pages to their current homes here on the SWNI server.

In 2007 at my suggestion the BNA Web Chair position was changed from a BNA Board position to a subcommittee of the Outreach Committee; and that ended my 10+ years as a BNA Board member, and in June 2008 I announced my resignation (effective the end of July 2008). As BNA Web master, I created and updated the BNA Web pages, compiled/wrote the monthly BNA SWNI News reports, sent out the monthly BNA Announcement emails, and offered to train other board and committee members to create and maintain content for their own areas of interest on the BNA Web site. So far Chris Kahle has taken on the update and creation of BNA Parks pages. In addition to the BNA Web site I also: created door to door flyers (such as the BNA Calendar card) for various on going BNA projects which the SWNI office then printed for us, worked with BNA History Chair Ginger Danzer on developing more Walking Tours, and still am one of the Admins for the Bridlemile Neighborhood Association flickr group which Chris Kahle created.

Albert Kelly Park Creek Restoration

The Albert Kelly Creek Restoration was begun in March of 2003 with the main restoration work being done during 2003-2006 as described in greater detail on the Project Overview page. The Before & After Photos page has some sequences of pictures spanning before work was begun until the present. Pictures and descriptions of Past Events are documented on the yearly Events and Photos pages in the menu at left. Answers to questions that we received over the years are on the FAQs page. And links to our partners and all of the stream organizations above and below the AKCR project can be found on our Links page. A list of all the people who have made this project the succes that it is can be found in the Thank You Volunteers! section below.

Starting in 2007 the area is officially in its maintenance phase with continuing work parties. Invasive Removal and Planting Events for 2007 are posted on the SWNI Events Calendar, click here for a list of Bridlemile Watershed Events.

Restoration Creek in Albert Kelly Park 2006.04.12. Photo by Victor von Salza

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Naturescaping
Learn how to improve and maintain the watershed habitat in your yard. The www.naturescape.org web site connects you with all the best information on the web, classes, resources, plant sales, and much much more to help you naturescape your yard in a way that will benefit the environment AND be a place for you to enjoy.

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Thank You Volunteers & Sponsors
your generous contribution(s) of time and effort are making this project a great success!

Sherwin Ameri*
Peter Angel*
David Auker
Maayan Avni*
Alex Baasch
Dave Baasch
Kathy Bambeck
Glen Bellows
David Bergstein*
Hal Bernton
Patti Beyer
Chris Bjork
Becky Blanchard
Cate Blankenship*
Jen Seamans Blatner
Steve Boyer
Maureen Bulling
Priscilla Bulter
Ben Byrnes*
Nikki Chang*
Ted Coonfield
Laura Anne Cramer*
Ted Cook
Ginger Danzer
Paul Davids
Rebecca Davies*
Michael Desimone**
Andre Dezendorf
Paul Dickonson*
Tom Doberstein
Marissa Dorais
Jan Dougall
Dylan Doyle*
Isaiah Elder
Leslie Elder
Jerry Eckstein
Jeanne Ellis
Logan Ellis
Mark Ellis
Tom Elmer**
Michael Emerson
Jennifer Fern**
Amanda Fritz
Lillie Fitzpatrick
Steve Fradkin
Corina Gabbert*
Kathy Donofrio(Gantman)
Kathy Gates
Kathy Gautarus
Lauren Gerson*
Rebecca Gibson**
Ricky Gibson*
John Grosvenor**
Will Gruner*
Margie Hanley
Roger Hartwell**
Dane Heinonen*
Gina Helman
Jim Hicks
Ginna Holman
Scott Holmann
Anne Holznagel
Christian Holznagel
Evelyn Hoffman*
Sharah Howard*
Alice Johnson
Hilary Johnson
Serena Johnson
Karen Johnson
Roberta Kanter
Peter Katon
David Keeler*
Wendy Kent
John Keyes
Shirley Kishiyama
Jeanette Kloos
Todd Kloos
Diane Koosed
Nicholas Krishnamurthy*
Jim Labbe
Scott Lake
Linda Lane
Jamie Langdon*
Bowman Leigh*
Mark Levesque*
Julie Long*
Janis and Ian M??
Alec MacColl*
Jensen Marineau*
Bridget Martin
Steve Maxwell**
Betty McArdle
Justin McCallum*
Alex McCartney*
Adina Menashe*
Kasim Mirza*
Alan Mitchell**
Marialice Mulroky**
Michael Mullinax
Steve Mullinax
Lisa Murray*
Emma Northcott*
Mary Joan O'Connell
A? Olbrich (sp?)
Marin Peck
Quinn Peck
Riely Peck
Nancy Peters**
Zoe Pinfold*
Ed Piper*
Anne Pyne*
Joren Rash-Gitner
Karen Rash-Gitner
Harry Ritter
Jerry Robinson**
Quinn A. Ronif
Bob Sauer*
Greg Schifsky
Amanda Schmole*
David Schwartz*
Jen Seamans Blatner
Conrad Sizer
Jim Sjulin
Dave Sorenson**
John Stapp
Julia Stenbergel*
Collin Strid*
Clark Swinford**
Jim Toothaker
Edge Trullinger*
Kurt Vetterlein
Nathan Vetterlein
Janet Vohs
Greg Vohs
Victor von Salza
Claire Williams*
Sam Woodard*
Americorps
Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)
Portland Parks & Recreation
Watershed Resource Center
*Catlin Gabel School student
**SOLV/Key Bank volunteer

Hamilton Park Creek Restoration

Invasive Removal and Planting Events for 2007 are posted on the SWNI Events Calendar, click here for a list of Bridlemile Watershed Events.

Restored section of creek. Hamilton Park Creek Restoration Photo by Victor von Salza

Trillium at the Hamilton Park Creek Restoration March 2007, photo by Victor von Salza

Photos from the BCS Bridlemile Elementary School Planting Event at the Hamilton Park Creek Restoration Site, March 24th, 2006. Please note, this page is filled with large images that may take a while to load if your connection to the Internet is slow.

A set of web pages about the Hamilton Park Creek Restoration project will be coming here in 2007.

Join the Bridlemile Creek Stewards

Do you and your family love to see the trillium blooming in the spring in our Bridlemile neighborhood parks?

To see a family of red-tail hawks soar above the towering firs and hemlocks in our hills? To hear a nighttime chorus of frogs? To know that there are cutthroat trout and clean water in Fanno Creek?

Be part of a continuing tradition of keeping our neighborhood forest and stream habitat healthy! Since 1998, Bridlemile neighbors, led by the Bridlemile Creek Stewards, have removed

Volunteers at June 21st Event

acres of invasive plants like Himalayan blackberry and English ivy that were destroying our habitat. We planted thousands of native plants,

providing shade, food and shelter for birds, mammals

and fish. You can see the results in the restoration projects in the wooded areas of Albert Kelly, Hamilton, and the Bridlemile Open Space parks.

You and your family, as Bridlemile Creek Stewards members, can help keep these natural areas healthy. Keep an eye out for invasive plants, and spend a little time to stop them from coming back. Get to know your neighbors! Your kids will earn community service hours and learn from well-qualified watershed scientists and naturalists.

Join the Bridlemile Creek Stewards
There are no membership dues, simply pledge to spend 4 hours each year at one of the three BCS restoration sites in Albert Kelly, Hamilton, and the Bridlemile Open Space parks as Docent or Volunteer.

Docent
Show (using one of the self guided tours for each park - to be posted here soon) interested neighbors/prospective BCS members around one of the three BCS restoration sites and demonstrate how to remove common invasive plants at two of the regular Yearly Events (see below) .

Volunteer
Spend 4 hours removing invasive resprouts at one of the BCS restoration sites; either at one or more of the regular Yearly Events (see below) or at times convenient for you.

Yearly Events
To be determined...likely to include :SOLVit, Down by the River, Green and Clean (SOLV) No Ivy Day, Earth Day and other dates so please check this site for updated postings.

To Join contact:
Steve Mullinax, 503-768-9065, founding member 1998-present
Greg Schifsky, 503-246-2714, founding member 1998-present

This page last updated on June 12, 2008

Open Space Park

The Bridlemile Open Space Park is an undeveloped open space located on the flag lot between 4119 and 4201 SW 58th Ave just north of SW Hamilton.

Together with the undeveloped portions of neighboring properties the Open Space Park (the flag lot with red dot in the center) forms a large open space in the middle of many homes. Areal Photo of the area from Portland Maps

It's filled with tall trees and large variety of native plants that are in fierce competition with encroaching invasive plants such as ivy, Himalyan blackberries, holly, and other non-native plants.

One of many beds of Trillium one can see in Spring. Note the ivy (in upper lefto of photo) that is beginning to take over as ground cover. Photo by Victor von Salza, April 2006

In 2006 the Bridlemile Creek Stewards together with Friends of Bridlemile Open Space Park held the 1st Annual Friends of the Open Space Park No Ivy Day event at the park. And in May of 2007 the 2nd Annual Friends of the Open Space Park No Ivy Day Event was held.

Invasive Removal Events for 2007 are posted on the SWNI Events Calendar, click here for a list of Bridlemile Watershed Events.

To join the email list to hear about future Friends of the Open Space Park events and work parties click here.

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Thank You Volunteers & Sponsors
your generous contribution(s) of time and effort are making this project a success!

Alex Baasch(BCS)
Dave Baasch(BCS)
Kathy Bambeck(BNA)
Hal Bernton
Owen Brady(FOSP)
Patrick Brady(FOSP)
Ryan Brady(FOSP)
Stuart Celarier
Emily Dana(FOSP)
Kathy Donofrio(BCS)
Margie Hanely(BCS)
Jeff Hulce
Roberta Kanter
Gus and Claudine Kent(FOSP)
William Knight
Bonnie Messinger(BCS)
Bill Meyer(FOSP)
Steve Mullinax(BCS)
Kurt Reister(FOSP)
Erick Reister(FOSP)
Guz Reister(FOSP)
Jill Safran
Greg Schifsky(BCS)
Kyle Spinks
James ?
Jane Ullman(FOSP)
Allan Van Vliet
Victor von Salza(BNA)
Mark Wilson(PP&R)

Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)
Portland Parks & Recreation

Removing Invasive Plants

This page is for Members of the Bridlemile Creek Stewards(BCS)) who would like to work at one of the BCS restoration sites removing invasive plants on their own or in small groups. This work also qualifies for Community Service hours (see below).

And for anyone who wants to know how to remove invasive plants from their own yard.

Removing invasives can be a great way to relax after a hard day at the office, a way to get exercise and benefit the environment at the same time, an opportunity to have some peaceful solitude, or engage in conversation with like minded neighbors.

Pulling ivy in the Open Space Park.

Tools you will need
The tools you will need for removing each type of invasive are described in corresponding sections below. Common to them all are gloves. We hope to eventually have a tool box on site, until then please use your own favorite garden tools. You can also check out tools from the Southwest Watershed Resource Center 503-823-2862, or borrow them from BCS/Greg Schifsky, 503-246-2714 Machetes and hatchets are not appropriate tools to use.

How to rescue ivy from trees
Removing ivy from trees is most important since ivy goes to seed on vertical surfaces and eventually can harm or kill trees. The process is simple and is very nicely shown on the No Ivy League Lifesaver Photo pictorial page.

How to remove ivy from ground
Is described very well and concisely described with pictures at ivyout's How to remove English ivy page. NOTE: Please avoid pulling ivy from steep stream banks unless there is a plan in place for erosion control and replanting with native plants. While ivy is terrible for erosion control (because of its shallow root structure and heavy weight it can actually help cause landslides) bare slopes are even more prone to erosion. On steep slopes limit your ivy removal to cutting any hanging runners.

How to remove Himalayan blackberries
Is very nicely described with pictures on this How to remove blackberries Step-by-Step Tutorial page.

Other Invasive plants
To Be Determined (TBD) once the ivy and blackberries are under control.

Site boundaries
Come to a scheduled event or arrange for a personal tour to learn the boundaries first hand.

Personal tour and demonstration
Arrange for an informative personal tour of the site and demonstration on how to remove invasive plants by contacting:
Steve Mullinax, 503-768-9065
Greg Schifsky, 503-246-2714

How to get Community Service credits for your volunteer time
TBD - who can provide this?

Small Print / Safety First
When working with any tools always maintain a safe distance around fellow volunteers. Always use caution in the Park when navigating the temporary bridge and trails.

Ultra Small Print
Please don't work at the site unless you are willing to sign the following first:

I hereby agree to waive all claims against individual volunteers and organizations arising out of or in any way related to my volunteer work in the Bridlemile Open Space Park. This waiver includes, but is not limited to, claims arising out of removal invasive plants or planting native plants . I agree to hold the project sponsors harmless against all claims as described above. I recognize that this is physical labor and that if the labor becomes too difficult I will change my activity or stop. I should use good judgment based on my physical abilities.

Please copy the above text into an email, and send it, along with your name, address, phone number, email, and if you are under 18 the name of your parent or guardian to: SWNI.org

Thank You! for helping to make the Albert Kelly Park, Hamilton Park, and the Open Space Park the wonderful places that all we hoped they would continue to be!

Your Watershed Habitat

The information that used to be at the Bridlemile Creeks Stewards Your Watershed Habitat website which described the steps and resources that can help you landscape your property in a way that improves and maintains the watershed habitat of your yard, was in 2007 taken over and expanded by East Multnomah Soil Water Conservation District and is now part of their excellent www.naturescape.org website.

Bridlemile 2007 National Night Out Potluck Picnic

About 35 people turned out on a very overcast August - felt more like June! - evening for the 2007 BNA Picnic.

It's 6:30 the firetruck is here, where is everybody?

Kathy and Greg havin' a chat.

Hey the fire persons are giving out hats and stuff.

Hangin' out with the Fire folks.

Oops, I dropped my hat.

How many kids can fit in the back?

Where'd they all go; but wait there's room for more in front too.

Everyone's here and...

having a great time.

The policemen are giving out stuff too!

Officer Brian Hughes, Kathy Bambeck, and Michael Boyer.

Fire truck's gone, now what?

Let's get in the Police car!

I'd like to get on that too.

Cool!

Everyone gets a turn.

Yes, this is what makes picnics fun!

Special thanks to Kathy Bambeck for arranging for the Fire Truck, Police, utensils and more. And to Greg Schifsky for bringing the tables and chairs. Unless otherwise noted all photos by Victor von Salza.

Albert Kelly Park

A History

by the Foulecourt Press 2004 Portland, Oregon

Rev. Albert Kelly 1814-1873

Albert Kelly was an early settler in Oregon, a pioneer minister or "circuit rider".

He was born in 1814, descended from an old colonial family, which had settled in Pulaski County, Kentucky.

In 1848, Albert and three of his brothers set out for Oregon. He and brother Clinton got as far as Independence, Missouri, when Albert's livestock were scattered by a storm and lost. Brother Clinton kept on going, but Albert turned back and delayed coming west until the next year. In 1849, Albert and his family joined with a military party under one Capt. Jones, being sent west in response to the Whitman massacre.

Albert first scouted the area now known as Holladay Park, but was discouraged by the lack of a reliable supply of water. Later, he and one Finice Caruthers explored the area west of the hills, and found it much more to their liking. Albert made his land claim including what is now designated Section 17.

In 1850, Albert and his sons put up a cabin of logs and shakes, and moved into it in September, 1850 - just in time for the birth of his daughter Martha (later, Mrs. O.P.S. Plummer), in November, 1850.

Albert and his family farmed the land, and Albert served his church as a circuit-riding minister until his death in 1873.

Two of Albert's brothers also are remembered in local landmarks: Kelly Butte and Kelly Butte Park just east of I-205 are named for older brother Clinton Kelly, who had a donation land claim east of the Willamette river. And Kelly Creek, which runs through Gresham, is named for brother Gilmore Kelly, who had a land claim in that area.

Albert Kelly Park

Albert Kelly Park came into being as the result of an offer from Mrs. Hildegarde Plummer Withers in 1956 to the then Parks Superintendent Buckley, to provide some 9 acres of land in Section 17, Township 1S, Range 1E, Willamette Meridian, if it would be dedicated as a park and named after her grandfather, Albert Kelly.

The offer was accepted, and for the sum of $25,000, the city of Portland took title to the land.

Through a series of land swaps and changes in 1959, 1963 and 1965, the park was somewhat reshaped and enlarged to its present size of 12.8 acres.The enlargement to the north, to the former S.W. Lee Street, permitted establishment of the playing field in the Northwest corner of the park, and setting up a backstop for softball in 1976.

In 1977, rowdy late-night alcoholic parties in the park provoked a petition from neighbors for the city to prohibit use of the park after midnight. A city ordinance was enacted in response, and the park today is closed between midnight and 5 AM.

Over the years, various improvements have been made, including the swings, slide, teeter-totter and merry-go-round in the play-ground area, a picnic table, soccer goal frames and a volley-ball net. The little bridge* over the creek was Marshal Alberton's Troop 229 Eagle Scout project in early 2000, with bridge materials donated by Parr Lumber Co.

One improvement, a small playfield area in the southeast corner of the park, was created recently over the protests of adjacent property-owners. Its construction aggravated a long-time problem in the park, of underground water seepage, causing basement flooding of at least one house on S.W. Boundary Street.

Flora and Fauna

Most native species of birds and animals populating the area in the 19th century have long ago yielded to the pressures of urban existence. The park now is principally populated with crows, squirrels and a small colony of gophers in the swale at the western end of the park.

Native trees include a substantial stand of firs in the southeast portion of the park, several pines in the southwestern part, and a few deciduous varieties scattered throughout the park.

By the 1990's, many areas of the park had been overgrown by invasive species - non-native plants introduced by human agency, which tend to choke out the native species. The most serious have been the Himalayan blackberry and English ivy. The latter was responsible for killing many of the trees along the banks of the creek.

In 2003, a neighborhood association, the Bridlemile Creek Stewards, undertook to clear out the blackberries, ivy and holly from the creek area in the northeast area of the park, and replace them with more appropriate native trees and shrubbery. With a grant of $5000 from the Community Watershed Stewardship Program and the cooperation of the Portland Parks and Recreation Department and the Bureau of Environmental Services, the program started in early summer by clearing much of the creek area, and climaxed in January 2004 with the planting of hundreds of seedlings of more appropriate species.

The new tree plantings include ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, grand fir, western hemlock, white alder, Oregon white oak and pacific willow. In addition, several varieties of roses, Oregon grape, flowering currants, a Chilean strawberry and other shrubs were planted along the banks of the creek.

The little creek in Albert Kelly park is named Restoration Creek. (Bridlemile Creek runs along the east side of Hamilton Park, and Kelly Creek is in east Multnomah county is named after Albert's brother Gilmore Kelly.)

A pictorial history of the replanting program can be viewed online by visiting the Albert Kelly Creek Restoration web site, which has links to blog pages with more details.

Other details of the Bridlemile Creek Stewards activities can be found at the Bridlemile Creek Stewards web site.

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* "The bridge was built by my cousin, Marshal Alberton, for his Eagle Scout project while attending Wilson High School. Marshal grew up in SW Portland, attending Capitol Hill Grade School, MLC, and Wilson. He is now 21 years old and currently stationed in Iraq with the Marines. It took awhile, his sign was finally posted on the bridge this past Fall." - Jon Cohen

Hamilton Park

If you know anything about the origins of Hamilton Park please contact Ginger Danzer at 503-292-9460.

Information about the Bridlemile Creek Restoration that runs along the east end of Hamilton Park can be found here.

There are two stories about how the Hamilton Park Playground equipment was renovated:
• Hamilton Park Playgroud Renovation 5th Anniversary a copy of the December 2006 SW Connection article by Linda Bonder
• BNA Playground Renovation History page by Linda Bonder and Victor von Salza, includes: detailed lessons learned, before, during, and after photos, more.

Historic Buildings

Bridlemile has a number of homes of historic and architectural interest a number of which are listed on the Historic Inventory of Portland, Oregon and one on the National Register of Historic Places. Although there are only three currently listed here, more coming soon.

History Committee Chair:

Ginger Danzer, ggdanz@comcast.net, 503-292-9460

If you have any information, photos, or stories regarding the buildings below or other historic/significant buildings in Bridlemile please contact Ginger.

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The Fairvale Store

The Fairvale Store, SW Shattuck in 1909. Rogers' Family photo.

The Fairvale Store eventually moved down to the NW corner of Shattuck and Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway

The Fairvale Store, at corner of SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway and SW Shattuck Road. Photo courtesy of Evelyn Rogers used with permission from the Multnomah Historical Association.

and in 1955 Mrs. Rogers sold it to Albertsons.

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The Long House

The Long House, 4402 SW Shattuck. Photo by Victor von Salza

Richard and Delores Long bought the house in 1943 and lived it into the 1970's I think. Annette Long Stone was raised in the house. More history of the house to come...

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Tigard/Rogers House

Tigard/Rogers House 4504 SW Shattuck (corner of SW Shattuck & Hamilton). Rogers' Family Photo. To see how tree in above picture looks today click here.

Tigard/Rogers House 4504 SW Shattuck (corner of SW Shattuck & Hamilton) 2004. Photo by Victor von Salza.

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Wilcox Manor

Wilcox Manor 3707 SW 52nd Place (turn north off Windsor Court). Photo by Victor von Salza.

The Wilcox Estate was the country home of Theodore B. Wilcox, a banker and major player in the China flour trade in Portland from 1884-1918. The estate, called Glenwood Farms, was designed in the Colonial Revival style by architect Kirtland Kelsey Cutter and completed in 1917.

Wilcox Manor Gardens designed by L.M. Thielsen. Photo by Chris Kahle.

When Wilcox died in 1918 the estate was given to his son, Theodore Burney Jr. (Ted), who lived in the home until 1948. They sold the property, now known as Wilcox Manor, to the Order of the Holy Cross for use as a school. The Columbia Preparatory School was a private Catholic High School for boys until 1955 when it was sold to land developer, Robert Strahorn, who subdivided the 160 acres into hundreds of lots. The estate came into the hands of John and Ruth Powell who were associated with Strahorn. A Mr. Ballentine owned the property next and remodeled the Manor into eight apartments. In 1965 Ken Guenther purchased it, and had it placed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. As part of the requirements for being on the National Register of Historic Places it is open for public viewing once a year. Currently Wilcox Estates is a condominium complex.

Of related interest:
• 2003 Interview with and Mary Lou Ken Guenther by Ginger Danzer and Bev Shaw.
• Theodore B. Wilcox, Captain of Industry and Magnate of the China Flour Trade, 1884–1918
• Classic Houses of Portland 1850-1950 William J. Hawkins III and William F. Willingham
• The Southwest Community Connection, April 1996
• The Oregonian September 1997
• The Southwest Connection August 2007 Wilcox Manor opens its doors to neighbors" by Jessie Kirk

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue brought up the rear of the 40th annual Wilcox Estates 4th of July Parade. Photo by Chris Kahle.

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Related Links:
• Multnomah Historical Association
• National Register of Historic Places
• Oregon Historical Society

Historic Views

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Shattuck Rd

Shattuck Rd as seen from a bit south of Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy as it looked in 2004, photo by Victor von Salza and in the 1890's, photo #26860 by permission of the Oregon Historical Society; to see larger static version click here. In the 1890's photo the White building at left with two outhouses along the back fence is Fairvale School, and just above it is the Fairvale Grocery Store. Peeking out from the trees to the right of the store is the Tigard/Rogers House at the corner of Hamilton Street (called Hess Rd back then) and Shattuck Rd which still stands today.

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Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy and Shattuck Rd

Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy and Shattuck Rd as seen from a bit south of Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy and west of Shattuck, probably taken in the 1920's. Photo uncredited, to see larger version click here. BvHwy runs diagonally from mid right edge to lower left corner, and Shattuck runs from approximately mid left hand edge to lower right corner. Farivale School is the white building near the left edge center of the photo, and the Fairvale Grocery Store has moved down to the corner of Shattuck and what is now Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy (just to the lower right of the center of the photo).

Interviews and Biographies

The history committee conducts interviews about and with residents, past and present, in order to develop a record of our neighborhood.

Thank you to everyone who has generously shared their time and stories.

Ongoing Investigations

Below are a number of topics that we have collected some initial information on. If you have additional information please add it in the comments. If you have any related photographs or other related documents (we can scan or photograph them) that we could include in these stories please contact BNA History Chair Ginger Danzer, ggdanz@comcast.net, 503-292-9460

Open Space Park

A History

by Jane Ullman and Victor von Salza
In 2002 after about a year of investigation Jane Ullman and her neighbors together with stream and open space preservation activists, Portland Parks, and the land owner turned the Jacobs' flag lot into an Open Space Park.

Zoning Map of the Jacobs property off SW58th; note that almost all of the lot (property with red dot in the center) is in either a conservation or preservation zone. From Portland Maps

Together with the undeveloped portions of neighboring properties the Open Space Park (the flag lot with red dot in the center) forms a large open space in the middle of many homes. Areal Photo of the area from Portland Maps

A view of the NE corner of the Open Space Park in March 2004. Photo by Victor von Salza

Friday, January 25th 2002

Remember last year when a group of neighbors near SW 58th and Hamilton was looking for an organization to purchase and preserve a 2 acre plot of forest that was about to be developed? Well, it happened. In December, Portland Parks and Recreation purchased the property as a natural area. This purchase prevents development that would otherwise have divided a 15-20 acre swath of climax forest with multiple streams and springs in the Fanno Creek watershed.

We are deeply grateful to Parks for all the work they did on this project and for making the purchase. We hope the property's preservation will be a long-term benefit to the community.

I also want to thank you*. In various ways each of you helped make this a reality. Some of you provided technical assessments of the property that allowed us to move forward knowing that the property really was worth preserving. Others of you guided us toward the right people and coached us on how to approach organizations and advocate for the cause. To a person, I was impressed with the knowledge, professionalism, and commitment of the people I encountered during this process. I have communicated to my neighbors (and to anyone else who will listen) how grateful we should be that we live in a city/state/community that has this caliber of people in the public and not-for-profit arenas. We are fortunate, indeed, to live in Portland.

By the way, there are two bull elk living on the property and in the surrounding forest right now. I suppose they're the ultimate testament to the value of preserving undeveloped areas. I realize that SW Portland is not the right place for a couple of elk long-term, but we're certainly enjoying them as temporary visitors.

Thanks again to each of you for your help and your time. You have made a difference.

Jane Ullman

*Thank You: D. Bragdon, Liz Callison, J. Desmond, E. Engstrom, Mike Houck, Steve Mullinax, Neighbors, Portland Parks, Gregory Robart, Greg Schifsky, Victor von Salza, Amin Wahib, Lori Warner, Jessica Wilcox

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Friends of the Open Space Park

by Victor von Salza

In Early 2006 Victor von Salza (then BNA Parks Chair) visited the Open Space Park and discovered that although it was still filled with many wonderful native plants ivy and blackberries were beginning to take over the trees and ground. Victor contacted the Bridlemile Creek Stewards and suggested that they hold a No Ivy Day Event there as a way to get neighbors in the area interested in preserving and maintaining the Park.

One of many beds of Trillium one can see in Spring. Note the ivy (in upper lefto of photo) that is beginning to take over as ground cover. Photo by Victor von Salza, April 2006

On a number of days in March 2006 Victor with help from Greg Schifsky (of the Bridlemile Creek Stewards) went door to door to all the houses on the streets surrounding the Open Space Park collecting names of those interested in getting together at least once a year to help preserve and maintain the Open Space Park. 25 of the 43 homes visited expressed interest and thus the Friends of the Open Space Park was formed. To join the email list to hear about future Friends of the Open Space Park events click here.

On May 6, 2006 the 1st Annual Friends of the Open Space Park No Ivy Day Event was held. That was followed on May 5th, 2007 with The 2nd Annual Friends of the Open Space Park No Ivy Day Event.

SWHRL Boundary Issue

A record of the Southwest Hills Residential League (SWHRL) and Bridlemile neighborhood boundary overlap.

2004
The SWHRL Neighborhood Association filed a grievance with ONI regarding the overlapping boundaries it shares with Bridlemile, Homestead, and Hillsdale neighborhoods. ONI asked the neighborhoods to consider mediation; Bridlemile, Homestead, and Hillsdale agreed to mediate, but SWHRL chose not to mediate and have ONI decide the issue. When ONI decided against SWHRL, SWHRL filed a lawsuit against the City.

March 9th 2005
At theBNA meeting Jimmy Brown of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement gave a good overview of Southwest Hills Residential League (SWHRL)'s lawsuit with the City regarding its overlapping boundaries and freedom of speech claims regarding mandatory dues. Rich Williams (a neighbor and attorney who lives in the Bridlemile/SWHRL overlap) and a lawyer from Hillsdale suggested that the City should NOT go into arbitration with SWHRL since doing so would exclude Bridlemile, Hillsdale, and Homestead neighbors from participating. A motion was made for the board to take a straw vote regarding whether or not the City should go into arbitration under those terms, and for the BNA board to formally vote again at the April meeting and for the results of that vote to be put before those neighbors attending the April meeting. The straw vote recommending the City to NOT go into arbitration under the terms offered was unanimous. Rich Adelmann moved that Bridlemile establish a legal committee, and a committee consisting of Rich Adelmann, Kathy Bambeck, and Rich Williams was formed.

Since then the City has made an Offer of Judgement to SWHRL, for details please see:

• "City settles suit on overlapping neighborhoods" by Fred Leeson in the Wednesday March 23rd, 2005 Oregonian.
• "SWHRL accepts City's offer of judgment" by Sylvia Bogert on page 2 of the April 2005 SWNI News
• "City offers judgement in lawsuit" by Tracy Stepp on page 1 of the April 2005 Southwest Connection

April 13th 2005
In a letter SWHRL asked Bridlemile to make a proposal regarding the boundary overlap area.

May 11th 2005
At the 2005 BNA meeting, the Legal Committee presented a proposal letter

Proposal Letter BNASBP.pdf 52 KB / 2 pages
52 KB / 2 pages

which was approved, and sent to SWHRL the next day.

August 11 2005
Jim Thayer, President of SWHRL, met with Kathy and announced that SWHRL has accepted BNA's proposal to continue with the BNA/SWHRL boundary overlap. SWHRL is in agreement that it is best for the people in the area to choose which NA to join or to join both if wanted. He will draft a resolution to be signed and sent to ONI. This will end BNA's part of the overlap issue. When the other NA's are settled he plans to have an ice cream social with all four of the associations to celebrate.

September 14 2005
Jim Thayer, President of SWHRL, talked at the monthly BNA meeting. They have accepted our offer to continue with the overlap, but that acceptance is open for public comment for 60days before it becomes final. Also at his request, the BNA agreed to allow a six month extension of time to the negotiations until March 2006, for a boundary dispute resolution between SWHRL and the BNA.

October 20 2005
An historic event took place at OHSU's School of Nursing. Kathy Bambeck of the Bridlemile NA and Jim Thayer, President of SWHRL signed a joint resolution

Joint Resolution BNAFnlRsln.pdf 116 KB / 1 page
116 KB / 1 page

agreeing to allow the overlap to remain. Residents in the overlap area can choose to participate in the Bridlemile, SWHRL, or both neighborhood associations. With the boundary resolution now resolved Rich Williams resigned from the committee. Thank you Rich, Kathy, and Rich for the many hours you spent on seeing this resolution to completion.

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• Map of the SWHRL neighborhood showing overlaps with Bridlemile and other neighborhoods, bridlemile 5 05.pdf(544KB).

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Related Articles:

• "SWHRL wins 10K Judgment from city, grievances continue" by Kendall Beaudry, on page 5 of the May 2005 Multnomah Village Post.
• "SW fights and we all pay the cost" by Renee Mitchell in the Wednesday May 18th, 2005 Oregonian.
• "Residents oust Southwest Hills association president" by Fred Leeson in the Friday May 20th, 2005 Oregonian.
• "Southwest neighborhood vote draws lawsuit, two grievances" by Fred Leeson in the Friday May 27th, 2005 Oregonian.
• "Southwest Hills Residential League votes in new leadership at general meeting" by Sylvia Bogert on page 1 of the June 2005 SWNI News
• "SWHRL boundary settlement leaves number of unanswered questions" by Linda Bonder, on page 3 of the June 2005 Multnomah Village Post.
• "SW Hills board president voted out, files lawsuit" by Tracy Stepp on page 1 of the June 2005 Southwest Connection
• "Sue your neighbor? Means to a bad end" by Renee Mitchell on page B1 of the June 6, 2005 Oregonian
• "Letter by Blythe Olson" the June 6, 2005 at the Oregonian online.
• "Judge rejects suit among neighbors" by Fred Leeson in the July 19, 2005 Oregonian online.

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If you have questions or comments regarding the boundary overlap resolution, please contact the BNA SWHRL Boundary Issue Committee by clicking here.

BNA Vision Statement

In the 1990's the City of Portland undertook a multi-year process, called the SW Community Plan, to update the zoning of SW Portland. Many neighborhoods worked on creating Neighborhood Plans which expressed the zoning and other improvements they wanted to see in their neighborhoods. Because Bridlemile split out from Bridlemile/Robert Gray neighborhood (which became Hillsdale) late in the process Bridlemile was not allowed to do a full blown Neighborhood Plan but only a Vision Statement which the BNA spent a number of meetings working on and approved.

Bridlemile Neighborhood Associaton Vision Statement w/Addendum:
BNAVSwAd.pdf, 24KB 24KB/11 pages

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Related Links:
• Metro - Land-use Planning
• Portland Bureau of Planning
• Portland Bureau of Planning - Zoning Code
• Portland Maps
• Portland Bureau of Planning - Southwest Community Plan
• Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)

Land Use Reviews(LURs)

Current Bridlemile Land Use Reviews (LURs)
All proposal notices, hearing notices, and notices of final plat submittals are posted on the

BDS Land Use & Zoning Public Notices page

Notices are posted on the postmark date of the snail mail notice or the day after. Proposal notices are taken down on the deadline date for comment. Hearing notices are taken down on the date of the hearing. Occasionally, they will post a decision if they think it is of great interest.

Building permits and cases (including landuse reviews) for a given property can be found at Portland Maps. Enter the project address, then click on the "Permits/Cases" link to see a list of permits and cases filed for the project.

About Land Use Reviews (LURs)
When a individual property owner or developer wants to build or subdivide a lot in a non-standard way, a Land Use Review is filed. The city notifies the neighbors and neighborhood association of the proposal, the cities initial analysis, one or more hearings, and a deadline for comments.

When you get a notice, read it right away; the deadline for when your comments are due is often very short. For more information about the LUR, and to get answers to your questions use one or more of the following resources:
1. The LUR planning representative listed on the LUR
2. The Applicant(s) Representative listed on the LUR
3. Leonard Gard SWNI Land Use Specialist 503-823-4592
4. Karen Tabata, ktabatas@comcast.net, 503-292-4377, BNA Land Use Chair pro tem
5. Other neighbors of the property in question.
6. Title 33 and other sections of the Portland Zoning Code.

A. Carefully read the proposal and review any sections of the Zoning Code referenced on the LUR.

B1. Check that zoning, setbacks (both of the proposed and surrounding properties), and other sections of the planning code are met correctly by the proposal. E.g. in one case involving a substandard lot, the planner had missed the fact neighboring houses were built on the property line, and under the substandard lot code the proposed house had to accomodate for the missing setbacks of its neighbors in addition to meeting its own setback requirements.

B2. Sometimes the LUR planning representative will NOT have visited the site of the proposal. And therefore may not be aware of errors in the application submitted. It is therefore in your best interest to verify the facts are as they appear on the LUR notice; and to immediately bring any descrepancies to the attention of the LUR planning representative. E.g. Locations and sizes of trees. The locations and heights of buildings on the neighboring properties; they may have made additions not noted on the plans submitted. Any other variances that have already occured on the neighboring properties.

C. Find out how the other neighbors of the property feel about the proposal.
D. Talk with applicant and or their representative regarding why they are asking for the variances and what other options they may have already considered and or rejected.
E. Put yourself in their place, and think how you might solve their problem differently if possible.

You have basically two avenues of responding to the proposals in the LUR:

1. The LUR planning representative has to weigh whether or not the variance(s) asked for still meet the "intent" of the code(s) involved. It is therefore very important in your comments to the LUR planning that you point out how the asked for variances are or are NOT meeting the intention of the codes. Simply saying you are against or for the proposal will NOT help your case, you must show how it meets or violates the intent of the applicable codes.

2. Negotiating with the Applicant and or their Representative. Always strive to keep on good and cordial terms with the applicant and their representative. There are many possible avenues of negotiating with them that could lead to a proposal that will meet both your and their needs and desires. This especially true when the LUR is decided in their favor.

An example: A developer wanted to put some row houses on a piece of property, after talking with the neighbors, some of the neighbors banded together and bought part of the property, and the developer built fewer detached homes instead (the developer got the profits he sought and the neighbors got the setbacks and housing type they desired).

This is why putting yourself in their place, and looking for solutions that will meet both your needs is so very important. You may come up with solutions that they did not see. If the proposed solution invovles more expense consider offering to pay part of the cost or services, and be sure to have a written contract! Think outside the box!

Although all the above is about "fighting" a LUR, the inverse of most of the above also applies when you are trying to get an LUR passed by the city and your neighbors.

Finally never underestimate the value of having and being good neighbors!

For help in understanding and analyzing LUR notices contact:
Leonard Gard, leonard@swni.org, Land Use Specialist at the SWNI Office, 503-823-4592

If you would like the Bridlemile Neighborhood Association to comment and/or write a letter regarding a particular LUR please contact:
Karen Tabata, ktabatas@comcast.net,
503-292-4377

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Related Links:
• Metro - Land-use Planning
• Portland Bureau of Planning
• Portland Bureau of Planning - Zoning Code
• Portland Maps
• Portland Bureau of Planning - Southwest Community Plan
• Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)

Albert Kelly Park

Albert Kelly Park is located at the end of SW Mitchell Dr off Dosch Rd.

Playground and picnic table at Albert Kelly Park. Photo by Victor von Salza

The park has a level play area, a play ground, a picnic table, a baseball/soccer field, and a volleyball court (in Summer only).

In February 2007 Gay Greger, Portland Parks & Recreation, reported that: "...The Bureau of Purchasing has confirmed that we have an acceptable bid so now we can finally move forward with Albert Kelly Whirl Safety Surface Improvement. The contractor should be onboard by mid-March and the construction schedule
will be developed shortly thereafter."

Albert Kelly Park is on Portland Parks & Recreation's list of Parks for development of Park Functional Plan in 2007. A park functional plan consists of a vision for the park that talks about what types of activities and uses it should support and where. It specifies appropriate management and on-going community involvement and considers how a park relates to and is connected to other parks, to pedestrian and bicycle routes, and to natural resources. Portland Parks & Recreation will initiate and run the Functional Planning process, which includes contacting neighbors and the neighborhood, and a Friends of Albert Kelly Park group (see below) could help by starting work on ideas and concerns and helping involve and inform neighbors.

If you are interested in forming/joining Friends of Albert Kelly Park or Albert Kelly Park Foot Patrol please contact Chris Kahle at 503-292-2662. As of 2/7/06, one Bridlemile resident had expressed an interest in participating in (but not organizing) a Foot Patrol for Albert Kelly Park. To find out more about what a Foot Patrol does, check out what the folks in the Hamilton Park Foot Patrol are up to.

Read more about Albert Kelly Park in the interesting and informative A History of Albert Kelly Park by the Foulecourt Press.

Bridlemile Creek Stewards manages the Albert Kelly Park Creek Restoration project, a watershed project focused on the creek area in the park.

Hamilton Park

Hamilton Park is located between SW Hamilton, 45th, SW Bancroft, and 41st, adjacent to Bridlemile School grounds.

Soccer at Hamilton Park. Photo by Victor von Salza

Amenities at Hamilton Park include a soccer field, newly renovated playground equipment, picnic tables, water fountain, and tennis courts. More information about the park is available at Portland Parks & Recreation. Hamilton Park also has an active foot patrol program, which is detailed here. The Bridlemile Creek Stewards manage the Hamilton Park Creek Restoration project, a watershed project focused on the creek area in the park.

Open Space Park

The Open Space Park is an undeveloped open space located on the flag lot between 4119 and 4201 SW 58th Ave just north of SW Hamilton.

Together with the undeveloped portions of neighboring properties the Open Space Park (the flag lot with red dot in the center) forms a large open space in the middle of many homes. Areal Photo of the area from Portland Maps

Most of the Open Space Park is separated from 58th by a deep ravine and there are no official trails from SW58th (or other streets) to the Open Space Park, please DO NOT tresspass on neighboring driveways or properties. The best time to safely see the Open Space Park is during the annual May Friends of the Open Space Park No Ivy Day Event.

One of many such views in the Open Space Park, see the Open Space History page for more photos. Photo by Victor von Salza

Click here to read the History of the Open Space Park that describes how Jane Ullman and her neighbors together with stream and open space preservation activists, Portland Parks, and the land owner turned the Jacobs' flag lot into the Open Space Park.

To join the Friends of the Open Space Park email list click here.

Thomas Park

Undeveloped Thomas Park near SW Thomas and 53rd consists of a large grassy open area surrounded by homes on three sides and SW Thomas. Vista Soccer wanted to develop a level play area here, but lack of parking and park functional plan for the park have that project on hold.

Thomas Park Fall 2000. Photo by Victor von Salza

A park functional plan consists of a vision for the park that talks about what types of activities and uses it should support and where. It specifies appropriate management and on-going community involvement and considers how a park relates to and is connected to other parks, to pedestrian and bicycle routes, and to natural resources.

If you are interested in forming/joining a Friends of Thomas Park that could begin work on a functional plan by collecting ideas, concerns, and aspirations for the Park please contact Chris Kahle at 503-292-2662.

Meetings & Events of 2006

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Wednesday December 13th - No Meeting - Happy Holidays!

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Wednesday November 8th - BNA Monthly Meeting - History & SW Bike Routes
Ginger and two current owners talked about their Bridlemile homes on the Historic Inventory of Portland and one on the National Register of Historic Places (a BNA web page and walk in the planning stage). Also the SW Walking Map was on hand and feedback was requested regarding the bicycle route portion of it; if you have any suggestions regarding bike routes in and thru Bridlemile please forward them to Don Baack.

Bev talked about, and the board voted to go forward with, developing a street plan for one of Bridlemile's two collector streets (Hamilton and Shattuck) please see the Collector Street Improvement Plan page for the most recent developments. Bev is actively seeking one or more Transportation Committee assisants to help with this project and other Transportation committee projects and activities, including the eventually taking over the Chair position on the committee, if you can help please contact the BNA Board.

At one person volunteered to help with the Schools committee and another after the meeting with Landuse committee.
Contact: Ginger Danzer, ggdanz@comcast.net, 503-292-9460 History Chair

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Wednesday October 11th- BNA Monthly Meeting - Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET)
Dennis Siegman the leader of the Bridlemile NET talked about the Neighborhood Emergency Team program. The goal of this public safety program is at the time of a disaster to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the least amount of time. If a major disaster (such as a major earthquake) strikes Bridlemile/Portland we need to be prepared to provide food and water for ourselves for at least three days and know how to help others. Learn more at the SWNI NET web pages.
Contact: Ginger Danzer, ggdanz@comcast.net, 503-292-9460

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Wednesday September 13th - BNA Monthly Meeting - BNA Judge Steven A. Todd
Judge Steven A. Todd, a full time judge in our circuit court since 1997 who handles primarily traffic and criminal matters, gave an informative talk and answered questions. Chris Kahle was approved as the new BNA Parks Chair.
Contact: Kathy Bambeck, kathybambeck@spiritone.com, 503-245-2634

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Wednesday August 9th - BNA Walking Tour
Ginger and Victor were the only ones who turned out for the first BNA walking tour on a beautiful Wednesday evening. The walk was very informative, thanks to Ginger's wonderful notes, and a lot of fun. Based on that trial walk and the people we met we updated the tour and route descriptions and the walk, entitled A Browse thru Bridlemile is now posted here.
Contact: Ginger Danzer, ggdanz@comcast.net, 503-292-9460

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Tuesday August 1st - BNA Annual Neighborhood Night Out Potluck Picnic
by Kathy Bambeck and Greg Schifsky
A very good turnout of Bridlemile neighbors joined in lively conversation and good food. Kathy Bambeck arranged for a prizes for the kids who conducted a raffle for them, enthusiastically pulled out the raffle tickets, called out the numbers, and distributed the prizes. A woman from the Mayor's Visioning Project passed out information and surveys which she also gathered. Local law enforcement officers to stopped by for a meet and greet with kids and adults and listened to and answered questions. Kay Copenhaver (one of the original Creek Stewards) and her husband Walt also attended. An informative and fun time was had by all.
Contact: Kathy Bambeck, kathybambeck@spiritone.com, 503-245-2634

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Wednesday July 12th - BNA Monthly Meeting: BNA Walking Tour
The walking tour had to be rescheduled at the last minute. See August 9th above for more about the Walking Tour.
Contact: Ginger Danzer, ggdanz@comcast.net, 503-292-9460

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Wednesday June 14th - BNA Monthly Meeting: BNA Walking Tours
Programs for September and October were discussed. After Committee Reports Ginger gave a quick overview of the walk and information about sites along it that she put together. See August 9th above for more about the Walking Tour.
Contact: Victor von Salza, victor@vonsalza.com

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Wednesday May 10th - BNA Monthly Meeting: Proposed 9-lot Subdivision at 3912 SW Shattuck, BNA Walking Tours
Westlake Consultants, Inc. representing Mr. Kurt Dalbey, Spectrum Development, LLC, spoke about their application for a proposed 6-lot subdivision at 3912 SW Shattuck Rd. During board meeting Micki Carrier of Maplwood said that infill squeeze together with calendar cards and lawn signs had brought in many new neighbors who have gotten involved with that and other issues.
Contact: Victor von Salza, victor@vonsalza.com

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Saturday May 6th - Bridlemile Open Space Park - No Ivy Day Event
Click here to see before and after photos and photos of volunteers removing ivy.

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Saturday April 15th - Hamilton Creek Restoration - Invasive Touch Up
Seven people showed up on a wet and miserable day and made good progress on removing hawthorne, ivy and blackberry restarts.

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Wednesday April 12th BNA Monthly Meeting - BES Oral History Project Event
During the 2005 - 2006 school year, the Fourth and Fifth Grade students at Bridlemile Elementary School(BES) interviewed longtime residents, see their wonderful and informative video clips on the
Bridlemile Elementary School Oral History Project page.

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Friday March 24th - Bridlemile Creek Stewards Talk and Planting Event at Bridlemile Elementary School
Greg Schifsky of the Bridlemile Creek Stewards spoke to three classes about creek restoration, and took two classes to the Hamilton Park Resotration site to plant some natives. Click here to see photos of one of the classes planting.

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Saturday March 18th - Albert Kelly Creek Restoration - Invasive Touch Up
Please click here for details of the event.

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Wednesday March 8th - BNA Monthly Meeting: OnGoing Projects for 2006
We discussed Board & Committee ongoing projects and goals for 2006, including:
• Lillie Fitzpatrick discussed the new Bridlemile Safe Routes to Schools engineering plans unveiled at the Feb 27th SR2S engineering meeting; the items need prioritizing and for the next month the SR2S team would like your input, see the Bridlemile Safe Routes to Schools page for a copy of the report, email link, etc.
• Kathy gave the SWNI update, see the SWNI Newsletter for details. And everyone discussed feedback they had gotten while doing the BNA Calendar Card distribution, which will continue the next month or so.
• Ginger reported on the upcoming April 12th BNA meeting featuring results from BES Oral History Project, see the link for more details.
• Greg talked about upcoming projects for 2006-7, mostly maintenance of existing Hamilton Park and Albert Kelly Creek Restoration projects, and continued outreach to schools. Naming the creek east of Hamilton Park Bridlemile Creek is going forward.
• Bev Vogt reported that City Transportation is looking into getting input from neighborhood association on prioritizing reported problems SW wide. Bev will look into getting the reports posted at the SWNI page, for feedback, more in the coming months.
• Victor reported about plans for May 6th No Ivy Day to hold an event at the Open Space Park, and this months Invasive touchup event at Albert Kelly Creek Restoration.
• Most of the board meeting was devoted to updating the BNA by-laws; the board approved changes including: Board shall consist of three or more committee chairs, i.e. each committee chairperson will be a board member. New committees and chairs subject to approval of existing board. There would be no elections. These changes and others subject to SWNI review and approval at next board meeting.
Contact: Victor von Salza, victor@vonsalza.com, 503-246-2146

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Saturday February 25th - Hamilton Creek Restoration - Invasive Touch Up
Due to below freezing temps and high winds on weekend of Feb 18/19 the event was moved to February to 25th. Greg, Victor, and Kyle Spinks showed up and made a good sized dent in a large area of ivy on the bank just above the creek.

Greg working on removing ivy (circled in yellow on photo).

We will be back at Hamilton Park again on Saturday April 15th, click here for details of the event.

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Wednesday February 8th - BNA Monthly Meeting: Tualatin River Keepers
Sue Moir from the Tualatin R. Keepers was unable to come after all. The meeting was devoted to the BNA Calendar Card and Board/Committee issues and reports.
Contact: Greg Schifsky, gregl@q.com, 503-246-2714

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Saturday January 21st - Albert Kelly Creek Restoration - Planting Event
14 volunteers turned out and planted severval hundred plants at the Albert Kelly Creek Restoration(AKCR). Visit the AKCR 2006 Events & Photos for details and photos of the event.
Contact: Greg Schifsky, gregl@q.com, 503-246-2714

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Wednesday January 11th - BNA Monthly Meeting - Bridlemile Creek Stewards
Greg Schifsky talked about Bridlemile Creek Stewards accomplishments for 2005 and plans for 2006. Visit the Bridlmeile Creek Stewards web pages for more information.
Contact: Greg Schifsky, gregl@q.com, 503-246-2714

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Sunday January 1st - Hamilton Creek Restoration - Resprout Control Event
Ten people turned out between 9am and noon to followup our stream restoration project at Hamilton Park and remove invasive plants that sneeked back during the past year. About a full yard of material (invasives) was cleared from an approximately a 2000sq.ft. area. A good day there.

Left to right, Jerry and Greg digging out blackberries.

Contact: Greg Schifsky, gregl@q.com, 503-246-2714

Meetings of 2005

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Wednesday December 14th - No Meeting - Happy Holidays

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Wednesday November 9th -Diaster Preparedness
Keturah Pennington gave a summary of things to consider in planning what your family will need to have done in advance, and be ready to do, when the next earthquake, windstorm, flood or other disaster strikes Portland. Your plan needs to be custom fit to suit your situation. The most important tool you have in a disaster is your ability to think flexibly and creatively; those present talked about some creative solutions to typical situations. Keturah passed out a handout with suggestions of what to include in your Disaster Kit, which as we have learned recently, you may have to depend on for much more than 72 hours.
Contact: Kathy Bambeck, kathybambeck@spiritone.com,503-245-2634

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Wednesday October 12th - Safe Routes to Schools(SR2S); Pedestrian Safety
Lynne Mutrie, from the Alliance for community Traffic Safety in Oregon, and Lillie Fitzpatrick SWNI Transportation Chair, spoke about the pilot Safe Routes to Schools program at Bridlemile Elementary School. They are actively seeking interested parents who can meet once a month thru the school year to help with this pilot effort. If you would like help or just participate, please
Contact: Lynne Mutrie, lynnem@actsoregon.org, 503-656-7329; and Lillie Fitzpatrick
See also walkNBike.org

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Wednesday September 14th - Neighborhood Projects 2005-2006, Jim Thayer
Jim Thayer, President of SWHRL spoke about the future of SWHRL and its relationship with Bridlemile, Homestead and Hillsdale. SWHRL looks forward to working with its neighbors on issues that we all share, such transportation OHSU affects on transportation loads on our streets, pedestrian improvements on Dosch, and other issues that affect neighborhoods in common. He also suggested that we try to find someone in our overlap area who would serve on both boards. Lynne Mutrie, from the Alliance for community Traffic Safety in Oregon, and Lillie Fitzpatrick SWNI Transportation Chair, talked about the pilot SR2S program at Bridlemile Elementary School (come to October 12th BNA meeting to learn how to participate or help). Kathy and Jim Thayer talked about the SWHRL Ice Cream social (see October 2 on Events page for details). Rich and Greg talked about tree mitigation plan at one of the Sempler properties.
Contact: Victor von Salza

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Tuesday August 2nd - BNA Annual National Night Out Potluck Picnic
Bridlemile neighbors engaged in lively conversation over good food at our most fun event of the year at Albert Kelly Park.
Contact: Kathy Bambeck, kathybambeck@spiritone.com, 503-245-2634

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July - Gone Fishiin'
Traditionally the BNA does not meet in July. Hope to see you in August at our Annual National Night Out Potluck Picnic.

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Wednesday June 8th - Hamilton Park, SWHRL, BNA walking tours

Committee reports: Bridlemile Elementary School has been chosen as a pilot Safe Routes to Schools school. Now that the issue of the parking restrictions is closed, some members of the Hamilton Foot Patrol, Scott Westerman, and Stephanie Reynolds, had an open discussion with those present to help find other potential solutions and how to go about implementing them. More foot patrol members are needed, a committment of even just once this Summer would help. The BNA Legal Committee reported that SWHRL acknowledged receipt of our letter (proposing to continue the existing SWHRL/BNA boundary overlap) saying that it was going to their boundary committee, and new elected/contested SWHRL president Jim Thayer also wrote saying that resolving the boundary issues is one of his top priorities once the election is resolved. The meeting ended with discussion and ideas for neighborhood walking tours based on different themes (history, architecture, parks, points of interest) etc. Walking tours of Bridlemile four parks, of significant trees, of homes that have been naturescaped, and a tour of Bridlemiles developments were suggested as initial themes for walks. If you have suggestions for one or more stops that could be featured on such a walk, please contact: Ginger Danzer, ggdanz@comcast.net, 503-292-9460

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Wednesday May 11th - Affordable Housing, SWHRL, BNA Elections
In addition to our monthly committee reports regarding on going projects...
Martha McLennan (Executive Director of Northwest Housing Alternatives ) gave a very informative presentation and excellent answers to questions regarding affordable housing in the Portland area. For information on affordable housing in the greater Portland area visit www.housingconnections.org

Rich Adelmann of the Legal Committee presented the draft proposal letter regarding the SWHRL boundary issue.

Elections were held, and the BNA Board were unamiously relected. The BNA Board are still looking for a Transportation chair; and co-chairs for each committee.
Contact: Greg Schifsky, gregl@q.com, 503-246-2714

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Wednesday April 13th - Offer of Judgement to SHWRL
Since the March BNA meeting the City has made an Offer of Judgement to SHWRL. Jimmy Brown, Director of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, was to discuss the Offer of Judgement at our April Meeting, but due to family issues he was not able to come.

For details on the settlement please see: "SWHRL accepts City's offer of judgment" by Sylvia Bogert on page 2 of the April SWNI News, "City offers judgement in lawsuit" by Tracy Stepp on page 1 of the April 2005 Southwest Connection, "City settles suit on overlapping neighborhoods" by Fred Leeson in the Wednesday March 23rd Oregonian, and the BNA Legal Committee web page for a complete history of the issue.

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Wednesday March 9th - Jimmy Brown regarding SWHRL, Hamilton Park Closing Hours, Land Use and Transportation Issues
At an ONI meeting on Monday Feb 28th reps from the BNA board were briefed on whether to go to arbitration verses a trial regarding SWHRLs claims. The city is leaning toward arbitration which would bring this matter to a close. It is quicker than a trial, which would take years, and be more intimidating to the witnesses. Jimmy Brown will visit Bridlemile NA on March 9, to get our opinions and concerns from us.

How Would Arbitration Work?: There is one arbitrator in a conference room, usually a retired judge chosen by our attorney and SWHRL's attorney together. Each attorney brings witnesses. They are questioned by the attorneys like in a courtroom. The arbitrator listens then decides in favor of one side or the other, and that is binding. It is like at a round or oval table, not intimidating like you see on TV, no jury, no cross, etc. It eliminates the emotions found in a federal courthouse trial. And it is easier to do.

The Hamilton Park Foot patrol and Public Safety Chair of the Bridlemile Neighborhood Association (BNA) is preparing a proposal regarding the closing hours of Hamilton Park to discussed at the meeting. This Proposal is to permanently change the closing time from midnight to 10pm, all nights. This is in response to continuing problems at the park with drinking, speeding on streets around the park, loud music from cars parked at the Park. The recently formed Foot Patrol has been very effective at discouraging the problem behavior but the Patrol can not always be on duty. Other parks in Portland have earlier closing times to address public safety concerns. If you plan to speak (versus comment) at the meeting regarding this topic, please contact Tom Doberstein by March 4th.

Also what Land Use or Transportation issues in Bridlemile are of most concern to you? The BNA is collecting input to forward to the city and to help plan our own efforts for this year.
Contact: Tom Doberstein, t.doberstein@comcast.net,
503-319-5884 Safety & Crime Prevention Chair

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Thursday March 10th - Saving the Trees of Bridlemile and SW Portland
The remaining streams in upland areas of SW Portland are listed as "degraded" by EPA and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These stream reaches do not function under Oregon's Goals for clean water and are limited in their ability to sustain fish populations. A Large tree canopy helps mitigate storm water power, provides cool water that is necessary for maintaining water quality in streams, and provides humans with cleaner and cooler air and also aesthetic beauty. Please join in an exploration of the ways and means to save and protect our remaining urban forests.
Contact: Greg Schifsky, gregl@q.com, 503-246-2714

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Wednesday February 9th - School Community Connections
We met with Debi Bradway principal, and Melinda McCrossen librarian and media specialist at Bridlemile Elementary and talked about how we can help each other and thereby students and parents of the neighborhood. For information about Bridlemile Elementary School please visit the Bridlemile Elementary School web page.
Contact: Ginger Danzer, ggdanz@comcast.net, 503-292-9460

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Wednesday January 12th - Neighborhood Projects 2004 & 2005
Accomplishments of our ongoing, and plans for future, neighborhood projects were discussed. New projects that were proposed included: listing current LURs on the BNA Land Use page; Walking Tours of Bridlemile based on different criteria, e.g. architecture, trees, history, cool places; Trees, getting better enforcement of current codes, improving the codes, and encouraging neighbors to plant appropriate trees on ther properties. Watch for new and updated web pages here at the BNA website for these projects in the coming months... and please any suggestions you may have regarding them to Victor. To learn how the BNA can help you start and promote your own project via the SWNI news, BNA website, and other methods
Contact: Victor von Salza, victor@vonsalza.com, 503-246-2146

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For events prior to 2005 please see the SWNI News Archives

Fire Station 21

The current site under consideration for Fire Station 21 (originally proposed for SW47th Avenue) is located near the corner of Beaverton Hillsdale Highway and SW Shattuck Rd.

Current site under consideration for Fire Station 21 near BvHwy/Shattuck Rd . Photo by Victor von Salza

"Per the 1997 station location study, Portland Fire & Rescue purchased property located at Beaverton Hillsdale/Shattuck Road to build Station 21. City Council directed Portland Fire & Rescue to conduct a more recent service delivery study, so in 2006, we contracted with Tri-data. That study proposed moving Station 5, rather than construction of Station 31, to improve coverage in Southwest Portland. However, the seismic upgrades for Station 5 have already been completed, so Portland Fire & Rescue is looking for an alternate solution. Currently, we are in discussions with TV&R to build and co-staff (much like we do with Gresham for Station 45) a fire station located near the city/county boarder. This would address both jurisdictions’ coverage issues in the area. The area being looked at for this jointly-operated station is in the vicinity of Beaverton Hillsdale/Shattuck Road. If we pursue this alternative, the station would probably be completed in 2009." - September 2006 SWNI News

Graffiti

Call 503-823-4TAG(4824) the Portland Police Bureau's Graffiti Hotline to report graffiti.

Some photos from 2003-4 of graffiti at Bridlemile Elementary School

Graffitti at Bridlemile Elementary School July 18, 2004, photo by Tom Doberstein

Graffitti and litter after a party at Bridlemile Elementary School September 6th, 2003, photo by Tom Doberstein

Litter after a party at Bridlemile Elementary School September 6th, 2003; photo by Tom Doberstein

Hamilton Park Foot Patrol

The Bridlemile Hamilton Park Foot Patrol is dedicated to making Hamilton Park a safer, quieter, more litter free park for all to enjoy. Active members of the foot patrol are neighborhood volunteers who've received training through the City. The Hamilton Park Foot Patrol began in 2004. Volunteers patrol the park on weekends and selected weekdays. Your participation on one or more patrol walks is all it takes to keep the foot patrol effective.

To join the Foot Patrol on one or more of its 2007 walks please read material below and then contact Ellen Underhill ellenunderhill@comcast.net 503-297-6916.

For information on How to Report Problems - click here.

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Basic information about Foot Patrol

A Foot Patrol is a trained group of volunteers organized to increase the safety and livability of their neighborhood. It is community-based and non-confrontational.

Purposes:
• visible presence as a deterrent to criminal activity
• report suspicious or illegal activities
• report livability problems
• promote positive communication and relationships within a neighborhood

Two or more people go on patrol. Carry a cell phone, flashlight, notepad, and report problems that they see.

Basic requirements:
• 1.5-2 hour training provided by area Crime Prevention Coordinator
• Members must be 18 years of age or older
• Cannot be sex offender

Sign a volunteer agreement:
• While on patrol, I will not carry anything that is, or resembles, a weapon, such as guns, knives, bats, or pepper spray products.
• I will not engage in any verbal or physical confrontations while on patrol.
• I will not patrol while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• I will not patrol outside of the patrol boundaries.
• I accept responsibility for the damage or loss of any equipment belonging to the Community Foot Patrol and its members or to the City of Portland, such as reflective vests or cellular phones.
• I will always patrol in teams of two or more, never alone.
• I will respect my patrol members as individuals who share my concern about our neighborhood and will not act in any way that unnecessarily jeopardizes their personal safety or mine.

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How to Report Problems

If you see activity that appears to violate a law or ordinance, please report it as soon as possible by calling:

Call 911 for crimes in progress or for dangerous or life-threatening situations that require immediate police intervention:

• You believe someone is driving away from the park drunk
• There is a fight at the park
• You hear gunshots
• You see a crime being committed
• You think someone is hurt or about to get hurt

Call 503-823-3333 the Portland Police Non-Emergency # for crimes that have already happened or situations that are less threatening, e.g.

• Someone is making excessive noise at the park
• A group is using the park after hours
• A minor is out past curfew in the park

Both 911 and the non-emergency number are answered by the same call takers at the Bureau of Emergency Communications. The 911 calls are answered first, and the non-emergency calls are answered next.

Call 503-872-5070 the Oregon Liquor Control Commission after hours line to report other problems related to liquor, including underage drinking.

Call 503-823-4TAG(4824) the Portland Police Bureau's Graffiti Hotline to report graffiti.

For a list of additional Problem-solving resources - click here.

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Some park rules

Parks are open to the public from 5:00am to midnight. There should not be anyone in the park between midnight and 5:00am. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in parks unless a special permit has been issued for an event, such as a wedding.

Portland's curfew ordinance
• For minors under 14 years of age, curfew is 9:15pm to 6:00am on school nights, and 10:15pm to 6:00am on non-school nights.
• For minors 14 years of age and older, curfew is 10:15pm to 6:00am on school nights, and 12 midnight to 6:00am on non-school nights.
• During curfew hours, it is unlawful for a minor to be in public unless (1) the minor is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other person 21 years of age or older and authorized by the parent or by the law to have care and custody of the minor; or (2) the minor is engaged in a school activity or lawful employment that makes it necessary to be in public during curfew hours.

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Hamilton Park Foot Training

From: Ellen Underhill
July 12, 2007

Thanks to everyone who attended last night's training over at the school. The turnout was excellent: I'd estimate that at least a dozen neighbors-quite possibly more-expressed interest in the Foot Patrol.

Foot Patrol Training. Photo by Ginger Danzer.

A big thank you goes to Officer Hughes and Michael Boyer and his interns for making this all possible. Without their help, knowledge and enthusiasm, this couldn't have happened!

Ellen

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Hamilton Park Foot Patrol Receives Award

On Tuesday, October 11, 2005 the Hamilton Park Foot Patrol received a special award from Portland's Office of Neighborhood Involvement.

Mayor Tom Potter, Assistant Police Chief Grubbs, and Southwest Portland Police Commander Benson presented patrol members with a certificate of appreciation at the city's annual Crime Prevention Salute to Public Safety Volunteers. The award acknowledges the successful efforts of Bridlemile neighbors to address the persistent problems of vandalism and teen partying in and around Hamilton Park and on Bridlemile School property.

In the year since its inception, the Foot Patrol has noted a significant decrease in these activities. The Foot Patrol will continue to work cooperatively with multiple city officials and school staff to keep Bridlemile a safe and pleasant place to live.

If you would like to be part of this community effort, please contact
Ellen Underhill ellenunderhill@comcast.net 503-297-6916.

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Problem-solving resources

• Michael A. Boyer - Crime Prevention Coordinator for Southwest Portland - problem-solving, education, community organizing on crime & livability issues
michael.boyer@ci.portland.or.us, 503-823-3131

• Neighborhood Response Team Officers Brian Hughes, 503-823-0235 and Mark Friedman, 503-823-0234 - Portland Police Bureau, Neighborhood Response Team - work on chronic problems in neighborhoods related to crime and livability

• Kari Meiser - Noise Control Inspector for Southwest Portland - inspects for violations of the City's Noise Ordinance
kmeiser@ci.portland.or.us, 503-823-0644
Main noise control number: 503-823-7350

• Mark Warrington - Head of Security - oversees security and safety for all Portland Parks & Rec facilities
mwarrington@ci.portland.or.us, 503-823-PLAY

More information and links can be found on our Safety and Crime page.

Joy Riding

Call 503-823-3333 the Portland Police Non-Emergency # to report joy riding.

Generally once or twice a year a vehicle will drive up onto the soccer field at Albert Kelly Park and do a spin or two, but this year sometime during the night of Friday Nov 18th, 2005 one or more vehicles did spionouts on the soccer field.

Spinouts cover the whole field. Photo by Victor von Salza

In the softer east end the turf has been damaged. Photo by Victor von Salza

that may require some repair.

Tire Track Photo Photo by Victor von Salza

At the west end of the field one tire track goes right next to one of the goal posts, implying that one vehichle may have sideswiped the goal post there. A number of people have reported the incident to the police who have done some initial investigation at the park.

This used to be a regular occurence at Hamilton Park too until the steel hand/guardrails were installed.

BvHwy Pedestrian Island

There are too many locations along Beaverton Hillsdale Highway (BvHwy) where a crosswalk or signal are too far away making it a real challenge for pedestrians to cross safely. Originally three new crossing islands were requested, but after some study the number was reduced to one, and may now be two(see January 2006 update below).

At the October 2005 SWNI Transporation meeting Will Stephens of PDOT showed a conceptual drawing for the proposed pedestrian island and crosswalks which will be located about a half block east of SW62nd. The island will be about 40 feet long with crosswalks at each end, this will force pedestrians to walk along it facing traffic, in the hopes that it will make them more aware of oncoming traffic before stepping into the crosswalk. PDOT hopes to break ground before the year is out and have it completed sometime in 2006.

Diagram (looking north across BvHwy, just eash of 62nd) of soon to be installed pedestrian Island.

Diagram (looking south across BvHwy, just eash of 62nd) of soon to be installed pedestrian Island.

The outline of the island has been spray painted onto the pavement; in the images above this outline is filled in with white (since the lines on the pavement would be barely visible in the photo at this size).

This pedestrian island will be a big improvement for pedestrians having to cross BvHwy, it is a long way in either direction to a marked crosswalk and/or signal light, and this is a very busy section of BvHwy. There are two apartment complexes on the North side of BvHwy at this location, and a senior living center on the south side. As you can see in the top photo this crossing is located very close to bus stops (one located on each side of BvHwy).

December 2005 BvHwy is now scheduled to be re-paved during the 2006 paving season (May to October) and paving must be completed prior to constructing the ped island. Lillie Fitzpatrick is coordinating with the Bureau of Maintenance paving folks to move BvHwy to the front end of the paving season.

January 2006 We are looking to add an another island, possibly two, on BvHwy aside from the one at 62nd Ave. Potential island sites include 50th, 42nd, 35th. These locations are still under evaluation, and the budget for these islands will come from the above noted CSTSP account. I anticipate we'll have design work for the additional island(s) on BvHwy completed in time for public review and construction to coincide with the implementation of the 62nd island. Let me know if you have questions - Will Stevens

September 21st the new pedestrian island crossing is nearly complete.

November 13th, 2006 the new completed pedestrian island crossing.

Many thanks to Bev Vogt and Lillie Fitzpatrick who were both instrumental in getting this project started and seeing it through to completion.

Ditches to Swales

Changing dangerous places to walk, into walkable surfaces.

Would you like to see ditches* like this

Ditch along SW45th and Hamilton. Photo by Victor von Salza

which forces pedestrians onto roadway shoulder, turned into a walkable swale like this

Model by Greg Schifsky. Photo by Victor von Salza

where one could walk or wait more safely for the bus, while at the same time allowing for drainage of the street?

A recently converted ditch on SW Hamilton just west of SW 42 Pl. Photo by Victor von Salza

In the near term the Bureau of Environmental Services(BES) Ditches to Swales program has identified and put SW Shattuck, SW Hamilton, and SW Dosch on the top of their project list. E.g. if the ditch along the west side of SW Shattuck were converted to a walkable swale, there would be a walkable surface 2-3 feet wide along most of the length of SW Shattuck!

BES is holding off on SW Hamilton in order to coordinate with the SW Hamilton Halo LID project.

• Friday November 9th, 2007 D2S is "still waiting on funding decisions on our CIP project, of which ditch-to-swales is one component. Second, we do not yet have a BES engineer/designer assigned to the ditch-to-swale project. Since our field visit would focus on site-specific and designed related points, we want to have the designer present to hear everyone's questions and comments. We will schedule a meeting/field visit as soon as we know more about funding and have an engineer assigned to the project."

• Tuesday November 13th, 2007 - "We expect to know more about funding and getting a BES engineer/designer assigned to ditch-to-swales within the next month. I will email everyone in early to mid December with another update." - Shannon Axtell, City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Watershed Services Group - Fanno/Tryon Team

• Read more about Ditches to Swales in these PDFs:
BES Ditch to Swale Report, 210 KB
BES Technical Memorandum: Ditch to Swale, 416 KB
11/13/2007 BES plans to update some of this information over the next month.

*Please note: Originally this concept was called Swales to Trails; but the current more correct terminology is now Ditches to Swales. In Greg's model/proposal pictured above the surface would be covered by some low growing "forbes" that would help filter the water even more, in the current BES implementation the top surface is consists of pedestrian friendly sized rock.

Expanded Maintenance Options

When a group of neighbors wants to upgrade an unimproved street one way to go about it is to use Expanded Maintenance Options.

Repaved section of SW 52nd that used to be a difficult to drive collection of potholes and ruts until neighbors banded together and paid to have it repaved. Photo by Victor von Salza

Section of SW Lowell that used to be a difficult to drive collection of potholes and ruts until neighbors banded together and paid to have it repaved. Photo by Victor von Salza

By banding together neighbors were able to work out an approved paving (short of full blown street with curbs and sidewalks) and turn their washboard with potholes into the nicely paved streets shown above. Cost was about $1200 per household.

For more information about this type of alternative to a LID see Expanded Maintenance Options.

For more information about this particular project done in Bridlemile contact: Rich Adelmann, richard.adelmann@gbjarch.com, 503-297-3453

Halo Lids

Portland Comissioner Sam Adams believes that the addition of sidewalks to some of our neighborhood collector streets could be funded using Halo LIDS, a Local Improvement District where whole neighborhoods that benefit from the addition of sidewalks would help share in the cost of constructing them instead of just the properties along the street paying for them. To read more and or participate in the planning for a Halo LID for SW Hamilton click here.

No Parking Zone on SW Hamilton by Hamilton Park

October 2007 Update - Alas, there are still thoughtless people parking and dropping off people in this no parking area... not realizing that they are jeopardizing the safety of others while doing so. If you see someone park or drop off someone here, please ask them to not do so in the future, and or call the Parking Enforcement hotline at 503-823-5195.

After many years of trying and proposing many solutions (see below) can you see what's changed in this picture that has resulted in fewer cars being parked along this stretch of SW Hamilton?

Shoulder area to right of fog line no longer blocked by parked cars, making it much safer for bicyclists and pedestrians!

And has resulted in all these cars parking here at the corner of SW 45th and SW Hamilton?

Cars parked in the once vacant (see below) lot at SW 45th and SW Hamilton

The partial solution was not bollards or boulders, but the simple addition of this little sign below each of the existing No Parking signs:

One of the "your car will be towed" pictograms that have been added below each of the No Parking signs along this stretch of SW Hamilton.

A big Thank You! to whomever thought of and implemented this simple and effective partial solution to this long standing problem.

History of the problem
No Parking is allowed along this stretch of SW Hamilton

No Parking is allowed along this stretch of Hamliton.

where cars attending sporting events at Hamilton Park too often parked in this NO PARKING zone, forcing bicyclists further out onto the street, making it difficult for kids chasing errant soccer balls to see oncoming cars (which in the summer time are heading into the sun), thus making it unsafe for bicyclists and pedestrians along this stretch of the street. The different organizations hosting sporting events have been asked to tell parents and people attending to NOT park or drop off their kids along SW Hamilton, but to use the "parking area" at SW45th and SW Hamilton shown here

Please park here at the corner of SW 45th and SW Hamilton instead.

or along 47th on the North side of the Park. But still too many people continue to park or drop off their kids along Hamilton...

Scott Westerman investigated installing a row of bollards

Bollards near Council Crest.

along this stretch of Hamilton. Doing so would both prevent cars from parking and stopping here, and provide a safer area for pedestrians to walk. Installing a row of wooden bollards along the edge of Hamilton there is significantly less costly than relocating the existing steel "handrail". But Carl Snyder, one of PDOTs traffic engineers, said that bollards in the right of way (i.e. along the edge of the pavement) is not something PDOT would approve because of safety concerns.

In the meantime, Scott Westerman is going to work with the district officers, parking enforcement, and the parks bureau in educating and enforcing the no parking zone along Hamilton. Officer Westermen believes that enforcement is only a temporary delay, engineering is the solution.

Please let Scott Westermanm know if you see a pattern of days/hours of violations, and in the meantime, report every violation to the Parking Enforcement hotline at 503-823-5195. This is one of those situations that can turn into a "If people don't report it, it must not be happening" type of situations.

The Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) pilot project for Bridlemile School has identified this issue as one of their top three and funding for improvements here will be done as part of the SR2S pilot program.

Possible solutions include: block all parking and create a pedestrian way, create parking that still enables pedestrian safety. And there are a number of options for each solution.

Photos by Victor von Salza

Pedestrian Bridge between SW 54th Place and SW 55th Dr

The pedestrian bridge that spans the creek between SW 54th Place and SW 55th Drive has been slowly deteriorating and recently lost some more of its walk surface making it more dangerous than ever.

Looking north across the bridge.

Recent June 2007 hole in Bridge, which has subsequently been temporarily repaired. Note deteriorating state of support beams.

Also the steep approach from the north side of the bridge is often very muddy even into June...

The muddy northern approach; photo taken June 14, 2007.

Neighbor Andy Anderson has talked with neighbors and Don Baack of SW Trails and will be talking with the City to find out the opportunities to replace the bridge and to improve/dryout the approaches. What Andy learns will be posted here:

9-4-2007 I have two different people that I'm trying to get to come take a look at the bridge and give some planning and cost estimates. All of the landscape contractors are extremely busy right now as they try and finish with the last weeks of nice weather.

9-28-2007 have my first bid back on replacement of the bridge. I should have a second by the end of next week. I'll contact you when I have the second bid.

10-26-2007 Now have three bids for replacing the bridge and they range from $14,000 to $23,000; one bid said the materials alone would be $5500. I will talk with Don Baack and Leonard Gard about how to go forward, whether we should try to raise money for the whole replacement, or just materials and organizing a bridge committee and events to do the building and assembly...

If you are interested in seeing the bridge replaced and would be willing to possibly help in researching opportunities and or working on a replacement bridge please join the Friends of the SW 54th Pedestrian Bridge email list.

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FAQ:
Q: What are some of the replacement options?
A: TBD But options possibly include: City replacing the Bridge, volunteers (Eagle Scout, neighbors, school group, some mix, etc.) build and install new bridge similar to the pedestrian bridge in Albert Kelly Park using grant money, etc.

Q: Who made the current bridge?
A: Greg Rassmussen and Robert Rosenbaum who helped build the original bridge say that was done as a neighborhood project.

Q: Is the bridge on private property?
A: The pathways to the bridge (and a pathway from the bridge north to Thomas park) and the area where the bridge is are all dedicated to the public. They are effectively public rights-of-way, just like a street. - Leonard Gard SWNI Aug/07

Greentrees development map showing dedicated walkways.

From same page as above, dedication language, including walkways.

Q: Who is responsible for maintaining the pathways/bridge?
A: From a legal standpoint, I think the property owners abutting the walkways have an obligation to maintain them. But the public also can go in and do repairs and maintenance. - Leonard Gard SWNI Aug/07

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This page updated on 10-26-2007. Unless noted otherwise, all photos by Victor von Salza.

Pedestrian Improvements for Hamilton (Halo LID) & Shattuck

have been among the most often asked about and requested improvements in Bridlemile. The major impediment has always been funding. If you're looking for the SW Hamilton Halo LID pilot project page, this is it! And its also about pedestrian improvements that meet ADA standards, and bicycle improvements too.

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Hamilton Street Improvements: What Next?
Based on feedback from the Open House and May Bridlemile Neighborhood Association meeting, there are many opportunities for going forward with one or more types of improvements or doing nothing at all. For anything to happen, interested neighbors must step forward and work together. And there are both tools and help available for those interested in wanting to make some type of improvements.

Before and After neighbor cleared plants from outside the fogline. How should we make SW Hamilton safer for pedestrians and cyclists? Click here to see and read about more possible solutions, and add your suggestions.

Types of Opportunities:
• Halo LID - The proposal presented at the Open House Halo LID Open House PowerPoint Presentation, 12.7MB is just a proposal. A number of people asked/suggested that improvements only be done on one side, that different design types Table D-1.pdf, 284KB Alternative Pathway Concepts be used along some stretches, that the Halo LID boundaries needed some adjustment, that the scope of the project be changed, etc. PDOT could be available to modify the proposal, to generate new cost estimates, and to modify Halo LID boundary and proposed assessment methodology. Depending on feedback from the neighborhood, PDOT could then send out petitions to those in a final Halo LID area and, if there is sufficient support, go forward.
• Abutting neighbors could decide to make more modest improvements under either a traditional LID or Halo LID or on their own, e.g , to create a more informal path that is more removed from the road— something like the Montessori school has done along Shattuck.
• Some neighbors asked about improving bus service, and neighbors working together could make a case and petition for that.
• Some neighbors have suggested letting BES do their planned/funded ditches to swale conversion first and then seeing what additional improvements people wanted.
• Some neighbors had suggested getting signs posted that say watch for pedestrians and bicyclists and that the street be closed to commercial thru traffic, and neighbors could work together to see that that happens.
• Some neighbors want annual cleanups to keep the existing pavement clean and free of vegetation. Although it is abutting homeower's responsibility to do so, their permission is not required, and having annual cleanups can make this easier for homeowner and neighborhood volunteers alike.
• Many other suggestions...

Tools and Help:
• Hamilton and Shattuck Pedestrian Improvement email subscription list, Bridlemile website, and SWNI Newspaper can be used to find and organize like-minded neighbors.
• SWNI Newspaper and SWNI Staff are available for promoting plans and ideas through use of the SWNI newspaper, flyers, and more SWNI Toolbox.
• Bridlemile Neighborhood Meetings can be used for meetings to present and get input.
• Victor/SWNI Staff can show interested people how to add to the website (easy to use form-driven system), set up email subscription lists, and use forums and other tools available on the SWNI server. And/or the Bridlemile web site can have links to Blogs and web pages created using other tools hosted elsewhere.

Who will take this forward?
Bev, Victor, and the Halo LID core team worked a good part of the past year to give Bridlemile neighbors the opportunity to be one of the City's Halo LID pilot projects as one way to make some of the pedestrian and bicycle improvements they have been asking for over the past decade. But going forward with the Halo LID or any other opportunities listed above depends on interested neighbors coming together and taking those opportunities forward. Bev and Victor are available to help any group(s) of interested neighbors, but will not be leading such efforts. So, if you are interested in working on any of the above, please contact the BNA Board, and/or use the email subscription list (144 neighbors) and other tools listed above to explore your ideas and find like-minded neighbors to help make it happen.

See also the Frequently Asked Questions page. And watch this page for updates and links to more details both of which will be posted here as this process develops and goes forward.

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Get and stay informed, and participate:
• Subscribe to the BNA-HSPi email list to keep up in detail about what interested neighbors like you are wanting to do and share with them your thoughts, suggestions, etc.
• Read and comment on Frequently Asked Questions about these projects.
• Read about some of the possibilities in the PDOT Pedestrian Guidelines, see especially Table D-1.pdf, 284KB Alternative Pathway Concepts
• See: photos of some of the challenges, alternatives that might apply, and read ideas that your neighbors have been suggesting. Add your comments and ideas.
• Read and get involved with the: SW Bicycling Boulevards Project, attend their open house on Dec 6, 2007.
• Read about more ideas and challenges on the Safe and Sound Streets home and Southwest web pages.
• Read the long range 2035 Regional Transportation Plan update
• See the Ashcreek and Crestwood NA's Taylors Ferry Road Vision Plan. It is a beautiful example of a completed neighborhood street collector plan.
• Read much more about LIDs and LID process at the:
- PDOT Local Improvement District (LID) Projects page
- City Code
- City Charter
• Read these related articles:
- 12-20-2007 - Fie on gas tax; anyone for street-repair fee?
- 11-26-2007 - Are Cyclists, Walkers Safer Under a 'Halo'?
- 10-28-2007 - The mean streets of Southwest Portland
- 7-31-2007 - Where the sidewalk ends
- 12-9-2005 - New Ideas for Local Street Improvements

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Contact Us:
Bridlemile Neighborhood Association Board
Don Gardner, PDOT Director of Engineering, don.gardner@pdxtrans.org, 503-823-7557
Andrew Aebi, PDOT LID Administrator, andrew.aebi@pdxtrans.org, 503-823-5648
Marianne Fitzgerald, SWNI Transportation Chair, fitzs4@comcast.net, 503-246-1847
Leonard Gard, SWNI Program Manager, leonard@swni.org, 503-823-4592

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What about SW Shattuck?
In the near term is the Bureau of Environmental Services Ditches to Swales program, which has identified and put SW Shattuck, SW Hamilton, and SW Dosch on the top of their project list. E.g. if the ditch along the west side of SW Shattuck were converted to a walkable swale, there would be a walkable surface 2-3 feet wide along most of the length of SW Shattuck! BES is holding off on SW Hamilton in order to coordinate with the SW Hamilton Halo LID project. Read more about Ditches to Swales on the Bridlemile Ditches to Swales page.

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Street Cleaning In addition to working on an improvement plan, there's 6-36" of already existing pavement available now! And during September and October 2007, PDOT, homeowners, and volunteer work parties cleaned the dirt and vegetation off of it:

Before and After - PDOT beautifully cleaned this stretch looking toward SW 60th.

Before and After - Volunteers cleaned this section looking West from SW 39th.

More Before and After photos, by homeowners volunteers and PDOT are on the Cleaned Sections page.

But Fall leaves and Winter storms have covered some of the cleaned areas with leaves and needles again. If you are interested in helping clean up streets and/or working on a SW Hamilton and SW Shattuck Pedesterian Improvement Committee please subscribe to the BNA-HSPi email list and send them a message indicating that you want to help keep our streets clean.

To report overgrown vegetation in the public right of way, call Tim Thrienen with the Bureau of Maintenance (BOM) at 503.823.1750
To report overgrown brush or vegetation on private property call the Nuisance Hotline at 503.823.7306

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This page updated on 6-27-2008. All photos by Victor von Salza.

Attachment	Size
BNATLID&WaiversBasics.pdf	122.12 KB

Safe Routes to Schools

Working to make walking, biking, and even driving to school a safer healthier experience.
Unless otherwise noted photos by Victor von Salza

Early Summer 2007 - Update path at Bridemile Elementary Cleared

The Path before it was cleared. Photo by Mike Kortenhof

This path which connects the two sets of stairs between SW Hamilton and Bridlemile Elementary School had become very overgrown and was wet and muddy during the winter.

Clearing the path "was a joint effort by several Bridlemile families. I've been eyeballing
that path for years and, finally, I started it in April. I probably got 12 feet done before a downpour stopped me. Another family noticed the work and was surprised to see that there was such a wide, paved path under the overgrown grass. They organized a work party on June 2nd to finish it up." Lillie Fitzpatrick

Front Row: Alex Ostrander, Zanna Kortenhof, Nick Nootenboom, Dorsey Ostrander, Joe Kortenhof, Teddy Kortenhof, Ashling Gregory, Joshua Gregory; Back Row: Miriam Ostrander, Tom Booth, Bill Nootenboom, Mike Kortenhof, Eric Gregory, Liz Gregory; Not Pictured: Henry Booth and Ruby Belle Booth. Photo by Mike Kortenhof

The Path after it was cleared. Photo by Mike Kortenhof

"It was a fun project and only took our intrepid team two hours. In case you can use it, I've attached a photo of the group. Karen Nootenboom also deserves big credit for coordinating with the school and the PPS maintenance folks for hauling away the debris." - Mike Kortenhof

Late Spring 2007 - Update

Looking east along SW47th just past the school, this new mini-roundabout at corner of SW43rd and SW 47th allows parents dropping their children off at the school or park to safely and quickly make a u-turn on SW 47th.

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A Brief History of the mini round about by Lore Wintergreen
Mark Lear, Traffic Investigations Safety Manager, remembers a conversation with Debi where they discussed not proceeding with fire friendly speed bumps the school was considering along a roadway and instead talked about the possibility of striping a traffic circle where the mini-roundabout is located. Initially, Debi Bradway, Principal at Bridlemile ES, wanted to ticket all those vehicles making U-turns, since there was not enough money available for a full traffic circle treatment. Mark said that he did not think blanket ticketing would be helpful.

Debi asked Mark to look into striping a traffic circle. When he approached Rob Burchfield, City Traffic Engineer, Rob did not want striping only, but agreed to pilot the "mini-roundabout" concept if the school agreed to educate the school community seeking to turn around on the street during drop-off/pick-up. People proceeding forward (without turning and using the "mini" as a speed bump is not a problem, in that forward movement was not the issue, providing a tool to facilitate orderly turnarounds was the identified problem).

Will Stevens, Traffic Calming Program Manager, said that he had a phone conversation with Debi and she agreed to try the "mini". He personally conducted additional outreach for this specific improvement by way of direct notification to the property owners immediately adjacent to the mini-roundabout. He also met with the two home owners of the corner properties on site at the intersection to discuss the design and intent of the project. (The home owners were concerned about perceived impacts to parking adjacent to their properties.)

The "mini-roundabout" is the first of its kind in Portland and is considered a pilot project. Long term, if the feature does not function as intended -- to safely channel u-turning traffic at the school, the City will assess what, if any, modifications and/or corrections are needed. People could not be forced to use a full treatment traffic circle either, as they could choose to circumvent that treatment. When Will spoke with Debi, he said that he stressed the need for education and enforcement. We still encourage her to pursue those elements. She has chosen to opt out of the Safer Routes to School program, so the Safer Routes to School program no longer has standing to assist in this process (we have replaced Bridlemile with another Portland school).

Should the community choose to pursue enforcement, they can phone 503.823.SAFE and register a request.

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Looking west along SW 47th this new speed bump slows traffic down as cars approach Hamilton Park and the new mini-roundabout that is just around the corner.

May 30, 2007 - Update by Lore Wintergreen

On May 12th, Debi Bradway, as Principal, made it known that the school is no longer interested in being involved in the Safer Routes to School pilot project. It was expressed that the school had some interest in continuing to offer the Pedestrian Safety curriculum element of the Safer Routes to School (SR2S) program, which had been well received previously.

Due to an unfortunate snafu, this spring's scheduled Pedestrian Safety instructor misunderstood when the trainings were to be held and missed the first day of classroom sessions. Should Bridlemile want to reschedule these training sessions, we will be glad to do so. It would provide the perfect opportunity for our instructor to train classroom teachers in the curriculum, which we can make available for the school's future use.

I want to thank the school community for your support in bringing the Safer Routes to School program to Bridlemile and to acknowledge your following successes:

• The completion of a Summary Engineering Report and project approval and prioritization BNASR2SERSM2.pdf, 952KB 952KB, 15pages.
• Completion of the following engineering projects:
1. Pedestrian trail: 48th Place to Lowell Ct.-2 Curb Ramps--North side of 48th place and South side of Lowell Ct.
2. Pedestrian trail: Tunnelwood to Westdale-Curb Ramp on Westdale
3. 48th Place @ West 48th Way--Parking removal and marked crossing
4. Hamilton @ 45th Ave.-Marked crossing
5. Hamilton & Shattuck-Review & adjust school signs
6. Hamilton, 44th - 47th-Two speed tables
7. 47th Dr. @ 43rd-Mini-roundabout (which, as explained, requires ongoing community education, until a cultural norm is set)
8. Hamilton, 45th to Stairs-ditch to Swale project
• Engineering projects with expected completion July 2007:
1. 47th Dr. @ Hamilton-Visibility Letter
2. Adjust Shattuck crosswalk-Marked Crossing
3. Tunnelwood: 41st to 43rd-Gravel trail materials
4. Hamilton and East 45th-Add 'No Parking' signs
5. 47th Dr. @ 43rd, 44th, 45th and 48th Avenues-Intersection parking removal
• Pedestrian Safety classes for 2nd and 3rd graders in 2005-06 and in the fall of 2006-07 for 6 classrooms
• Child Passenger Safety for Kinder and 1st graders in 2005-06 and in the fall of 2006-07 for 4 classrooms
• Bicycle Safety for 4th graders in 2005-06
• International Walk and Bike to School Day activity involvement in 2005-06 and 2006-07

Again, thank you for your involvement with the Safer Routes to Schools program. If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Respectfully, Lore Wintergreen

Spring 2007 - Update

New Trail head curb ramps where Ivey Creek Crossing meets Lowell Ct and SW 48th. The curb cuts: make the trail heads more visible (especially to newcomers), keep back plant encroachment, and make parents more comfortable allowing their children to walk that path.

Fall 2006 - Overview and Update by Lillie Fitzpatrick for the SWNI News

In 2005, Bridlemile Elementary was chosen as one of ten pilot schools to participate in the Portland Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program. Administered by the Office of Transportation and funded with a surcharge on moving violation traffic tickets, SR2S endeavors to increase the number of children safely walking or biking to school each day.

Prior to becoming an official SR2S school, Bridlemile Elementary had participated in the International Walk to School Day for two years and had surveyed students to find out how many walked or biked. Considering the lack of sidewalks and the hilly terrain, it wasn't surprising to find that just 13% of students walked or biked. What was surprising was the fact that students that lived mere blocks from Bridlemile were being driven to school each day. Traffic safety was cited most often by parents as the reason they drove their children to school.

SR2S provided passenger, pedestrian and bicycle safety instruction to the students and a traffic safety investigation, conducted in November 2005. Many possible improvements were proposed by the City's traffic engineers, including changes to the school parking lot, addition of new speed bumps and crosswalks, trail improvements, no parking zones around the school and increased enforcement of traffic violations in school zones. Cost estimates were calculated and the school could spend up to $25,000 on improvements.

So far several improvements have been initiated and several more are expected. New bike racks were placed closer to the school.

New Bike Racks near front entrance of school.

Two new speed bumps have been installed

Looking West, the two new speed bumps are the first and third ones.

Looking East, the two new speed bumps are the first and third ones.

and a new crosswalk by the stairs near SW Hamilton and SW 45th.

New crosswalk near SW 45th and SW Hamilton.

Trail head curb ramps are scheduled at the entrance to the trail on Lowell Ct. and 48th Place.

New Crosswalk at trail head and 48th.

A mini-roundabout at 47th Drive and 43rd Avenue to route parents dropping off their children at school will be installed some time in 2007.

Location of new mini-roundabout at corner of SW 43 & SW 37th marked on pavement.

Hopefully these improvements, along with increased school bus ridership will increase the safety of children in the neighborhood.

Capitol Hill Elementary was chosen by Portland's Office of Transportation for SR2S services in the 2006-2007 school year due to their enthusiastic participation in International Walk to School Day. Stephenson Elementary in the Arnold Creek Neighborhood is on the list for next year.

May 2006 - Recommended Primary and Secondary Projects

During a meeting with PDOT staff, Lynn Mutrie, Debi Bradway and me, we decided to take the "offset speed tables" off the recommended list and substitute the "traffic circle" from the bottom portion of the document. See SR2S-RPS.pdf for the recommended changes (top portion of the document).

BNASR2SRPS.pdf, 20KB 20KB

March 2006 - Engineer's Follow-up Report Discussed at BNA Meeting

Lillie Fitzpatrick talked about the results of the Engineers Report and solution matrix:

BNASR2SERSM.pdf, 608KB, 17 pages 608KB, 17 pages

There is $30,000 for improvements this year, which is not enough to cover all the improvements listed in the report/solution matrix, the SR2S committee will prioritize spending for this year.

February 2006 - SR2S Engineer's Follow-up

We reviewed the SR2S problem areas we identified in various
walk-abouts and meetings and the city's SR2S traffic engineer's
recommendations. We then began to prioritize the projects to do with
the funds available through the City of Portland's SR2S budget.

December 10, 2005 - SR2S Task Force Training

Learn how to effectively encourage kids to walk and bike to school and join the City of Portland's Safe Routes to School Task Force. Wendi Kallins, Program Director at Marin County Bicycle Coalition, will lead this free training. We will be using lessons from Marin County, CA, the national model for Safe Routes to School to educate and encourage the Lewis community to walk and bike to school safely.
Contact: Lynne Mutrie, lynnem@actsoregon.org,
503-656-7207 x14

December 8, 2005 - SR2S Engineering Investigation

The City of Portland will conduct an engineering investigation of the Bridlemile Elementary School neighborhood to examine the physical environment for safety issues and barriers to walking or biking to school. The investigation will include a walkabout of the streets around the school and a discussion of potential solutions. Parents, staff and community members are welcome to join the investigation to help describe safety issues.
Contact: Lynne Mutrie, lynnem@actsoregon.org,
503-656-7207 x14

For more information, please contact Lynne Mutrie lynnem@actsoregon.org, 503-656-7329

October 2005 National Walk to School Day

Students gathering at Albertsons, photo by Kathy Bambeck

July 2005 - Update

We are looking for School Team members to help guide Safe Routes to School at Bridlemile Elementary School. Please call the toll free number, 866-452-8300. Leave your name, number and school name.

May 2005 - Update

From Dakota InyoSwan's email to Debi Bradway:
Bridlemile Elementary School is definitely confirmed as a pilot school for our Safe Routes to School program for the 2005-06 school year.

The City of Portland Office of Transportation is gearing up to implement our comprehensive Safe Routes to School program in eight pilot schools next year, beginning September 2005. We would like to secure our eight pilot schools before the end of this school year. We have selected your school to be involved. Some of you have long been partners with us as we've prepared to provide enhanced Safe Routes to School services to increase the number of kids safely walking and biking to school. Others of you are newer to our partnership. We welcome all of you and your school communities to join us for an exciting year as we bring the national Safe Routes to School model to Portland.

Our Safe Routes to School pilot program is based on the national Safe Routes to School model developed in Marin County, California. It has shown great success in increasing the number of kids safely walking and biking to school and in decreasing automobile trips to school. Our program will be providing a combination of engineering, enforcement, education, and encouragement services to your school.

All of pilot schools will receive the following services coordinated and delivered by our dynamic Project Team of local, state, and national Safe Routes to School experts:

• Engineering - operational improvements (signs, pavement markings, parking controls, traffic circulation); small capital improvements (pedestrian refuge islands, curb extensions, school beacons); maps of existing walking and biking routes and maps of recommended walking and biking routes; information included on our SR2S web site about your school's routes; services to be delivered by Portland Transportation • Enforcement -- targeted school zone speed enforcement; targeted parking enforcement; partnership with Portland Police Bureau to deliver these services
• Education - school travel surveys for students and parents; classroom education and parent education (grades K-1 passenger safety, grades 2 & 4 pedestrian safety, grades 4 & 5 bicycle safety, grades 4 & 5 school bus safety, grades 4 & 5 transit use and safety); these will be delivered in the classroom and in after-school activities; services to be delivered by local and state experts in traffic safety
• Encouragement - special events to encourage walking and biking to school (Walk and Bike Wednesdays, International Walk to School Day, other); services to be delivered by local and state experts in walk and bike to school programs.
In addition to the above services, Buckman Elementary School -- the magnet school in our pilot program -- will also receive Carpool to School services. These will be delivered by Portland Transportation.

We have established a dynamic Project Team to implement this program. I am the Project Manager. Primary services will be delivered by Robert Ping (Bicycle Transportation Alliance and Willamette Pedestrian Coalition) and Lynne Mutrie (Alliance for Community Traffic Safety in Oregon). We will also involve other community service providers in delivering the education services, i.e. Legacy Emanuel Hospital Trauma Nurses Talk Tough Program, Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, ACTS Oregon, and Community Cycling Center.

Safe Routes to School programs are successful when they have high levels of community involvement. Therefore, we will help you form a School Team of school representatives, parents, students, neighborhood partners, and others. This group will be the coordinating body for your school's program -- all activities to be guided and facilitated by our Project Team. You will not be on your own. Quite the contrary, we will work with you, your teachers, and your school community to make this program successful.

We have a full school year of activities and services to deliver to your school communities -- and we won't leave you after next school year. We will continue to provide you some services in the 2006-07 school year to help you sustain the good work you begin next year.

Thanks for your interest. This is an exciting program. Portland is positioned to be another national model for Safe Routes to School. With your participation, we can be on our way.

National Walk to School Day 2004

October 2004 - Update by Lillie Fitzpatrick

The City's SR2S Committee has been meeting for roughly a year and I am a member of that committee representing Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc (SWNI). I joined the committee to try to improve the dismal pedestrian and bike infrastructure in SW Portland. A fund has been set up to help pay for Education, Enforcement, Encouragement and Engineering for Safe Routes to School. The goal is to increase individual and environmental health, decrease traffic congestion, and increase safety around schools, parks and community centers.

The first Traffic Safety Funds have been spent and, not surprisingly, they were spent in SW Portland. A crosswalk, pedestrian island and sidewalk were installed on SW 35th Street at Jackson Middle School. What they first thought would cost more than $58,000, costs just $40,000 and local homeowners willingly moved their landscaping back to accommodate the sidewalk. The church across the street from Jackson MS now allows parents to use their parking lot for drop off and parking. The parents told me that the drop off/pick up situation is much better and more parents are allowing their children to walk. This was all a result of Jackson's participation in the Safe Routes program, intense lobbying by Jackson staff, students and parents, and a coordinated effort of the Neighborhood Association, SWNI, and Portland's Department of Transportation.

Last year I presented the data I collected from the Bridlemile student and parent surveys to Portland's Department of Transportation. Now Bridlemile is on the top of the list to participate in a much more intense Safe Routes to School program this year. I haven't heard when that will start; but in order to kick off our efforts organized the October 6th walk to Bridlemile Elementary School event (see photo above).

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Phone Numbers:

• Bridlemile Elementary School Principal 503-916-6292
"Portland Transportation’s policy is to work directly with the School Principal. We prefer that the initial contact and request for service come directly from the School Principal. The Principal is the person of authority at the school, the person who knows the school travel environment and operations, and the person who can oversee a problem-solving process with the school community and our office. Our policy is to refer parents, residents, students, and other interested individuals to the School Principal before initiating a school traffic safety project." Please visit Portland's Safe Routes to School Program How to Report page for a list of information about the safety problem you should be prepared to discuss when you call the Principal.
• Transportation Safety and Livability Hotline 503-823-SAFE (503-823-7233)
Use the Safety and Livability Hotline to call about intersection safety, pedestrian safety, school safety, neighborhood speeding, visibility of signs or pavement markings, bicycle safety, parking, or initial capital project requests.
• Transportation Maintenance 503-823-1700
Use the Maintenance # to report problems such as signal/street light outages, missing signs, and dangerous potholes, it is a 24-hour direct response line.

Stoplight at SW 39th and BvHwy

Ever wish you had more time to turn left from Beaverton Hillsdale Highway (BvHwy) onto SW 39th?

Car waiting to turn left onto SW 39th from an otherwise empty BvHwy . Photo by Victor von Salza

It was determined that for about $15 per household ($2,500 total) the yellow light can be changed to a longer yellow flashing arrow during which you are allowed to turn left as long as it is safe to do so…and some of your neighbors have teamed up with the Bridlemile Neighborhood Association and Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. (SWNI) to help you improve this situation and collected $1000... and now:

8/26/2008 - The flashing yellow light at SW 39th Drive and BHH has been approved! It will take a couple more months, but our and City funding is in place for that project. - Greg Schifsky

Previous Updates:
8/5/2008 - With the Safe/Sound/Green Streets projects being tabled (removed from the November ballot) for now, I had a lengthy talk with Dan Anderson the PDOT liaison advocate person about the signal, the funding, feasibility. It is still alive. Bill Kloos is still active on this one and safety concerns are still being looked at, along with funding. If this does pass all the requirements for a flashing yellow, we might be able to get a neighborhood grant to cover the remaining dollars and make it happen that way. - Greg Schifsky

4/30/2008 - The last I heard from Bill Kloos, was that we need to wait all the way till November when transportation budgets are final from City to get any possible matching funds. - Greg Schifsky

1/24/2008 - Regarding our safety study, we have most of the field data, except information on the time to make the left turn maneuver. We will get that data next week, and then we need to prepare a summary report. I am shooting for Feb. 11th for completing all that work and report.

Regarding the Safe, Sound, and Green Streets program, my intent was to include covering some costs to convert locations to flashing yellow arrow to improve efficiency. I will propose that we include this location under that program and consider your $1,000 as all that is needed from the neighborhood. - Bill Kloos, PDOT Traffic Engineer

Note as of February 6th, 2008, Safe, Sound, and Green Streets has been referred to the November 2008 ballot.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How much money has been collected so far?
A: As of December 27th, 2007 - 46 people have contributed $1000 of the $2500 needed. This page was first posted on July 5th, door to door flyers were distributed to about 300 homes and apartments along SW38th, SW39th, and the streets that feed into them July 10th-12th, and this project was also featured in the August, September, and October 2007 SWNI News. Totals updated as checks come in.

Q: Will the left turn from SW 39th onto BvHwy also have a flashing yellow arrow?
A: Unfortunately the left turn from SW 39th onto BvHwy does not meet visibility requirements and cannot be included in this change; only the left turn from BvHwy onto SW 39th meets the requirements.

Q: What is the longest time that you have to wait before you can make a left turn?
A: Currently there are two timing cycles, the longest period you should have to wait between one green arrow and the next is either 60 or 75 seconds. If you time (using a stopwatch or the second hand on your watch) a wait longer than 75 sec please note the time of day and date and send that information to Greg. If there are periods longer than 75 seconds then there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
10/31/2007 Bill Kloos reported that he is going to double check that the above times are indeed what the current programming is. Also he has "asked our data group to get 48 hours of speed data for westbound B-H and 24 hours of time lapse video showing the left turn bay. From the latter tape we can see how long left turning people are waiting, see how long they take to make the turn, and look for any unusual driver behavior."

Q:What concerns have people had regarding this proposed change?
A: A couple of people have asked if this change would result in more thru traffic on SW38th and SW39th. One person has asked PDOT about the safety of allowing people to judge for themselves whether turning left on a yellow flashing arrow here was safe, he is concerned for a number of reasons: the on coming traffic often exceeds the posted speed limit, the turn is not just a simple 90º left turn but a tad more than a 180º (causing people to perhaps make a slower turn than at other locations), there is a bus stop on the east side of the turn but no sidewalks along 39th (making it more likely that pedestrians might be on the street), factors which taken together (especially when combined with winter night time conditions) could make this a more dangerous turn - not only for the person turning, but for oncoming traffic and pedestrians too, and therefore warrants some additional study and consideration. PDOT Traffic Engineer Bill Kloos is collecting more data on traffic speeds at this site, accident information at existing flashing yellow arrow sites, and more.

Q: Was my donation tax deductible?
A: Yes. Southwest Neighborhoods Inc.(SWNI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Other Questions? Please contact:
Leonard Gard, leonard@swni.org, Program Manager at the SWNI Office, 503-823-4592;
Greg Schifsky, gregl@q.com, 503-246-2714

Heritage Trees

At one time all of Bridlemile was covered by forest, when settlers came they cleared the land for farming, orchards, and dairy lands. As Portland grew, in the 1940's and 1950's the first housing developments were created in Bridlemile. Most of the trees we see today are less than 60 years old, but a few trees are older, and two have been designated heritage trees.

American Elm located on SW 60th (turn south off SW Hamilton). Photo by Victor von Salza

Another view of the Heritage Elm Tree on SW 60th. Photo by Victor von Salza

Pondersosa Pine located at the corner of SW Hamilton and SW Shattuck. Photo by Victor von Salza

Another view of the Heritage Pine tree at Hamilton and Shattuck. Photo by Victor von Salza

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Related Links:

• Portland Parks Heritage and Trees of Merit pages, maps and information about the 265+ other heritage and noteworthy trees in Portland.
• Preparing Tree Preservation Plans.pdf 2.7MB

Other Trees

Many large, old, and beautiful trees stand proudly throughout our neighborhood. Photos by Victor von Salza.

Black Walnut at 3726 SW 48th Summer 2007

"In October 2005 the Black Walnut tree on 48th Place celebrated its 100th birthday. Gerel and Henry Blauer invited neighbors to the birthday party. Folks greeted and admired the centennial Black Walnut, played "Guess the Circumference " game and enjoyed dessert. When spring comes and Old Black Walnut is looking its best, the History Committee will take its picture and post it here." - Ginger Danzer

Oak as seen from SW Hamilton Ct off SW 39th Dr Summer 2007. "In 1997, an arborist did a core sample and found the tree to be 334 years old. Now, in 2007, it would be 344. It is a very old tree that houses birds, squirrels, and the mama raccoon who trains her young each spring." - Joan Leigh

Japanese Maple 4752 SW 39th Dr Spring 2007

Decideous Redwood, SW 36th & Bridlemile Ln

Same Decideous Redwood but in Winter 2006

Tri Color Beach, 4015 SW36th Pl in Summer

Same Tri Color Beach as above, 4015 SW36th Pl but in Fall from a different angle.

Plananus, 4015 SW36th Pl viewed from Bridlemile Ln

Unknown, 4015 SW36th Pl in Fall.

Close up of unknown above, 4015 SW36th Pl in Fall.

Unknown, along SW 41st in early Summer 2007.

Unknown, SW 41st and SW Jerald Ct in early Summer 2007.

Giant Sequoia Tree, East side of Shattuck, just north of Hamilton

A tree Ent, spotted in Albert Kelly Park

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More tree photos can be found on the Fall Color and Spring Color Walking Tours pages.

Saving Trees from Ivy

Many trees in Bridlemile and SW have become infested with English Ivy whick will eventually kill these trees.

Rescuing a tree from Ivy is a simple two step process: girdling and creating a lifesaver. Girdling entails carefully cutting the ivy runners on the trees at ankle and shoulder height, and removing that section of runners from the tree without damaging the tree's life giving bark.

Before and after tree rescue (and blackberry removal), note that ivy has not yet died in the right hand photo, but has been removed from the bottom 5 five of the tree. Albert Kelly Park by footbridge, looking East. Photos by Victor von Salza

Creating a lifesaver entails pulling back/removing all the ivy on the ground to a least six feet from the base of each tree.

Detailed information and photos of this two step process can be found on this No Ivy League webpage.

A Browse through Bridlemile

by Ginger Danzer

Download BNAWBtB2.pdf,327KB 327KB - a keyed map and numbered description of the "A Browse thru Bridlemile" walk.

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A Browse thru Bridlemile, by Ginger Danzer

Photographs by Victor von Salza

Begin your walk at the play structure at Hamilton Park(1).

The Bridlemile Neighborhood Association under the direction of Linda Bonder constructed the play structure in 2001.

Walk west to the Bridlemile school play ground and admire the new play structure(2)

which was funded and installed by parents in April 2006.

Continue along the east side of the school past the covered basketball court and admire the new planters and trees(3)

on the south side of the building, another new feature funded and installed by the school parents. These plantings are designed to shade the south side of the school in order to keep the classrooms cooler on hot days.

Retrace your steps back to the purple play structure(2) and walk on the path along the north side of the school. During the school year (after classes are out) take a look in the windows(4) at the big blue balls sitting by/on each desk. Students are using the balls as seats, testing to see if they provide better posture and health (the balls are deflated for the summer). Notice the rain barrels(4)

that are used for recycling rainwater for use in the garden.

To the right of the path enjoy the colorful fish(5) decorating the cyclone fence above the wall.

They are the result of a 2005-2006 student art project.

Next wander toward the entrance to the school, read the plaque and rest on one of the marble benches(6).

To the left of the front doors, enjoy the tile wall(7)

designed and produced by students.

Cross the parking lot to 47th drive and walk south to Hamilton and turn west (right). Hamilton was originally called Hess Road. At the corner of Hamilton and Shattuck is the famous Tigard/Rogers House(8), one of the oldest homes in Oregon.

It was built in 1853 or 1854 by Andrew Tigard, who had the Donation Land Claim for this land. The house was sold to Edward and Esther Rogers in 1875. The Rogers farmed here for many years. The house is currently owned by Roger Hancock, great-grandson of Edward and Esther Rogers. Read the Plaque on the beautiful Ponderosa Pine(9). This is a Heritage Tree, a famous Portland tree. It is very old.

Across the street and down a bit from the corner was the old Fairvale Store(10). The Fairvale Store eventually moved down to the intersection of Shattuck and Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway and Mr. Rogers sold it to Albertsons.

Turn north on Shattuck and walk to 4402 SW Shattuck(11) which is known as the Long House because the Long family lived in it the longest! The Long family farmed this side of Hamilton for many years. Annette Long Stone still lives on Hamilton on the land her father gave her when she got married.

Walk on up Shattuck to Lowell. Turn east (right) and walk to the path just past the mailbox at 4766. Go down the path and steps to the Ivey Creek Bridge(12),

admire Ivey Creek,

which flows into Fanno Creek. Ivey is not misspelled, the Ivey family were long time Bridlemile residents.

Then go up the steps and left onto SW 48th Place. At the end of 48th Place turn northeast (right) on Lowell to SW 45th. The brick house with the lovely grounds on the corner is the old Walther home built in 1946(13).

The Walthers farmed 68 acres all the way down to Hamilton. There is still an operating well here(14).

The Lopez Family who live there take meticulous care of the home.

Follow SW 45th north (left) to Tunnelwood. Go east (right, your only option) strolling though Bridlewood to SW 43rd. Turn north (left and go up to the path that connects to the next part of Tunnelwood. Before going on that path look left at the path that connects Bridlewood to Montmore(15). It’s fun to go down and check out Ivey Creek(16) here.

Montmore’s lovely but it is not on this walk. Go up that path and get on Tunnelwood again.

The Crawford Sawmill(17) was just about at 40th and Tunnelwood. No sign of a sawmill now.

Walk up Ericwood which is a dead end street. Watch for the cement blocks across the street from 3730 SW Ericwood that mark the second path(18) to Montmore. The Montmore loop is an option for your walk. The steep path and street are good exercise.

Walk up Tunnelwood to Jerald. Turn south (right) on Jerald Way. Notice the handsome espalier(19)

and admire the Haleston home(20).

Turn left on Jerald Court then right back onto Jerald Way. The houses on this street are among the first built in Bridlemile. At the junction of Jerald Way and Bridlemile Lane take time to look at the house at 3500 Bridlemile Lane, this is the Powell/Belluschi home(21).

Photo by www.360.com
Ruth and John Powell bought this land in 1947. Ruth Powell chose the name Bridlemile for our neighborhood. There is a relationship to the famed architect, Belluschi, but it is murky.

Turn west (right) on Bridlemile Lane. There are more stories about some of these houses that are waiting to be explored. One of them was a General Electric model, a fully electric home!

Continue down Bridlemile Lane. There is a Deciduous Redwood(22) at about 36th and Bridlemile Lane.
The street swings right and up the hill after crossing the soon to be named Bridlemile Creek it winds up to Jerald Court. Turn west (left) walk to SW 40th Place. Turn south (left) and go down Bancroft to 47th Drive. Turn south (left) onto SW 47th and back to Hamilton Park.

Follow the path along the east side of the tennis courts into the wood to get a peek at Bridlemile Creek(23),

which the Bridlemile Creek Stewards have restored.

Back past the tennis court are a bench and swing, where you can sit on the bench and enjoy the view or go for a swing. Finally head back to the play structure(1), and that's the end of this Browse through Bridlemile.

Fall Color Walk

Although we're not Vermont there's still plenty of great Fall color in Bridlemile which peaks during the month from about mid-October to mid-November... with some color visible earlier and hanging on later.

Along SW 52nd Pl. 11/4/2006, photo by Victor von Salza

Download and print the

Bridlemile Fall Color Walk Map, BNAWFCM.pdf,272KB 272KB

Just walking the whole route can take 2-3hours - start by adding your home on the map and choose one or more connections to the loop on the Fall Color Map which break it into two or more pieces or routes.

Fall color is always changing and each walk will reveal new gems along the route. And repeating all or part of the walk but in the opposite direction reveals new views and sights too...

So get out with your camera and capture scenes like this

Corner of SW Admiral St and SW 37th Ave. 11/6/2006, photo by Victor von Salza

before its all turns to this

fallen leaves. 11/6/2006, photo and image processing by Victor von Salza

SW Bridlemile Notable Homes Walking Tour

Bridlemile has many notable homes, homes of historical and architectural interest. This walking tour includes notable homes located in the southwest section of Bridlemile.

History and descriptions by Ginger Danzer. Photographs, walking instructions and map by Victor von Salza.

Click to display and resize the Google Map showing the homes and walking route.

Please respect people's property and privacy as you take your walk. We do NOT have permission from the home owners to view their properties, so please do NOT trespass on their or neighboring properties to get a better view, etc.

SW 52nd (between SW Hamilton and SW Santa Monica Ct) is a good place to park and begin the walk. From there head south to SW Hamilton St and turn right / head West . The Terrill Bungalow is the 2nd home on the right.

Terrill Bungalow 5233 SW Hamilton Street

The Terrill Bungalow

The Terrill house, a bungalow, was built in 1905. The original owner was Glen Foulkes, other owners were Samuel Holm and W.A. and Leona L. Malston. Bernice Terrill lived in the house from 1944 until 1996. The current owners are her grandson, David Terrill and his wife Maria-Eugenia. The house has a medium pitch composition hip roof with exposed rafters, gabled dormer with exposed rafters, and shingle siding. Mrs. Terrill was a speech and drama teacher at Columbia Prep High school.

The shoulder is wider on the south side of Hamilton, so cross the street and continue West. The 2nd street on the right is SW 55th Place, turn right/head North. The Robertson/Tabata home is the third house on the right at the corner /end of the block.

Robertson/Tabata Home 4404 SW 55th Place

The Robertson/Tabata Home.

This Queen Anne style home was built in 1905. The architectural plans were by Robertson who was also the original owner. It has hip and bell cast gable roofs and an encircling porch with a corner gable. The oval front windows were donated by I. Lang from his former home on the south Park Blocks. This is the site of the original family home of A. Robertson which burned down. The home was owned by Ariel and Eleanor Rubstein. Ariel, a noted musician, made adaptations for a music room. He brought well known artists to Portland. Issac Stern stayed here and played the piano in the music room. Ariel’s daughter, Ariel Deborah Rubstein was a nationally known vocalist. Karen Tabata recalls the time an ambulance brought an elderly and frail Ariel Rubstein to see his beloved home and beautiful trees once more. Mr. Rubstein died the following day. That same day one of the huge old trees split and fell to the ground.

Retrace your steps to Hamilton and turn right/ head West. Walk along the South side of Hamilton about 600 yards to the 3rd street on the right which is SW Semler Way. Turn right, the Semler/Elsasser home is the 2nd on the right. This home still retains its original SW Hamilton address.

Semler/Elsasser Home 6215 Hamilton (on Semler Way between 4426 and 4332)

The Semler/Elsasser Home.

Herbert and Shirley Semler built this home in 1969. The style is called New Formalism. Architectural plans were by Walter Gordon, John Hinchliff and Dan McDoowin. A flat roof and an exterior of finished white cement plaster with large fixed plate glass windows made it stand out. It originally had a porte cochere. In 1984 it had double entrance doors of hand carved walnut by Leroy Setzoil. The current owner, Robert Elsasser said those doors were gone when he bought the home. Major alterations were made in 1978 by Fletcher, Finch and Farr.

Retrace your steps to Hamilton cross the street and turn right/head West; the Cooper/Georges Home is the second on the right.

Cooper/Georges Home 6248 SW Hamilton

The Cooper/Georges Home.

This Twentieth Century Colonial home was built in 1924. The original owner was Cooper, a truck farmer, who owned 25 acres. He built the road in front of his house from Scholls Ferry to Shattuck naming it Cooper Road. Pear trees are original. A long time owner of the property was Thomas Georges. It is currently being remodeled as part of an assisted living property. Special features include a long overhanging gable roof with narrow bargeboard. The windows are six-over-one, double hung. A diamond window is in the gable end. Wooded lattice flank a protruding rounded gable over a three paneled door. It has a massive brick chimney. The east portion of the house was altered and a covered patio was added. The Georges owned a large tract of land which was farmed.

The Cooper/Georges home is being converted into an assisted living complex.

Continue West on Hamilton until your reach SW 63rd, cross the street and head north on 63rd. At the second street on the left, SW Bancroft, turn left/head West. The Rosenfeld/Carter Home is second from the corner on the right .

Rosenfeld/Carter Home 6432 SW Bancroft

The Rosenfeld/Carter Home.

The noted architect Wade Pipes built this Northwest Regional house for Gladys Rosenfeld in 1950 on a large parcel of land. It had a long driveway and could not be seen from Scholls Ferry or Hamilton. It has a medium-pitch gable roof and dormers with close eaves. Board-and-batten is combined with vertical tongue-and-groove siding. There are side lighted casement windows and a recessed front door. The house is on the Ray estate. I. Lang, Gladys Rosenfeld’s father, owned Pleasant View dairy on Dosch Road which later became Elco Dairy. He started Lang Brothers Grocery on the south side of 1st and Ankeny in 1886. After Mrs. Rosenfeld’s death the land was developed into Clarion. Lovely gardens surround this elegant home. Regan Carter is the current owner of the home.

Retrace your steps to Hamilton street and turn right/head West. At SW Scholls Ferry turn left and go one block to SW Hamilton Way. Note there is an informal dirt path to the left of the ditch along SW Scholls Ferry. At SW Hamilton Way turn left/head East, the Gittelson/Evans home is the last house on the right.

Gittelson/Evans Home 6260 SW Hamilton Way

The Gittelson/Evans Home.

Well-known John Storrs was the architect for this Northwest Regional house. It was built in 1955 by William and Shirley Gittelson. Shirley Gittelson, a well known Portland artist, was the daughter of Thomas Georges. Her father gave each of his children a lot for their home. This house is on the original site of the barn. It is built of concrete block and vertical tongue-and-groove siding. It has a log-pitch gable, a tar-and-gravel roof, fixed windows and a center chimney. On an exterior wall in the garden area outside the downstairs is a lion head. The lion’s head came from one of the first OMSI Auctions. The second and current owners are Scott and Claire Evans.

Turn around and face north to see the Marcus home which is directly across the street from the Gittelson/Evans home.

Marcus Home 6255 SW Hamilton Way

The Marcus Home.

This is the second Northwest Regional house on the walk. Stanley and Susan Marcus built the house in 1968 and are the current owners. The architect was Alec Pierce. Special features include a low-pitch gable roof and vertical tongue-and-groove siding. A high wooden fence surrounds the patio.

Marcus Home looking back from further East on Hamilton Way.

Continue East along the path that follows the right of way on SW Hamilton Way. The grass can get pretty tall in the late Spring and the path is quite uneven in places. The Feldman/Brown home is the next home on the left at the corner of SW Hamilton Way and SW Seymour St.

Feldman/Brown Home 6141 SW Seymour Street

The Feldman/Brown Home.

Philip and Marianne Feldman built this Northwest Regional home in 1956. The architect was Saul Zaik. It has a cantilevered, low-pitched gable rook and vertical tongue-and-groove resawn cedar siding. The windows are fixed with an occasional operable sash. The original cedar shingle roof was replaced by composition shingles and a wing was added in 1980. In June 1957 the house earned an “Award of Merit” by the Oregon Chapter of the AIA for professional excellence by the architect. Alterations were made in 1960 by Jack Shimshak Co. The home is listed in the 1957 issue of “Pacific Architect and Builder”. Darin Brown is the current owner.

Turn left onto SW Seymour St, then left again on SW 60th. Between the third and fourth homes from the corner on the right you will be standing under a large Elm, one of two heritage trees in Bridlemile.

The Heritage Elm Tree on SW 60th Place.

Click here to see and read more about Bridlemile''s heritage trees.

Continue North on SW 60th Place, at Hamilton turn right/head East and walk about 600 yards back to the starting point on SW 52nd (the 4th street on the left).

Thank you to everyone who has generously shared information about their homes. If you have stories, photos, or know some more of the history for any of these homes please contact Ginger Danzer. Click here to read about the July 12, 2007 walking tour that Ginger Danzer lead along this route.

Spring Color Walk

Spring color which runs from late February thru June is more spread out in time than Fall color which starts in late September and is over by the end of November. So while you won't see as much color in every block that you walk there is still much too see and enjoy.

From large uniform bands of colors

and textures

to beautiful palettes of varied color and texture

to a single plant with only two colors and textures; there's lots to see along the route of the Fall Color Map which you can download from here.

Photographs Spring 2007 by Victor von Salza