Residents can help shape Tollgate at meeting

NORTH BEND - Residents who have ideas about what they'd like to see happen with Tollgate Farm will receive the chance next week to make them known when city officials host an open house to discuss the future of the historic property.

"It's a special spot," said Sara Barry, special projects coordinator with North Bend. "We want to do justice to the meadow."

In an effort to ensure the rich history of the farm continues for generations, officials from the city and the consultants from Seattle-based EDAW, hired to help with the Tollgate Master Plan, will host an open house Oct. 22 to receive public input on what should happen with the 48-acre central meadow portion of the 390-acre property. The parcel was acquired by the city of North Bend in 2001.

To assist in the mission, city officials have enlisted the help of two, seven-member groups: the Parks Commission and the mayor-appointed Tollgate Farm Advisory Committee. The latter is comprised of members of special interest groups ranging from soccer organizations to the Si View Metropolitan Parks District, Barry said. Both groups also will be present at the meeting, she added.

Tollgate's history stretches back to the first days of Western civilization in the Valley. The property was utilized by American Indian tribes, European settlers and was home to many of the Valley's forefathers, including Jeremiah Borst, who owned the first trading post and post office in the area.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of this week's Valley Record

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