Mazama is a little community with a plan. Forward-thinking Mazama stakeholders began discussing the need for a vision for the layout of Mazama’s four-way intersection commercial core in 2008. It’s a good thing because without a plan, random, helter-skelter things can happen. The flavor of a small community based on the love of the surrounding natural environment and its preservation could easily be lost.
Mazama stakeholders — who include property owners, business owners and managers, Okanogan County, Methow Trails, Mazama Community Club and the Mazama Advisory Committee — have been meeting regularly since inception in 2008 to exchange ideas and to progress in increments towards implementing some of the elements first included in a draft master plan in 2011.
The same core group have made significant contributions to the “Shaping of Mazama” having already funded long-range planning efforts, property boundary changes, lot consolidations, overhead power removal, relocation of structures, renewed signing plans and implementation, expanded parking and trail head development, facility improvements and landscaping. That’s a lot, but much more to be done.
Currently, work is being done to complete Phase 1, which includes the entry specimen rock, additional landscape rocks, and the “Mazama” sign on the rock. Landscaping and walkways are also in progress. Jim Gregg, Mazama Advisory Committee member, is hopeful that soon enough funds will be obtained through donations to complete a kiosk that will provide visitors and new residents with information about Mazama and the community’s vision of preservation and inclusion.
Posted around Mazama are “Shaping Mazama” posters with pictures of the planned information kiosk, entry park, pedestrian paths, landscaping and signage. A lofty goal of $42,300 will complete the elements listed on the budget for both Phase 1 and 2. Donations are greatly appreciated. Sponsorship and Legacy donations will be memorialized in the orientation park. Check the website shapingmazama.org for various ways to donate.
In other Mazama news:
- PCT hikers have been coming and going on their way north to the Canadian border to complete their hike or heading west over the mountains having trekked an inordinate number of miles to the casual trekker. A recent group waiting for rides at Mazama turn-off included very fit young people from far flung places: Taiwan, Quebec, Massachusetts and Utah. I’m always curious about their trail names. These four were proud of their monikers: Spare Change, Bambi, Bubbles and Ginny.
- The bistro at the Freestone Inn served the last meal for the season on Monday (Sept. 5). Sad to see the lovely setting grow quiet. According to the inn, Jack’s Hut will remain open Friday-Monday from 2-7 p.m.
- Seasons seem to come and go so quickly. Wasn’t it just last week that I took a photo of the green waves of grass in Chechaquo Meadow? Now, with days growing shorter by the day, the fields have turned to golden waves rippling in the breeze.
