Mount Rainier seemed to hover over the ceremony while a bed of soft clouds with sun peeking through greeted visitors to the new Black Diamond community along Roberts Drive. The Ten Trails village had previously hosted three summer social events, all considered a success, with 900 folks attending the Hometown Hoedown last month.
September’s fall event, called Hometown Harvest, was equally popular in the community. The flag ceremony was attended by three former Black Diamond mayors; Howard Botts, Gomer Evans, and Rebecca Olness. Filled with family friendly activities, Civic Park played host to small-car train rides that circled around play areas and hosted a surprise visit from Blitz, the Seahawks’ mascot. New bocce ball courts attracted all ages, including a couple of Black Diamond police officers engaging in friendly competition. A beer garden, pumpkin painting, a piano competition with a comical duo, plus games, races, limbo, and organized contests filled the day from noon until early evening.
While all of the fun was underway, Civic Park’s brand new “Welcome Center” took center stage. It offered a cup of coffee and friendly chat with personal input from hosts regarding the four companies who are the new community’s builders. Current status of the village construction process was also gained via a tasting tour through model homes. In addition, Welcome Center hosts gave authenticity to the 10 trails surrounding the town, they detailed their two parks, Village Green and Civic Park, and they outlined current and upcoming amenities at Ten Trails.
When the Grand Opening celebration at Hometown Harvest had its flag in place and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, recognition of three local organizations “who have made a big impact” on the city of Black Diamond were recognized with monetary awards in checks signed by Brian Ross, CEO of developer, Oakpointe. The local organization, Shop With a Cop, was first to be applauded in its partnership with Black Diamond Community Center. They provide children without other resources gift cards to spend on holiday presents for themselves or family members. Officers accompany and advise children while they shop. Shop With a Cop was awarded $2,000.
Second on the agenda of special recognition was Enumclaw Schools Foundation. Many Black Diamond children are schooled in the Enumclaw School District. Vision of the Foundation is that all schools will thrive to the highest of standards. The Foundation was awarded $2,000.
Called “the backbone of this community” and “the only human services organization in the community,” CEO Ross handed Black Diamond Community Center a $5,000 check. BDCC’s charity partnership with Shop With a Cop, its twice weekly meals for senior citizens, provision of after-school care, paying utility bills for those in need of assistance, providing diapers, food and clothing to families, transportation for seniors, were among philanthropic outreach that pointed to BDCC as recipient of the largest check. “We are partners,” said Ross, “This is all about community. Enjoy.”
