I see trees of green, red roses too,
I see them bloom for me and you.
The first thing I noticed about Beaverton was a picturesque downtown hub of residential and commercial life with blossoming greenery greeting you at every corner. The variegated flowers displayed in woven baskets on the downtown light poles! The blocked off sanctuary for community activity and gathering at the 1st Street Dining Commons! There was an idyllic feel about the space I was exploring that you don’t really experience in other downtowns. The unique aurora could definitely be attributed to the perceptible cohesion between business establishments, residential facilities, local government affiliates, faith communities, and other integral stakeholders.
I see skies of blue and clouds of white,
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night.
As a native Texan, I knew there would be an adjustment period from the sprawling car-centered metropolis I grew up in to a community that values sharing the road with pedestrians and bicyclists. The exceptionally engaged and talented folks that I met in my first week as the Executive Director of the BDA all had one thing in common; their love for Beaverton was apparent as they raved about the Oasis of the Tualatin Valley.
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky,
Are also on the faces of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do,
They’re really saying, I Love You…
Beaverton enshrines the wonderful world that I will call HOME one day. I have met so many genuine people from diverse backgrounds. I have shared meals with business owners who understand the importance of historical preservation and imminent growth. I have learned about the great work of the local government and their authentic vision for the city. And ultimately, I have seen the hospitality that this community has shown to its newest neighbor.