It’s the Welcome to Tumalo monument sign that grew out of the rocks on the westside of town, greeting Highway 20 drivers as they head towards Bend. The plan is to build its twin to greet westbound travelers, too.
Local business owners decided to invest the time and rally the necessary finances and formed the Tumalo Business Association to get the sign constructed.
“The monument sign that we’ve just completed was built totally through donations and in-kind services from local contractors and individuals.” said Mel Stout, landscape architect and project manager. “So far, local folks have really stepped up to the plate. Knife River, Willamette Graystone, Kevin Spencer Masonry and Cascade Pump and Irrigation have helped make our first sign a reality through their donated in-kind services. We’re hoping to continue to get more generous in-kind and monetary donations so that we can finish the East sign this fall.”
Established in 1904 along the Deschutes River, the town has a rich history, where original buildings still house over 30 businesses and the Tumalo Community Church still rings a bell on Sunday mornings.
“People here want to maintain the unique rural character of Tumalo, but still manage the inevitable growth and increased traffic that comes with time,” said TBA member Marianne Fellner. “Our local businesses and individuals are willing to step up and contribute time and money to support the livability, economy, accessibility, safety and charm of Tumalo.”
As an unincorporated rural community, Tumalo does not have a government entity to provide for town improvements. Therefore, the Tumalo Business Association launched a grassroots effort to join Central Oregon businesses and residents in gifting Tumalo with welcome signs. They believe signs will:
• Create a sense of town identity along Highway 20 and help reduce traffic speed
• Create a visual gateway and a sense of arrival to the Tumalo business corridor
• Create greater safety and connectivity for the greater rural Tumalo community
Planning work began in March 2012 when TBA members submitted a Citizen’s Concept Plan to Oregon Department of Transportation, proposing Welcome to Tumalo monument signs on Hwy 20 at each end of town.
Stout volunteered to lead in the design planning and to manage the joint effort with Deschutes County and ODOT.
David Olsen and Katrina Langenderfer, with Harper Hauf Peterson Righellis, Inc., volunteered to produce working documents and permits.
The welcome sign on the east side will be built on ODOT right of way just north of where Hwy 20 crosses the Deschutes River. Plans are underway to improve the existing, user created trail that follows along the highway, past the site of the new sign and passes under the bridge to follow the river upstream, linking to Tumalo State Park about a mile to the south of Tumalo.
“It would be great to have a safe trail for hikers and bikers to cross under the highway instead of crossing through traffic,” said Mike Ludeman, owner of Tumalo Garden Market. ” Plus, adding one more mile to the Deschutes River Trail would link the State Park to the commercial district of town. It’s already all publicly owned land, we just need to find a way to make the improvements. It’s about public safety and connectivity.”
Traffic safety is a known barrier to rural livability and Tumalo has explored many safety solutions over the years. ODOT’s long term traffic solution for Hwy 20 through Tumalo involves installing a solid barrier through the length of the town and, ultimately, a large traffic overpass at the Hwy 20 and OB Riley/Cook Ave. junction.
Tumalo community members have long rallied for a lighter impact on the community, proposing a traffic light at that intersection or a roundabout like the one recently completed in Sisters, the first along on Hwy 20.
ODOT has pointed out that, as viewed along Hwy 20, Tumalo does not look like a town. Therefore, they cannot slow traffic down by merely posting signs with a lower speed limit or by installing an unexpected traffic light along a rural highway.
The Tumalo community feels that with prominent welcome signs in place, Tumalo will begin look like the historic town that it is. Other roadside improvements can include an off road bike path and street trees. By taking the lead in slowing traffic, Tumalo can claim its place on the map now and eventually a reasonable traffic solution will follow.
You can show your pride in Tumalo by helping to build the eastern monument sign. The foundation is set and, so far Knife River, Willamette Graystone, Kevin Spencer Masonry and Cascade Pump and Irrigation have committed to taking part in round two.
The Tumalo Business Assocation recently received a $2,000 discretionary grant from Deschutes County. All donations are welcome to help complete and maintain the two welcome signs.
Send your donations to Tumalo Business Association, 65765 Hwy 20, Bend OR 97701. Note that TBA is a nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation registered with the Secretary of State and therefore your donation is not tax deductible. TBA members work as volunteers to raise funds and manage specific projects to enhance the vitality of the community at large.
Mel Stout, 541-323-1879
tumalomonuments@gmail.com
