OPI Awarded PDC Grant Benefitting Bless Field

BLESS FIELD AWARDED COMMUNITY LIVABILITY GRANT FROM PORTLAND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Operation Pitch Invasion is delighted to share the news that its Bless Field project has received a significant boost from the Portland Development Commission in the form of a Community Livability Grant for $40,000.

Bless Field, an all-weather turf soccer field being built in the New Columbia community of North Portland, qualified for the grant as part of the PDC's program to award funding "to projects that involve physical improvements to community facilities, open spaces or historic/cultural preservation...(and)...improve livability for residents and enhance the unique nature of Portland neighborhoods."

PDC joins the Portland Timbers, the 107 Independent Supporters Trust, and Adidas as major supporters of Bless Field, bringing the project to more than 80% of full funding. Efforts to bring the project to completion continue, with several potential sponsors in talks to contribute significantly to realization of the final goal by year's end. OPI is confident that the involvement of PDC will be a factor in bringing other partners aboard.

OPI, a project of the 107ist, is a local, grass-roots charity formed to build, revitalize and maintain soccer fields throughout the Portland Metro area so that players of all ages and skill levels have high quality and safe playing surfaces to enjoy the beautiful game. OPI is an Oregon public benefit nonmember, nonprofit corporation exempt from tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Upcoming Event! Bloomington Park - June 30, 2012

Hey Everyone

Its time once again to grab your work gloves and join OPI to help make our City’s pitches a better place to enjoy the beautiful game. For our first event of the summer we’ll be fixing up the full sized grass pitch at Bloomington Park in Southeast Portland on Saturday, June 30. Full details below:

• Where is it? Bloomington Park. SE 100th Avenue & Steele Street (map)
• When is it? Saturday, June 30. Work begins at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive on time as you’ll need to sign the City’s liability waiver before beginning work.
• How do I participate? You MUST sign up on our Eventbrite page (free). For this first event, we’re capping registration at 50 participants. Also, you must have previously signed up on OPI’s mailing list or be members of the 107ist. Anyone who will be meaningfully digging needs to register. Kids who won’t be working do not need to register (but feel free to bring them out).
• What kind of work will we be doing? The work will be similar to what we did at Ed Benedict last summer. Work will include things like moving soil to fill the ruts and uneven spots in the pitch, leveling the surface, overseeding the soil and excavation and repair of the park’s irrigation system. PPR personnel will be on hand to supervise and direct the work. We also hope to have some lighter duties available (cleaning and painting the goals) for those who may not be able to dig.
• What should I bring? All tools will be provided by the City of Portland so leave your shovels and wheelbarrows at home. You should bring work gloves and appropriate footwaear. If it is cool, wear layers! If it is sunny, bring suncreen! We’ll have some family friendly beverages and small breakfasty items on hand.
• How long will it take? If you ask City personnel, our work rate is legendary. Expect 3–5 hours. We’ll be done in plenty of time to get you on your way to your favorite viewing location for Timbers at Colorado Rapids at 6:00 p.m.

Can’t make this one? No worries. We have 3 more events scheduled for this summer - be sure to add those dates to your calendar. Keep an eye on this space for more information and where/how to sign up. Questions? Drop us a line at volunteer [at] pitch-invasion [dot] org.

Ed Benedict Park Project Completed!

Thank You!

Yesterday, volunteers from the 107 Independent Supporters Trust and employees from Portland Parks and Recreation gathered to restore two pitches in Ed Benedict Park in the inaugural event for Operation Pitch Invasion. The event was a great success. With your help, OPI

• repaired the previously inoperable irrigation systems on two pitches
• leveled, fertilized and seeded one rutted and bumpy pitch
• restored the goal box areas on two pitches

Most notably, your work today returned a pitch to service that was previously unplayable, literally making more fields available for Portlanders to enjoy the beautiful game. Thank you!

Our work isn't done. As many of you know, OPI is helping 107ist and AC Portland with a major project at James John Elementary and we need your help! We ask that you join us next Saturday, July 23, to help with removal and disposal of asphalt brownies as we turn pavement into a pitch. We have arranged a post work party at St Johns Pub to watch the Timbers take on the Crew. Visit the OPI website for more information or sign up to volunteer!

Thanks again to 107ist, Portland Parks and Recreation and the Timbers Army for making today's work and OPI a reality. We look forward to repairing more of our City's pitches with you, one at a time.