Community Development

With the news of the potential new park (Hoffman Park) coming to the "wilderness" area behind the community at the end of 10th Street, the Board approved the replacement of the exterior perimeter fence, incorporating gates for access to the proposed park, improving 10 homes.  In 2025, a further amendment to add locks to the gates was approved.

After over 20 years of being in place, the Board approved replacement of the remainder of the exterior perimeter fence.  Many areas of the perimeter fence had become badly damaged, including structural and erosional to the surrounding landscape.  Within the approved bid for the fence, the board was able to secure not only replacement for the actual structure, but also sections of erosion repair and improved landscaping (60,000 pound of rock!).  The approved bid also included staining (coming in October 2025) and 3 monument signs to show our pride of community.

The original design of Strawberry Heights included a pathway leading through the "spine" of the neighborhood.  That original design was never realized. Having been forgotten about for the last 20 years, the Board approved a rehabilitation of this area.  While work will begin in Late August 2025 with completion planned for sometime in September 2025, the new design will include tie-in elements with the proposed community garden.  Elements included in this pathway design include entrance/exit arbors, two bench seats, covered stairway and landscaping elements to include wildflowers, fruiting bushes/plants and fruiting trees.

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As a special note here, the design elements were adapted from a comment from an association member who asked about a community garden.  It was such a good idea, the association has run with the idea and is working to include it in a multitude of areas, including this pathway!

If you ask anyone here in Madras, they all seem to know about the challenges Strawberry Heights has had with it's clubhouse.  The Clubhouse was originally designed with meeting space, office spaces, restrooms, changing rooms and a pool!  All amazing things, buuuuut, the original developer and contractor cut some significant corners which resulted in denial of permit and approvals, wasting what was essentially a million dollar plus building in today's dollars.  Since the very first Board of Directors, the association has not been able to bring the Clubhouse as it was designed up to code and complete it.  20 years on, the Clubhouse has literally rotted in the heart of our community.  

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This year (2025) the Board of Directors has been in very positive meetings with both the City of Madras and Jefferson County with an updated vision that fits our community and will allow the association to finally resolve this longstanding issue.  While still subject to change based on the status of Hoffman Park, the current vision is to allow a developer to covert the existing clubhouse into affordable housing in the form of a tri or quad plex building.  In exchange for equivalent value, the developer will turn the 4 undeveloped lots into new parking, a community garden and an outdoor meeting space.  As a special note here, the updated vision for the clubhouse was initiated by an association member asking about putting in a community garden! 

In August 2025 there was evidence that whether intentional or not, that a fire was started in three places in front of the Clubhouse along Maui.  As the building has been non-functional for a long time and subject to many, many break-ins and out of an abundance of caution will erect a security fence cutting off access to the dilapidated building. 

The Board is always looking for feedback on improvements and beautification efforts.  Please reach out via email and social media with ideas!  Who knows, you may have an idea that could transform your neighborhood!!