The process to create a green space was a lengthy one, BDNA attended a Multnomah County Board of Commissioners hearing and testified about the benefits of creating a park for the community of Brentwood-Darlington. A developer who wanted to build condominiums on the site also testified, and told Commissioners that his was a better use for the property, because of its potential revenue. This argument proved difficult for BDNA, as their proposal would not be bringing in the capital revenue that a new housing development would bring. They emphasized that a park would, however, clean up the trash scattered all over the site, and replace it with a grass lawn for neighbors to sit down on and enjoy a picnic or a ball game, or to take a walk and meet other neighbors. Such benefits are hard to quantify, BDNA argued, but are restorative and vital to the well-being of the local community.

After four years of lobbying and going to meetings,
BDNA obtained City approval for their park nomination. In 2004 the City of Portland voted for the lot to be used as a public park, and turned the matter over to Portland Parks and Recreation (PPR). Dick and the BDNA had established a good relationship with PPR during their lobbying efforts, and they continued to work together to found and maintain Hazeltine Park. They still have a partnership and rely on each other for resources. "The culmination of the park," says Dick, "was a result of a joint effort of the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association, Multnomah County Commissioner Lisa Naito's office, Portland City Council, Dan Saltzmans office, Portland Parks and Recreation, and community-wide support for the park." Even the naming of the park shows a collaborative aspect: members from the BDNA voted for the name, "Hazeltine Park" because they wanted to honor Dick Hazeltine's hard work and dedication to the effort.

Dick and I are enjoying the cool breeze and warmth of the sun at Hazeltine Park. "Look around. Everything you see here has been donated," he says. Trees, shrubs and mulch surround the meadow in a decorative style, and the lawn looks freshly cut. There is a huge halogen light on a telephone pole near the front of the park, which Dick petitioned to be donated. Portland Parks gave the park two barbeques. "These fed over 150 people this past October, at the park's opening," he beams. Dick says that the neighbors of Brentwood-Darlington help to maintain this park and that there are work parties every third Saturday of the month, from 9-12 noon. Volunteers do weeding, remove blackberry vines and litter. Hazeltine Park is a place over 6 years in the making, and continues to be improved and maintained. " Our next goal is to install a handicapped access path through the park, and we are currently looking for a donor to supply PP&R approved playground equipment," says Dick.