Living: July 2025

Nadene Goldfoot

Mountain Park is a well-known neighborhood within Lake Oswego, Oregon, known for its planned community design and scenic location on the slopes of Mount Sylvania. It's a popular choice for those seeking a balance of nature and convenience, with access to trails, parks, and community amenities.

Managed by the Mountain Park Homeowners Association (HOA), which maintains common areas and amenities.
The Mountain Park Homeowners Association (MPHA) is a large and historic HOA in Lake Oswego, Oregon, known for its planned community and extensive amenities. It was developed in the late 1960s by Carl Halvorson, who also developed other notable Oregon communities. The community was annexed into Lake Oswego in 1969, doubling the city's tax base and population at the time.

Homeowners associations (HOAs) hold significant power within their communities, primarily derived from covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that are recorded with the property title. They can enforce rules, collect fees, impose fines, and in some cases, place liens on properties or even initiate foreclosure proceedings for non-payment !

There is a family living here who have been living in this neighborhood in the same house for

the past 30 years. He is a veteran, now in his late 80's, who served his 4 years in Vietnam.

For 30 years he has flown the American flag in his yard and now they came to him and told

him to take it down.

The reason was they wanted a smaller flag to be in everyone's yard, all exactly the same.

They gave him a date, something like August 2nd to be taken down, but then, the very next

next day they took it down themselves and he found it in the garbage can !!! This must be a

Federal Offense. This is an affront to the Veteran, to his family, to our country and to our

citizens of the USA.

The Vietnam War was from November 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975. He said he was

here for the past 30 years, which has him moving in to this home in 1995. Carl

created the neighborhood in the late1960's.

The answer is: While the act of desecrating an American flag (like burning it) is protected under the First Amendment as a form of free speech, stealing someone else's property is not protected.

Theft: The flag is someone else's property, and taking it without permission is considered theft. Depending on the flag's value, this could be a misdemeanor or a felony.

Trespassing: If the flag is on private property, you could face trespassing charges for entering the property without permission.

Vandalism or malicious mischief: If the act of removing the flag also causes damage to the property, you could face additional charges like vandalism or malicious mischief.

1. Known for its strong sense of community, with numerous parks, events, and amenities that appeal to families, including the Mountain Park Clubhouse and its pools, exercise classes, and preschool. (REALLY?)

2. Developed since 1968, it's one of the largest planned communities in Oregon, with a focus on greenspaces and high-end housing.
2. Situated on Mount Sylvania, it offers residents stunning views of the Tualatin Valley, the Cascade Mountains, and even Portland on clear days.
4. Features a well-regarded recreation center, clubhouse, and a network of trails, both paved and unpaved.
5. Includes a range of housing from condos and townhomes to single-family homes and custom estates.
6. Located just a short drive from downtown Portland, offering convenient access to urban amenities and employment opportunities.
7. Mountain Park homes are primarily within the Lake Oswego School District, known for its strong academic reputation.
8. Includes a system of interconnected pathways that minimize the need for sidewalks and allow for pedestrian and bicycle traffic away from roads.