In November 1996 there was a great flood on the Willamette River. During this flood almost all the island as under many feet of raging water. A great part of the front or east of the island were washed away including the corner on which a whole grove of giant cottonwoods lived. Only the great tree at Dangerville is left. The flood did deposit a layer of sand on one area toward the rear of the island. Many of you remember walking across this area before any grass started to grow. After the flood we have imagined a volleyball court in this area.

For several years many of you have expressed an interest in a volleyball court on the island. Two years ago a couple of us started clearing berries from under some trees toward the back of the island. These trees sit in a burm, or small rise, that will provide excellent shaded seating to view the game on the court below. On March 20th several of us got together and crossed to the island to start the work on the court. We first had to determine the best layout for the court. Next we had to measure, square, and string the outside of the court. After that the entire exterior border was etched by removing the vegetation from the sand underneath. Removing the grass and weeds is pretty easy work but the volleyball court measures 60-30 feet, so there is a lot to area to clear. We sure got a great start on the 20th but, there is still a lot of work to go. If any of you want to volunteer on this project just contact Doug (just ask around).

After our work we went around to the front beach where David had prepared an excellent fire for us to roast chicken and hotdogs. It was truly great to see so many people turn out to help on this project, and what a wonderful way to usher out winter. Unfortunately, spring came in with lots of rain the next day. The river rose up and we have not been able to cross to the island since.

As soon as the river level drops , we will be crossing and working on the area once again. Aside from removing the grass from the court, we need to clear the entire burm of blackberries and prepare the area for seating. The blackberries surrounding the court all must come out. After all the vegetation is cleared from the court, it has to be leveled. This means that we will have to move sand by hand to get it level. We know this sounds like a lot of work and it is- for one or two people, but if only ten of us dedicate 4 days of work to this project, we will have our court. The more volunteers we have, the faster it will get done. If you would like to participate, please let us know either in person or by email. We have some tools, but if you have a pair of work gloves and some pruners, please bring them. Please feel free to join us anytime you see us working. We also welcome your emails and letters.