Learn the Fundamentals of Stone Path Construction

Join us for a one‑day hands‑on workshop at Tsuru Island, the Japanese garden within Gresham’s Main City Park, hosted by the Gresham Japanese Garden. The day combines instruction, demonstration, and hands‑on experience working taught by a professional stone mason Josh Bond with Bond Stone Masonry.

This workshop focuses on the fundamentals of building a lasting stone pathway, beginning with the most important part of the process: proper ground preparation. Participants will learn the techniques and then practice them by constructing a small section of pathway on Tsuru Island. Tsuru Island, the Gresham Japanese Garden’s Japanese garden is undergoing a major renovation and an ADA strolling pathway is a major component.  

Morning Session: Subgrade & Foundation Preparation

The morning session focuses on the foundation work that determines whether a stone path lasts for decades.

  • Evaluating soil and preparing the subgrade
  • Proper excavation depth
  • Base material selection and layering
  • Compaction techniques
  • Establishing drainage and slope
  • ADA pathway considerations

Participants will observe demonstrations by the instructor in preparing the base that supports the stone path.

Lunch Break

Enjoy your lunch break in the Gresham Japanese Garden’s building, the Kyoudou Center. Or, downtown Gresham is a stone’s throw away where there is an assortment of tasty options.

Afternoon Session: Building a Path

In the afternoon we will continue with the construction of the a bluestone pathway within the Japanese garden, working alongside the instructor, Josh Bond, participants will:

  • Learn how stones are selected and placed
  • Assist with leveling and positioning bluestone
  • Understand how proper pitch and stability are achieved
  • Help build a lasting feature within the garden

Each participant will have the opportunity to help set stones and contribute to the pathway.

What to Bring

  • Work boots
  • Gloves
  • Stone hammer (optional, if you want to practice your hammering)
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch

All tools and materials will be provided.

Workshop Details

Location: Tsuru Island, Japanese Garden at Main City Park, 219 S Main Avenue, Gresham, Oregon

Cost: $125 per person

Only 10 spot available to ensure meaningful hands-on instruction.

Come learn practical stonework skills while helping improve one of Gresham’s most unique public gardens.

REGISTER HERE

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