Connect > Major progress made on bond projects in 2013; more to come this year
Major progress made on bond projects in 2013; more to come this year
February 13, 2014
Residents of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District saw plenty of action last year as many projects funded by the district’s 2008 voter-approved bond measure were completed.
THPRD opened eight new or redeveloped parks, three miles of trails, three athletic fields, and a dog park. More than 100,000 native trees and shrubs were planted. These achievements, coupled with seismic improvements at the Beaverton and Aloha swim centers and the purchase of nearly a dozen properties for future use, made 2013 a year of significant progress for the bond program.
And 2014 will bring even more.
"It was a highly successful year in every respect," said Doug Menke, general manager. "We expanded access and recreational opportunities for our residents, especially with all the new park sites, while also upgrading buildings and facilities and positioning ourselves for the future.”
The $100 million bond measure is designated to preserve natural areas, develop new trails and trail connections, add athletic fields, and upgrade or expand parks and recreational facilities. About 130 projects were planned across the district, and more than half of them are now done.
2013 SUCCESSES
Districtwide, nearly 40 acres of parks were redeveloped or newly created in 2013. Barsotti, Roy E. Dancer and Hansen Ridge Parks were complete new developments, as was Phase 1 of Paul & Verna Winkelman Park. Renovated parks include Pioneer, A.M. Kennedy, Vista Brook, and Evelyn M. Schiffler Memorial.
The district filled in gaps in the Rock Creek and Westside Trails, two important regional pathways used for recreation and commuting. To the Westside Trail, THPRD added 1.5 miles of new pathways, including a scenic section over Mt. Williams, and now has six mostly continuous miles of trail from the Tualatin Hills Nature Park to the district’s southern boundary at Barrows Road.
The district also now offers 3.5 miles of Rock Creek Trail following the completion of two segments totaling 0.7 miles.
In addition to these major trails, THPRD opened a quarter-mile pathway from Jackie Husen Park (in Cedar Mill) to the Jordan Woods Natural Area.
One of the priorities in the bond measure was to add multipurpose youth athletic fields. Winkelman Park in Aloha responded to that need with a large field that will be used for multiple sports. The park also offers a small, restored natural area and another much-desired neighborhood amenity: a two-acre dog park where dogs can run off-leash.
Other athletic fields were completed at A.M. Kennedy Park (near Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway and Canyon Road) and Barsotti Park in Aloha.
One-third, or more than $33 million, of the bond measure is for land acquisition. Initially, purchases were made for larger community parks to be developed in the future. In 2013, more land -- about 25 acres -- was acquired for smaller neighborhood parks and natural areas. Menke said acquisitions will continue through 2014.
2014 PROJECTS
Noteworthy plans for 2014 include developing Roger Tilbury Park (Cedar Mill) and redeveloping Cedar Mill Park, each with a host of new amenities. The district will also continue work on the Westside-to-Waterhouse Trail connection and upgrade the Cedar Hills and Garden Home Recreation Centers to ensure structural integrity.
Since the bond measure passed, the district's natural areas have undergone widespread clearing of invasive trees and shrubs, which has helped to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. In 2014, THPRD plans intensive restoration work at nearly two dozen natural areas, some of which are located in or near neighborhood parks. Work includes planting dozens of native plant species for bees, butterflies and other pollinator species, restoring waterways for native turtles, and improving breeding habitat for frogs.
Helping visitors to become more aware of natural processes is the subject of another project scheduled for completion this summer. "Nature Revealed: Discovering Nature through Art," is a network of interpretive, educational artwork to be installed at the Jordan Woods Natural Area, Rock Creek Greenway, Raleigh Swim Center/Park, and Hazeldale Park. The four interactive pieces are designed to help visitors increase their observation skills, knowledge and understanding of ecology.
"We want to encourage visitors to see how nature works," said Kristin Atman, interpretive programs supervisor, "and appreciate the connection between people and natural resources."
THRPD collaborated with a citizens committee and the Regional Arts and Culture Council to select the four artists and their work. The hands-on pieces draw attention to the slow and subtle changes that occur in nature by focusing on dynamic interpretations of plant growth and how animals affect habitat. Renderings of the artwork can be viewed at www.thprd.org/art.
For a full description of all upcoming and completed bond projects, go to www.thprd.org/bondprojects.
About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.
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Contact:
Bob Wayt
Director – Communications
503/614-1218 (direct)
503/686-5134 (cell)
Date: February 13, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Click here for official release (PDF).