Temporary trail helps Bonny Slope students walk to school safely

In time for International Walk + Bike to School Day on Oct. 9, the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District has completed a temporary trail north of Bonny Slope Elementary School.

The wood-chip trail runs through property that was recently purchased by THPRD. It connects NW 117th to an existing trail linking South Drive to the school, which is located at 11775 NW McDaniel Street, Portland.

“The temporary trail enables children from the neighborhood north of Bonny Slope to safely walk to school,” said Hal Bergsma, THPRD’s director of Planning. “Of course, anyone else is welcome to use it, too, but it’s especially timely with school back in session and Walk+Bike to School Day happening this week.”

The Park District’s Maintenance Operations Department coordinated and supervised construction of the trail in cooperation with a Washington County Sheriff’s Office work crew.

Bergsma said a community representative who is organizing the local Walk-to-School effort requested the trail.

“It was a logical request given the timing of events and our acquisition of the property,” Bergsma said. “We’re a community-minded park district and were happy to help.”

Eventually, the Park District will replace the temporary pathway with a paved trail to the north end of the school from both South Drive and 117th. The district expects to complete that work in 2014 or 2015.

International Walk+Bike to School Day encourages children, parents, teachers and community members to improve their health and their communities by traveling to school on foot or by bike.

• Oregon Live (Oct. 8): Beaverton schools join in Walk + Bike to Schools Day

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, 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.