THPRD assigns names to three new park sites
The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District's Board of Directors approved the names of three new park sites, all acquired from developer Polygon Northwest within the last two years.
One of the sites is in south Beaverton and the other two are in the Cedar Mill area. All of the new names were authorized at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting on Monday evening, Dec. 7.
The south Beaverton park – which spans 1.2 acres and is located just east of SW Murray Boulevard at the corner of SW Weir Road, and SW Old Weir Road – has been named Steeplechase Park. Recreational amenities include play equipment, picnic areas and open lawn areas.
“Steeplechase” was chosen after the district’s outreach efforts revealed strong public support for a horse-themed name, which is consistent with naming of streets in the area. Two adjacent THPRD sites, Wildhorse Park and Buckskin Park, also reflect the horse theme.
THPRD, in partnership with the City of Beaverton, purchased the fully improved park from Polygon Northwest in May 2014. The park district used system development charges for its portion. SDCs are fees developers pay THPRD to help offset the effects of growth.
A one-acre neighborhood park in the Cedar Mill area, located within the Timberland development at the corner of NW 118th Avenue and NW Stone Mountain Lane, will now be known as Timberland Park. Recreational amenities include a public plaza, splash pad, play equipment and open lawn areas.
THPRD acquired the fully improved park from Polygon Northwest in June 2015.
The third newly named site, an 8.77-acre natural area in the southeast corner of the Timberland development at NW 116th Avenue and NW Cedar Falls Drive, will be known as Cedar Mill Creek Greenway. The site offers recreational trail amenities including a portion of the Cedar Mill Creek Trail. It also contains significant natural resources and two large storm water ponds as well as recreational opportunities such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
THPRD acquired the fully improved natural area from Polygon Northwest in August 2015.
The two acquisitions in Cedar Mill were funded by system development charge credits. The credit system enabled Polygon Northwest to develop the parks itself instead of paying SDC fees to THPRD. The developer then transferred ownership of the sites to the park district for future operation and maintenance.
THPRD used an extensive outreach effort to gather public input on potential names for the three sites. Methods included mailings, direct communications with certain neighborhood groups and community members, website postings, and signs at the three locations.
About THPRD
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2015, 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.
Contact: Bob Wayt Director – Communications 503/614-1218 (direct) 503/686-5134 (cell) |
Date: December 9, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Click here for official release (PDF). |