THPRD to reopen part of Greenway Park loop trail

After gathering public input and carefully considering options, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District staff have decided to reopen a portion of the loop path in Greenway Park that has been temporarily closed since October 2014.

THPRD has scheduled the reopening to occur on June 1, if not sooner.

The loop path, totaling 1,400 feet of trail plus three bridges, was closed because of high water caused by beaver dams in the central portion of the park. Beavers have been building dams and living along Fanno Creek in Greenway Park for at least 20 years.

Under the current plan, 600 feet of pathway will be reopened, allowing users access across all three bridges to the east side of Greenway Park. The loop trail – which connects to the main Fanno Creek Trail that runs through the park – will be open at its northern and southern ends but remain closed in the middle due to water levels behind the beaver dams.

The park’s 9-hole disc golf course will once again be fully available for use, although with modifications. The existing sixth hole will become the new fifth hole. A new sixth hole will be created, about 50 feet shorter than its predecessor (but still the second longest on the course). All other holes will remain as they are.

Before reaching their current decision, THPRD staff sought the advice of other agencies that have dealt successfully with this type of challenge. They also conducted an online survey to draw public comments. Harming or relocating the beavers was never an option.

“We’re comfortable that this decision balances the needs of wildlife and people,” said Bruce Barbarasch, THPRD superintendent of Natural Resources & Trails Management. “Beavers will be protected and the public will have access to the east side of Greenway Park.

“It means they’ll have greater wildlife viewing and access to the horseshoe pits and disc golf course.”

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.