Party in the Park promises hours of free fun on July 26

Founded in 2006, it’s now a summer tradition in the Beaverton area, a festival of free family fun that draws thousands of people of all ages.

It’s Party in the Park, the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s largest community event of the year. The 9th annual extravaganza will happen Saturday, July 26, at THPRD’s main facility, the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex, 15707 SW Walker Road, Beaverton.

• Event/parking map
  

Most activities will run from 11 am to 5 pm. That includes the Beaverton International Celebration, now in its fourth year. The colorful affair will feature music, dance, art, crafts, food, traditional dress and ceremonies representing many of the diverse ethnic populations that make up the Beaverton area.

Other attractions will include a Beaverton Police K-9 Unit demonstration, giant inflatables, climbing walls, arts and crafts, and face painting as well as swimming, sports, a tennis clinic, Radio Disney, and the THPRD Rec Mobile and Nature Mobile – all free.

• Activity schedule

“Party in the Park is an active event that enables our residents to enjoy healthy, fun and free activities while connecting with their community,” said THPRD General Manager Doug Menke. "It’s a celebration of summer and our contribution to the high quality of life residents enjoy in the Beaverton area.”

The Classic at T-Hills will again showcase lovingly restored or preserved cars and trucks of decades past. Sol Mars will perform ‘60s surf music followed by the Fabulous Farelanes playing '50s and '60s rock 'n roll. All exhibitors are welcome.

The car show, now in its 10th year, will run from 8 am to 4 pm. Exhibitors pay a modest fee to benefit the Tualatin Hills Park Foundation, but viewing the vehicles is free.

• Classic at T-Hills exhibitor registration

The Family Triathlon, a Party in the Park staple since 2007, provides children, parents and grandparents the opportunity to have fun together in a 50-yard swim, two-mile bike ride, and 1/3-mile run. The non-competitive activity draws hundreds of family members each year.

The triathlon, which will start at 9 am, has a small participant fee to defray costs.

• Register for the triathlon today! (limited to 300 participants)

At the Beaverton International Celebration, two stages will feature artistic, dance and musical performances. In addition, information tables will feature organizations, associations and businesses representing local ethnic populations. The annual show is produced by the City of Beaverton in partnership with THPRD.

• Beaverton Intl. Celebration performance schedule

Free drop-in sports activities are scheduled inside the Athletic Center throughout the day, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, and table tennis. Free swimming will be available at the Aquatic Center from 1:30 to 3:30 pm and 4 to 6 pm.

The THPRD Rec Mobile will host supervised athletic, artistic and educational programs all day. THPRD’s mobile classroom, the Nature Mobile, will provide nature and science learning opportunities, along with fun activities and games.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from several local vendors.

Parking is free for all activities, but spaces are limited. The HMT Complex is served by bus routes 59 and 67, and bicycle racks are available. In addition, THPRD will run a shuttle between the complex and the Merlo Road/SW 158th MAX light rail station. An electric car charging station is in the lot near 158th and NW Schendel Avenue.

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 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: www.thprd.org or 503-645-6433.