Help THPRD develop SWQCP

Imagine a 21.5-acre community park, where everyone is welcome and included. Imagine a place where people of all abilities are invited to experience the joy of sports - hitting a ball, making a catch, kicking for a goal - and the social connection and camaraderie of being part of a team. Imagine a park designed from the beginning to provide inclusive sports and recreation for everyone. Now in the construction phase, the Model Community Park will be the first of its kind in the region when it opens in fall 2017.

Built to serve an economically and culturally diverse Washington County, the new sports park will feature multi-purpose sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, family picnic areas, and a community garden. The unique Champions Too field will be specially designed for sporting events involving children and adults with disabilities. Turf and paths will be designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other special mobility devices. An all-abilities playground area will bring together families and communities, lowering barriers between children of diverse ability and background. Restrooms, paths and parking areas will exceed the minimum standards for access to people with disabilities. While the minimum standards are adequate, the Model Community Park will take the extra steps to make all visitors welcome.

The Model Community Park is the first major project to be carried out through the Access for All initiative. Tualatin Hills Park Foundation designed Access for All to expand inclusive and unifying recreational activities for all members of our community, including children and adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities; individuals and families in low-income situations; patrons experiencing language and cultural barriers; those limited by mobility or transportation; senior citizens and other groups who may face barriers to full participation. THPRD and the Foundation are lead partners.

While THPRD has been highly successful to date in reaching out to underserved populations, public resources are nonetheless limited. The partnership between THPRD and the Foundation means THPRD's 2008 voter-approved bond measure funds support baseline construction costs for a 21.5-acre park with standard features. Through Access for All Tualatin Hills Park Foundation will raise an additional $1.768 million to be invested in features that enhance accessibility in accordance with the project vision and that support programs for people with disabilities that can be scheduled once the park opens.