Park News April 2022
- Register for summer programs
- Westside Trail pedestrian bridge update
- Sentinel Plaza transitions to WashCo Parks/Beaverton
- Volunteer While You Enjoy the Spring Weather!
Register for summer programs
Registration for Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s summer programs, summer camps, classes, and activities began on Saturday, April 2 for in-district residents. Out-of-district registration starts on Monday, April 4. The fastest, easiest, and best way to register is online at thprd.org.
You can also register in-person at one of our facilities. Walk-in registration at our open facilities is available for in-district patrons that need extra help. Open facilities have different hours, and not all centers are currently open to the public, so be sure to check the opening times on our website.
Summer Camps 2022
THPRD has planned a variety of sports, recreation, tennis, and nature camps for campers aged 4-15 starting June 27. Learn more about locations and activities here. The center closest to Cedar Mill is the Cedar Hills Rec Center. See pages 22-32 of the Summer Activity Guide for a list of available camps.
Sentinel Plaza transitions to WashCo Parks/Beaverton
When Cedar Hills Boulevard was first connected between Cornell and Barnes Road, many neighbors mourned the loss of big cedar trees in the right-of-way.
Mardy Widman, who worked at Oregon College of Art & Crafts at that time, convened a project to memorialize the grove. Well-known native artist Rick Bartow was commissioned to carve a totem pole from one of the trees. A small circular plaza was created, with sidewalks lined with tiles created by Cedar Mill Elementary School children. Funds came from a transportation enhancement grant from the Federal government through Metro.
Since then, the small plaza where the pole has stood since 2003 has been maintained by Washington County’s Road Maintenance crew. Recently, the county asked the City of Beaverton to designate a formal park (they annexed the area in 2001). It was approved by City Council in March. Washington County Parks will now take over maintenance.
County Parks Manager Carl Switzer said, during the council meeting, “The County believes that operation and maintenance of this property will be best performed by Washington County Parks. Park rules will also allow for proper management of the use of the property. There are no plans for a change to the nature and character of the property.”
Westside Trail pedestrian bridge update
We wrote about the proposal to install a pedestrian bridge across Highway 26 beginning in 2020. Here’s what we learned about the project recently, “Our grant specialist submitted a grant application to Metro’s Regional Flexible Funds Allocation this past February. The grant is for the final design of the trail and bridge. If awarded this summer, we will proceed with construction documents that are expected to take two to three years.”
Volunteer While You Enjoy the Spring Weather!
Spring is here and it’s a great time to be outdoors! Volunteer at an event, where you can spend time assisting the public with fun activities or improving local community gardens and natural areas. Learn more and sign up here.
Here’s what we have coming up:
Garden Work Parties at Tualatin Hills Nature Center
Saturday, April 9, 10 am-noon, 15655 SW Millikan Way, all ages
Restore the Natural Areas of The Bluffs Park
Saturday, April 9, 9-11:30 am, The Bluffs Park, 11945 NW South Drive
Help us remove English ivy from the natural areas of The Bluffs Park! Please bring a reusable water bottle to drink from throughout the day. Tools and gloves will be provided.
Community Garden Work Party at Jackie Husen Park
Saturday, April 30, 9-11:30 am, Jackie Husen Park, 10955 NW Reeves St.
Help us spruce up the Community Garden at Jackie Husen Park! Volunteers will help weed and mulch, as needed. Please bring a reusable water bottle to drink from throughout the day. Tools and gloves will be provided. No gardening experience necessary.
Track & Field Events
Sunset High School, Tuesday, April 12, 4:45 pm-8 pm
Westview High School, Thursday, April 21, 4:45 pm-8 pm
Volunteers will welcome athletes, provide support with timekeeping and help run various meet stations throughout the evening. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, face mask and a reusable water bottle to drink from throughout your shift.
Native Plant Sale at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center
Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15, 8:30 am-5 pm, 15655 SW Millikan Way
Volunteer to support this annual fundraiser for the Friends of Tualatin Hills Nature Park! The funds raised support site and program improvements at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Volunteers will help unload plants, as well as tag and sort plants for the sale. Tools and gloves will be provided. No plant identification skills required.
Check-in Tent Support and Customer Service
Friday, April 16, 8:30 am-12:30 pm
Spring Egg Hunt Event at Cedar Hills Rec Center
Saturday, April 16, 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, 11640 SW Park Way, ages 14+
Volunteer at this fun, family-oriented event for all abilities! Assist with setting up for the event, greeting event attendees, assisting with crafts and games, and cleaning up after the event. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, face mask and a reusable water bottle to drink from throughout your shift.
