Park News April 2024
THPRD News
- Local Levy Option Update
- Climate Action Plan
- Save the Date for THPRD Summer Registration
- Youth Volunteers Needed!
- We’re Looking for Junior Lifeguards
- Summer Camp Preview
THPRD events in April near Cedar Mill
- Jackie Husen Park Community Garden
- Bilingual volunteers to help with registration
- Spring Native Plant Sale
- Eid al-Fitr Celebration!
- THPRD invites you to Día de los Niños/Book Day
THPRD News
Local Levy Option Update
A five-year levy of $0.50 per $1,000 in assessed value for Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) will appear on your May ballot. If approved, it would increase taxes on the average home in the district by about $152.12 per year, or $12.68 per month, and ensure several things. First, weekly garbage collection at parks would not be reduced to monthly or twice a month at some parks. Second, public restrooms will stay open and clean without a reduction in cleaning service from multiple times a week to once a week or less. Third, this ensures after school and preschool programming continues at THPRD. Fourth, the levy continues the existing maintenance service and recreation programming levels. This includes funding for nearly 50 full-time positions and 200 part-time positions that perform park, trail, and natural area maintenance and lead recreation classes and programs such as art, sports, and aquatics. Fifth, the funds will keep pools and splash pads open. Without a levy, the district will have to close some facilities, including three swimming pools and two splash pads. To learn more, visit the levy webpage. A video explaining the levy is on YouTube here.
Climate Action Plan
THPRD has long provided stewardship of natural areas, conducted energy and fuel efficiency evaluations, and run a recycling program. Responding to community interest and the district’s comprehensive plan, to “be a leader in climate change response by prioritizing sustainability & resiliency in design, operations, and maintenance,” THPRD’s board of directors adopted the district’s first climate action plan in March.
Actions in the mitigation section will help THPRD reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted, thereby helping to slow or stop the effects of climate change. Key actions include reducing building energy usage; using less water; and updating the district’s purchasing policy
Actions in the adaptation section will help people and parks to thrive and be more comfortable in the face of extreme weather, such as hotter, drier summers. The district’s approach includes developing and implementing guidelines to create climate-adapted parks and facilities; supporting the community by participating in the Natural Hazard Mitigation Program; and stewarding parks and natural areas to be resilient and minimizing wildfire risks
The plan will be carried out over a five-year period and aligns with the Oregon Global Warming Commission’s climate action goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. Read the full plan here.
Save the Date for THPRD Summer Registration
Registration for THPRD’s summer programs, classes, and activities begins Saturday, April 13, at 8 am for in-district residents. Out-of-district registration starts on Monday, April 15.
Youth Volunteers Needed!
RISE Youth Leaders assist in a leadership capacity with district events, classes, and summer camps. Interested youth must be 13 or older and able to attend a virtual training session, which is approximately 1 1/2 hours in length, scheduled monthly throughout the spring. Youth can sign up at this youth volunteer webpage.
We’re Looking for Junior Lifeguards
Those who volunteer will assist lifeguards during open swim and swimming classes. Interested youth must be 12 or older and be able to complete a junior lifeguard course (20-25 hours of training). No swimming experience is necessary, as long as they are willing to get in the water and learn. Youth can sign up at this youth volunteer webpage.
Summer Camp Preview
April 5, 6-8 pm, Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center, 9985 SW 125th, free
Get a preview of Summer 2024! This year’s camp theme is all about the Olympic Games. Visit us to play on the inflatables, watch a movie from the pool, play games, and make crafts. Let the Games begin!
THPRD events in April near Cedar Mill
Compiled by Victoria Jimenez, CMN editor
Volunteer opportunities
Jenkins Estate garden work party
Wednesday, April 3, 9-11:30 am, Jenkins Estate, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd.
Help us spruce up the Rhododendron Gardens at Jenkins Estate! 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. Parking is available in the lower lot, just below the Rhododendron Gardens.To register, please visit the event page on the THPRD website.
Jackie Husen Park Community Garden
Saturday, April 6, 9-11:30 am, Jackie Husen Park, 10955 NW Reeves St., Portland
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 throughout the day. If possible, we also ask that you bring your own gardening gloves and hand tools. Extra tools and gloves will be available. No gardening experience necessary. The garden is located next to the parking lot on SW Bonnie Brae Street. To register, please visit the event page on the THPRD website.
Bilingual volunteers to help with registration
Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10, 3:30-7 pm, H.M. Terpenning Recreation Complex
Practice your Spanish language skills while helping families in your community at THPRD’s Centro de Bienvenida—a Welcome Center for English Language Learners and Financial Aid Families. With staff support, volunteers will welcome and guide families through the selection of classes and opportunities with THPRD. All levels of bilingual skills (English-Spanish) are welcome. Please bring a reusable water bottle to drink from throughout your shift. For more information or to sign up, visit the THPRD website.
Events
Spring Native Plant Sale
April 12-13. all day, Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Walker Rd.
Friends of Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Tualatin Hills Nature Center are teaming up with Sparrowhawk Native Plants to bring another spring native plant sale to Beaverton! Together, we’re offering over 100 species of habitat-friendly native plants and supporting the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and environmental education programs! Online ordering began on February 25 with plant orders available for pick-up at Tualatin Hills Nature Park on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13. Please visit the event webpage for more information about ordering. You can learn more on the Sparrowhawk Native Plants website.
Eid al-Fitr Celebration!
Sunday, April 14, 2-6 pm, 15707 SW Walker Rd., free
In-person Eid celebration! One of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims, Eid commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The celebration is co-sponsored by THPRD, Cool Islam, Islamic Community Center of Hillsboro, Islamic Society of Greater Portland, Bilal Masjid, and Afghan Support Network. With inflatables, laser tag, bazaar, food vendors, and more, this is a celebration not to be missed! All are welcome. Please visit the event website for more information or to volunteer.
THPRD invites you to Día de los Niños/Book Day
Saturday, April 27, 11 am-2 pm, Cedar Hills Rec Center, 11640 SW Park Way
Join us for a day of joy and celebration at Cedar Hills Recreation Center as we honor Children’s Day/Book Day! Enjoy various activities—arts and crafts, inflatables, bilingual storytime, Loteria, FREE books courtesy of the West Slope Community Library, a captivating Aztec dance performance by the Macuilshochitl Meshica-Toltec Dance group, and more. Día de los Niños/Book Day is observed in many Latin American countries and the United States to encourage all children to explore the world of books, promote education, and foster a love for learning while celebrating the richness of cultural diversity. Please visit the event page on the THPRD website for more information.
