LAND ACQUISITION TO BENEFIT CEDAR MILL RESIDENTS;
PUBLIC MEETING ON MASTER PLAN SET FOR JAN. 7
December 8, 2008
The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District has purchased a one-acre parcel of land in the Cedar Mill area adjacent to its existing Jackie Husen and Jordan Parks. [Ed Note: Husen Park is located on Reeves Street just east of 113th.] The acquisition expands a developing site that will provide high-quality open space and recreational opportunities for local residents starting about a year from now.
The Young family of Cedar Mill approached the district early this year to inquire about its interest in the one-acre property. Negotiations began, and the transaction was completed in October.
The property will be added to 3.88-acre Jackie Husen Park, which together with Jordan Park was master planned in 2003 with extensive public input. THPRD is now working to implement Phase One of the master plan (development of Jackie Husen), thanks primarily to a grant from Metro's Local Share Program, which was funded by Metro's successful 2006 Natural Areas Bond Measure 26-80.
When Phase One is completed, the newly expanded 4.88-acre Jackie Husen Park site will offer a variety of recreational options due in part to its open, rolling terrain and large, mature shade trees. Amenities will include a walking/jogging path, play equipment, picnic shelter and tables, and park benches.
"This will be a significant upgrade to recreation in the Cedar Mill area, providing opportunities for exercising, play, picnicking and relaxing," said Hal Bergsma, THPRD director of Planning. "Residents should be able to enjoy these opportunities starting in late 2009."
Ultimately, the site will also provide ready access to the 22.35-acre Jordan Park natural area and the planned portion of the Cedar Mill Creek Community Trail, creating even more recreational opportunities for area residents. The Jordan Park improvements in the master plan will be funded by THPRD's recently passed Parks Bond Measure 34-156.
With the addition of the former Young property, the master plan will be revised to include any additional elements that the Cedar Mill area may be lacking. A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 7 at the Cedar Mill Community Library.
Meanwhile, the former Young property is currently being prepared for development. The house that existed on the site is being demolished with the majority of the wood, metal, concrete and asphalt being recycled. Cleaning, gentle grading and erosion control of the site are also happening this month.
Phase One construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2009 and is tentatively scheduled to be completed 4-5 months later. For more information, call THPRD's Planning Department at 503/629-6305.
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving more than 200,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages. Offerings include a wide variety of classes and more than 200 park sites, 40 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,100 acres of nature preserve. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.
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