Aquatics veteran promoted to supervise Sunset Swim Center

Lori Leach, a 26-year veteran of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s Aquatics Department, has been promoted to supervisor of the district’s Sunset Swim Center (13707 NW Science Park Drive). The appointment is effective Dec. 2.

She replaces Brian Powers, who has moved to the Beaverton Swim Center (12850 SW Third Avenue, Beaverton) to take over for retired supervisor Sharron Patapoff.

Leach started with THPRD in 1987 as a part-time employee. Shortly thereafter, she became a full-time program coordinator II at the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center. In 1996, she was promoted to program coordinator I at the Beaverton Swim Center, where she helped oversee what is now known as the Specialized Aquatics program.

She remained there until her promotion to the Sunset job. She did double duty the past three summers, supervising THPRD’s outdoor pool at the Somerset West Swim Center (18300 NW Parkview Blvd) while maintaining her Beaverton position.

Leach is no stranger to full days at local pools. In addition to holding full-time jobs at the Park District, she has – at different times – coached the Tualatin Hills Dive Club, served as swimming pool manager for the Lake Oswego School District, and coached diving for all five high schools in the Beaverton School District.

In her new position, she will oversee THPRD’s Raleigh Swim Center (3500 SW 78th Avenue) during the summer in addition to her year-round duties at the Sunset Swim Center, which is adjacent to Sunset High School.

“The district is embracing change and I welcome the opportunity to assist in program development and growth at both Sunset and Raleigh,” Leach said. “The timing is right for me. My children are now at ages where they are more independent. Sunset is a great facility to begin a new leadership role.”

“Lori brings to Sunset an extensive background of Aquatics expertise,” said Sharon Hoffmeister, THPRD’s superintendent of Aquatics. “She will do an excellent job.”

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 widely diverse classes, 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, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.