Connect > Bergsma to retire June 27; Willits to succeed him
Bergsma to retire June 27; Willits to succeed him
June 25, 2014
Hal Bergsma, director of Planning for the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District the past six years, will retire this Friday, June 27.
Bergsma joined THPRD in May 2008 after longtime planning roles with Washington County and the City of Beaverton. His background also features stints as a planner in the cities of Garden Grove and Monrovia, Calif.
Aisha Willits, deputy director of Planning, will succeed Bergsma. She previously worked in Washington County’s Planning Division for 14 years. Her last position there was principal planner.
At THPRD, Bergsma’s primary focus has been leading the implementation of a bond measure passed by voters in November 2008. One of his key functions has been to establish land acquisition procedures and identify properties to acquire for parks, trails and natural areas.
“Hal’s experience made him uniquely qualified to come on board during a very critical time with the bond measure,” said Doug Menke, THPRD general manager. “The ability to send Hal to a meeting ensured that the district would have a significant voice at the table. He had relationships and thoroughly understood land use.”
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 and more than 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.
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Contact:
Bob Wayt
Director – Communications
503/614-1218 (direct)
503/686-5134 (cell)
Date: June 25, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Click here for official release (PDF).