Board approves Tennis Center name change in honor of Babette Horenstein

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District is changing the name of its Tennis Center to honor a longtime board member and advocate for tennis.

In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, Aug. 16, the THPRD Board of Directors approved a proposal to change the name of the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center to the Babette Horenstein Tennis Center. Only the name will change; everything else about the center, which opened in the late 1970s, will stay the same.

The decision followed an extensive public outreach process during which the district received nearly 100 comments, 75% of which favored the change.

Horenstein, who passed away in 2013 at age 81, is regarded as one of the most influential leaders in THPRD's 61-year history. She served on the board from 1977 to 1993, helping guide the district through a period of high growth. A tennis player herself, she was instrumental in the expansion of tennis facilities and programs throughout the park district. In addition, her advocacy helped the district pass a 1974 bond measure that funded the construction of the Tennis Center.

THPRD staff proposed the change because it is consistent with board policy recognizing outstanding individuals in the district's history and it represents an enduring tribute to Mrs. Horenstein.

District staff will begin implementing the change in the coming weeks. A dedication ceremony is planned for fall.

About THPRD
THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving about 240,000 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, 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.