Connect > THPRD buys portion of William Walker school property; major park upgrade planned
THPRD buys portion of William Walker school property; major park upgrade planned
May 20, 2013
The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District and Beaverton School District have agreed to a deal in which the Park District will purchase about 1.7 acres of land on the west side of William Walker Elementary School.
The property, at 11940 SW Lynnfield Lane between Cedar Hills Boulevard and Highway 217, is directly adjacent to THPRD’s Cedar Hills Park, which currently encompasses 10.3 acres. It will be used as part of a bond measure-funded project to expand and improve the park.
See map
Purchase price is $346,000. The deal should close within the next few months.
Leaders of the two districts have signed an intergovernmental agreement that addresses shared access, shared parking and other issues besides the property sale.
“We are excited to be able to acquire this property and move ahead with our plan for improving Cedar Hills Park,” said THPRD General Manager Doug Menke. “Once again, we thank our partners at the Beaverton School District.”
In March, THPRD announced it is purchasing land from the school district at Mountain View Middle School in Aloha that will become part of a new 20-acre community park. The park will feature a multipurpose sports field complex that THPRD will build on BSD property and share with the school district.
“When our two districts work together, the community wins,” said Dr. Jeff Rose, BSD superintendent. “This is another efficient agreement that will produce real benefits to taxpayers for decades.”
THPRD’s plan for Cedar Hills Park includes an oversized, multipurpose, synthetic turf sports field with lights; a baseball field made of natural grass; a splash pad water play area; play equipment, including a new play structure for the school; permanent restrooms; a picnic area; walking path; and a community garden.
William Walker Elementary School students will have access to the synthetic turf during recess and for physical education classes. BSD athletes will have some access to the synthetic turf field during the school year.
Park and school parking lots will be shared at certain times. Automobile and pedestrian access to both the school and the park will be improved.
Redevelopment of the site will be funded by THPRD’s 2008 voter-approved bond measure. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2016 and finish by spring 2017. Estimated cost is $6.3 million.
ABOUT THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning
about 50 square miles and serving more than 220,000 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 nature preserve. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.
ABOUT BEAVERTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Beaverton School District is nationally recognized for its high student and staff achievement and innovative programs. Beaverton is the third largest school district in Oregon with 51 schools, nearly 40,000 students and 4,300 talented staff. Beaverton schools are dedicated to providing outstanding, challenging educational opportunities that prepare students to be college and career ready. The district enjoys strong community support with parents, citizens, community partners and businesses donating countless volunteer hours and services to help students succeed.
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Contact:
Bob Wayt
Director – Communications
503/614-1218 (direct)
503/686-5134 (cell)
Date: May 20, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Click here for official release (PDF).