THPRD Outdoor Pools To Open June 25; Splash Pads Open Now

Summer officially arrives this week, and you know what that means: days and days of warm weather ahead.

Whether you’re with family members or friends, or just taking a dip by yourself, one great way to cool off in the Beaverton area is a visit to one of two outdoor pools operated by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.

THPRD staff at Somerset West Swim Center (18300 NW Parkview Blvd.) and Raleigh Swim Center (3500 SW 78th Avenue) will open their doors to swimmers on Monday, June 25. The outdoor pools will host children’s lessons, adult classes and lap swimming along with open swim time for the whole family.

THPRD offers swimming programs year-round at its six indoor pools, but “there’s something special about our outdoor facilities,” said Sharon Hoffmeister, THPRD’s superintendent of Aquatics. “People love them.”

Hoffmeister said THPRD plans to keep the outdoor pools open through Labor Day. But, she added, that could be extended if summer’s heat carries over into the fall.

Conestoga splash pad open now
For those just looking to play in the spray, Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center (9985 SW 125th Avenue, next to Southridge High School) operates a 4,500-square-foot, outdoor splash pad that is available to the public now.

The facility, typically open daily from 9 am to dusk, is designed for children of all ages. A toddler bay includes several low-spraying features. Older children take delight in getting soaked by overhead buckets of water; the water park also offers sprays that they can playfully aim at each other. The splash pad is a popular spot for birthday parties. If interested, call Conestoga at 503-629-6313.

THPRD’s other splash pad is at Timberland Park (11620 NW Stone Mountain Lane, Portland) in the Cedar Mill area. That site also is open now, and it is free to use.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 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, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.