THPRD-BSD partnership to improve Mountain View sports fields, create future park

A unique partnership of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District and Beaverton School District – the first of its kind in a long history of cooperation between the two public agencies – will dramatically improve recreational facilities at Mountain View Middle School and lead to a long-awaited community park in Aloha.

As part of the agreement:

• THPRD will build a multipurpose athletic field complex at Mountain View, 17500 SW Farmington Road, Aloha. The complex will feature side-by-side synthetic turf fields with lights, an adjoining field made of natural grass, and an overlapping baseball diamond with 90-foot basepaths. THPRD and BSD will share use of the facilities, with the school district having access to them until 5:30 p.m. on school days and the Park District scheduling them for public recreation on evenings, weekends and non-school days. BSD high school teams will have access to these new fields for practices.
• THPRD will purchase, from BSD, a parcel of about three acres of unused property on the south side of Mountain View. The $439,500 transaction is expected to close within the next few months.

Multiple properties to comprise new community park

The partnership will enable THPRD to combine the athletic fields, the parcel to be purchased from BSD, a separate adjoining property acquired late last year, and nearby Lawndale Park to form a new community park spanning about 20 acres. It is unique in that fields on BSD property will become part of a THPRD park.

Other amenities of the new park will include play equipment, a perimeter trail, and picnic facilities. A parking lot, restrooms and other improvements are also part of the design.

In addition, if private funding can be secured, a separate, smaller synthetic turf field will be established at the new community park and become Oregon’s first “Champions Too” sports facility for special needs athletes. The multipurpose field will be available for others in the community when not in use by special needs athletes.

Agreement will benefit taxpayers, students and the community

“When the Park District and BSD work together like this and share resources efficiently, it’s a good deal for taxpayers,” said Doug Menke, THPRD general manager. “We want to thank our partners at the school district. Many pieces needed to fall into place for this plan to happen, but they did, and we’re excited. Our Aloha residents have needed a community park for a long time and we think this one will be exceptional.”

"Our long-standing partnership with THPRD continues to be of benefit to our students and the community,” said Beaverton School District Superintendent Jeff Rose. “These new fields will provide improved physical education opportunities for our Mountain View Middle School students, practice fields for our high school athletes, and recreational facilities for the surrounding community."

THPRD bond measure funds will cover most of costs

Most of the funding for the community park project, estimated at $9 million, will come from THPRD’s 2008 voter-approved bond measure. Money for Champions Too will be raised through the nonprofit Tualatin Hills Park Foundation and private sources.

Master planning for the park site is scheduled to begin this fall. The public will be given ample opportunity to provide input before a plan is completed. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2016.

Development of the community park will be a boon to the Aloha area, which is the focus of Washington County’s ongoing Aloha-Reedville Study. The study is designed to enhance quality of life in the area and address future growth.

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, 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.

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.