Conestoga Recreation Playground

Conestoga Recreation Center is such a phenomenal facility that even if you are out of the THPRD district you should come visit. I’ve blogged about their amazing splash pad and just in case you haven’t walked around the entire building you may have missed the cool playground. The playground it self isn’t huge, but definitely fun.  One of the coolest features is a unique fire truck in which kids can pretend to save the day as fire men and women or simply climb aboard and have fun. There is also another structure that has a fun double slide, an Air Dancer overhead, tire swing and more.  One thing I particularly like about the playground at the Conestoga Recreation Center is the bathroom is just steps away from the play structure. This is really nice when you are potty training a child and/or need a facility quick. The only minimal reservation that you may find about this park is it can fill up with kids fast.  If there is a class coming out to play from the recreation center, the playground will get crowded.  I find this to be a positive factor because it gives my kids the opportunity to make friends, but it could possibly overwhelm smaller children. Overall. I really like Conestoga Recreation Center and when we come, I try to not only go to the park, but also the splash pad if it is a hot day.  So if you find the playground to be too crowded maybe try out the splash pad or vice-a-versa.  Both of these activities make playing in Portland, a great day.

Click on THPRD to find out their description of Conestoga Recreation Center.

Click on maps for directions to Conestoga Recreation Center.

Wilshire Park

Wilshire Park is a nice park for all ages.  It does a good job at accommodating the imagination of little ones through fun play structures that consist of an airplane, boat, train and car. In addition, there are bigger structures such as a stainless steel slide, triple sand pit, 4 teeter-totters, a merry-go-round, two tire swings, and a wooden structure.  Although, Wilshire Park might not captivate a mid-to-older elementary child for long, maybe they will make friends and run around and play hide-and-seek behind the big trees.  My oldest did, and is capable of playing for hours under the beauty, shade, and adventure that is provided by countless NW trees in parks across the city.  In fact, I was thinking I would even like to run and play under the trees at when I saw the nice dirt/bark chipped path that circled the outer area of the playground.  Even while my kids were playing, there was a group of adults running and doing yoga that made this community park, feel vibrant. One plus and negative factor about Wilshire Park is, it is dog friendly.  I love dogs, but some children are scared and/or allergic and this park seems to lack a secure dog area.  The dog portion of the park is slightly fenced off, but could be better.  Other than that minor detail, this park seems to imply what The City of Portland aims at: “Healthy Parks, Heathy Portland!”  So get out, and have fun Playing in Portland.

Click on maps for directions to Wilshire Park

Click on The City of Portland to see their description of Wilshire Park.

 

Ibach Park

Ibach Park is one of the greatest parks in the metro area to discover, learn, and play. You might be surprised that it has been around for a while, but it hasn’t lost a bit of its splendor. It actually has been around so long, there are dinosaur bones!  Well that’s a bit of an exaggeration, it isn’t THAT OLD, but there is a replica of dinosaur bones in which you and your kids can walk and/or dig through. Because there is so much to learn and explore at Ibach Park, it reminds me a lot of RiverPlay Discovery Village Playground in Eugene. (Which according to Spoonful.com ranks among “The World’s Best Parks and Playgrounds.”) Ibach and RiverPlay Discovery Village specifically have a few features that are the same such as the ferry, canoe, and turf representing a specific river. They are also both designed by Landscape Structures and teach Oregon history through one of the best ways of learning – play.  However, if for some reason your child gets tired of discovering the great history of the Tualatin Valley through play, they can either pretend to canoe to the other side of the river and cross the meteor and/or dig in the sand, which also leads to a slide and climbing structure. In addition, they can run across the grass, and twist and spin on a whole other playground. My only reservation about the main playground is just like Pirate Park the incline hill is a slippery slope for children.  My children, as well as others have gotten scraped knees and elbows from the turf and sand rubbing against their skin as they have run or slid down the hill.  Be careful.  (I tell my kids if they want to slide down the hill, slide down the actual slide. That is what it is there for.) Despite this minor per-caution Ibach Park is wonderful, and I forgot to mention always calm!  Truly its greatness must be unknown to many because Ibach Park has endless opportunities for your child(ren) to imagine, discover, create and explore.

Click on The City of Tualatin to their description of Ibach Park.

Click on maps for directions to Ibach Park.

Waterfront Park

Hot weather calls for refreshing fountains.  Some refreshing fountains, in the heart of Portland are at Waterfront Park, particularly Salmon Street Springs and there is also the Bill Natio Legacy Fountains. My kids think Salmon Street Springs are the coldest fountains in the city.  I don’t know this to be true, but the water pressure is quite forceful and makes a great impact with 185 jets. The only water feature that maybe a third as forceful are the fountains in Bethany?  The unique thing about Salmon Street Springs is watching the three patterns cycle through all the jets.  I found that I like to stay close to the water because the water is so forceful that sometimes I can’t see my kids.  What you can see if you turn away from the water are a variety of normal downtown activities such as people making out, various people smoking, people resting who live on the street, and a sometimes a variety of vendors. If you haven’t been to Waterfront Park it does attract people from all walks of life, rich and poor, young and old, every race, and includes a vibrant variety of the all the people who make up Portland. I love downtown, but lately, one thing that has bothered me is the sewer smell. The other day it was windy and since the water is recycled and close to the Willamette I don’t know if it was the smell of sewer, or the Portland Loo’s.  It was awful. When we got close to the fountains I couldn’t smell anything bad, but it was a bit frustrating.

If you have little ones, and find yourself getting frustrated by the crowds at Salmon Street Springs I suggest walking to the Bill Natio Legacy Fountain. These fountains are not as forceful, and if you walk further down toward where the Saturday Market is held, you will find them. We’ve never actually played at these fountains because the big sign that says, “DO NOT DRINK THIS WATER!” freaks me out, and I guarantee one of my kids will drink the water.  In addition, the “DO NOT DRINK THIS WATER” sign continues to say, “Human or animal waste will foul the water and can spread disease to others.” Regardless, you will find young and old kids playing and having a whole lot of fun.  Sometimes in those situations I try to remember that my kids have played in rivers and lakes, and even pools have recycled water. You honestly never know what you may be potentially exposed to. On a hot day sometimes you have to fight the smells, signs, traffic and parking and do whatever it takes to stay cool.  So please do stay cool, and have fun Playing in Portland.

Click on maps for directions to Salmon Street Springs.

Click on maps for directions to Bill Natio Legacy Fountain.

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation to see the description of Waterfront Park.

The Fields Park

Yesterday I was surprised to find Portland’s newest playground! It was just completed two months ago, and designed by a company in Germany called Berliner Seilfabrik. It has a unique European style, which sets the park distinctly above others in the Portland Metro area. It is not a large playground, and you do have to pay to park if you don’t live in the Pearl, or not able to bike to the Pearl District. However, it is still worth paying the meter for less than $2.00 an hour to play. Your kids probably won’t last much more than an hour, (especially if they don’t play in the sand) since the playground is small. However, there is large circular grassy area in which kids could play, and you could stop by a coffee shop in the area like Barista or the Lovejoy Bakers. You could also plan on going to Jamison Square if you are up for the kids getting wet. I mentioned there being a sandpit at The Fields Park, and I want to emphasize how nice this sand is! It is like, Hawaii nice. Some sand pits are more like gravel, and this is pure sand. The sand area also has a box in which kids could just stand up and only get their hands sandy instead of their whole body. (Kind of like a sand therapy play box.)  Another feature I love about this park is the BIG thick rope to climb. I climbed it and had a lot of fun. One feature my kids loved was the hammock. It is a perfect kid size. One thing to keep in mind about this park is if you are facing the park, the right side entrance is incredibly hard to get in. I actually think it is broken. The other side is much easier, and has an actual handle, but your kids could probably climb over the fence if they are 5 or over. (Depending on height and ability.) My youngest had a bit of trouble climbing on some parts of the structure, so this park is defiantly for kids who like to climb. If it is to much of an obstacle course for your younger ones, you might want to be prepared for them to play in the sand. There is a washing area by the playground, but that too was broken. (The drinking fountain worked so there is a chance that I didn’t know how to get the washing spout to go.) Hopefully these little things will get fixed, and even if they don’t, it is an enjoyable park in which you and your family will have a fun time Playing in Portland.

Click on maps for directions to The Fields Park.

To see a description of The Fields Park click on Portland Parks & Recreation.

Concerts, Movies, and Fun Times in Districts Across Portland

There are so many movies, concerts, parties and traveling Rec Mobiles throughout the city that possibly your family could be occupied all summer long! Since these opportunities are so much fun, I have listed various districts below so you may enjoy these fantastic FREE outings. My family and I have enjoyed every event that we have gone to, and during concerts and parties I’ve noticed a variety of vendors or at minimum a concession stand. At many events there are numerous activities for kids to enjoy which may consists of: a bouncy house(s), face painting, rock climbing, stickers, pencils, and possible toys from the local police department or various business. Last, but not least, there is food! This year I’ve seen Whole Foods show up, and they said they are planning to be at more events this year! (Gluten Free options!)

The benefit about having all the districts listed is you and your family may not be available on July 19th to see Wreck-It-Ralph in North Clackamas, but on July 26th you may be available, and could watch it in Wilsonville. In addition, one of the movies being shown maybe is your kids’ FAVORITE movie, and what better way to watch it in the park, possibly more than once! There are also a few bands that are playing at more than one event. For instance, Hit Machine was in Beaverton last night and will be in Wilsonville August 8th. They are definitely a fun band, and worth seeing twice. So check out the fun opportunities that are available for FREE all summer long.

Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin (THPRD) Concerts & Theater / Party in The Park / Rec Mobile

Beaverton – Movies

Clackamas – Movies and Rec Mobile

Gresham – Car Shows / Concerts

Hillsboro – Concerts

Lake Oswego – Concerts / Movies

Milwaukie – Concerts

Oregon City – Concerts / Movies

Portland – Concerts / Free Swim Times / Movies / Rec Mobile

Vancouver – Concerts / Movies

West Linn – Centennial Concert / Movies

Wilsonville – Concerts /Movies/ Fun in the Park

Imagination Station at Columbia Park

There are a few playgrounds in Oregon, which every child should have the opportunity to visit at least once. Imagination Station, along with Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum Playground, RiverPlay Discovery Village, and A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village qualify as four-to-five-star playgrounds. All of these play structures are quite large, so be ready for excitement and adventure! You will definitely be on your toes if you plan to keep up with your little ones. However, there is a smaller section that is even fenced in that can entertain younger children for a while. Alternatively, if you have older children, you may allow them to run wild and be free! This park specifically is a bit of a maze and is fun to run, hide, and explore! Imagination Station seems to be an ultimate hide-and-seek playground. I think it is like a hide-and-seek resort! It is a lot like A.C Gilbert’s Discovery Village in the fact that it is wooden, but the rock climbing structure adds some contemporary features. One possible negative factor about this park is that if you go when school is in session you might find high school children playing because it is right next to Reynolds High School.  Something you wont see at this park are dogs, no pets are allowed. This can be great for kids who are scared of dogs, as well as those who suffer from allergies. Another possible negative factor is if you are overwhelmed by big parks, this might not be the best suggestion, especially on a stressful day. However, many weakness can also be strengths, and I think the size of this park can be both. Because of the size I can’t possibly describe all the unique attributes, but I will share how much I like the distinctive usage of tires, along with the color that is added amidst the brown wooden structure, the unique wobbly stairs, and wobbly balance beam. The last great attribute is there are places inside the structure in which parents can sit, and possibly see their kid(s) run by every once in a while.  So drive to Troutdale at least once this summer because Imagination Station is an ultimate Playing in Portland experience.

For directions to Imagination Station at Columbia Park click on maps.

Click on the City of Troutdale to see their description of Imagination Station.

Woodard Park

This week we discovered a hidden Tigard treasure, Woodward Park. The park reminded me of two parks we have visited, George Foege Park because of its peacefulness, and Center Street Park because the structure is bigger than the one at George Foege Park.  While we were at Woodard Park my family and I found out there are various trails and entrances that lead to the playground, so if you feel like your walking a bit, don’t give up.  You will find it.  One entrance has a small parking lot, but we didn’t park there.  We had to walk across a bridge and turn left and then we eventually found it.  Once you find it, you will notice the not-so-great porta potty, as there isn’t a bathroom.  One of my children used the porta potty and said it was NASTY!  Therefore, you might want to make sure everyone has gone to the bathroom before getting to this park.  Alternatively, a positive factor about this park is the shade and open field.  The field is like a sanctuary for kids to run in. Another positive factor is Symposium coffee is now in downtown Tigard, just minutes from this park.  So grab yourself a great coffee, and head out to this Woodard Park as it is relaxing, quiet and an overall refreshing park to play at.

Click on City of Tigard to see their description of Woodard Park

Click on maps for directions to this park.  (I parked on Johnson St. when my family and I went to this park, but I believe you can park your vehicle at the small parking lot if you go to SW Katherine St and turn on SW Karol Ct.)