Barsotti Park

Barsotti Park is my new favorite playground structure.  In fact, it is so new that Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation’s website doesn’t list the new playground as a feature.  I’ve tried to pin point why this structure is my favorite, but I think there are a wide variety of reasons. For instance, it is one of the few playgrounds that has 3 sections, one for ages 6-23 months or for all abilities, one for ages 2-5 and one last one for ages 5-12. The structure is also bright and lively with new climbers and spinners accommodated by a soft surface (turf) making it more accessible for all. Please keep in mind the soft surface does break as the walking path nicely goes between the older and younger play structures. The only concern I noticed about this park is there is a tree that kids like to climb, and below it seems to be an old post almost like a bird bath that could be dangerous if a child fell on it from climbing the tree. However, precautions should be taken anytime a kid climbs a tree! Overall, this is a well-rounded park and one I think you and your family will enjoy.

Click on maps for directions to Barsotti Park.

A pole that could hurt if kids fell off the tree.

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.

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.)

Pirate Park

Pirate Park is a land of adventure!  At one time it was known as Bethany Meadows, but now, I guess it is known as Rock Creek Greenway. However, one sign says it is off of Morgans Run, now known as Water House Linear Park.  It is a bit confusing, and it took me awhile to find Pirate Park the first time I tried. I hope you will find it and discover how much fun it is.  Even though THPRD can change all the names of the walkways, I am going to stick with calling this playground Pirate Park.  Obviously I’m sure you can determine by the park’s nickname that it has a pirate theme.  The actual size of the entire playground is not gigantic, but definitely a good size.  If you have little ones, and more than one, it can be often hard to see them because there is what I would describe as levels, or more specifically hills at this playground.  The hills on the actual play structure are made out of turf, and one side is quite steep.  (In addition, sand can sweep over there and make it very easy to fall and slip.  Be careful!)  On top of the steep hill or top-level is an island lookout, which has two slides, one for little kids that slides down to the play structure that is designed for younger children, and then another larger slide that slides down to the bottom where you will find the bigger ship play structure. So all total there are three structures, and a sandpit with a water-spicket. There is quite a lot to do at this playground because there are six slides, various climbers, two walkway bridges, two swing sets and cool turf that mimics the ocean or the deep blue sea.  It is one of the best parks on the westside, but as I mentioned earlier a bit hard to find because it is tucked back in a neighborhood. You will have to park in the neighborhood and walk down a path to see the park.  If you park at NW Meadowlands Ter and NW Energia  once you get on the path you will turn left and probably be able to see the big porta-poty, if not the playground.  If you park on NW Brandberry, which turns into NW Hackney drive and NW Energia then you will want to turn right and walk down the path.  If you keep walking on the path you will see the big red and blue tent that rises over the structure for smaller children.  I mentioned there is a porta-potty and that is all there is.  I wish there was a restroom!  However, there is a QFC and shopping area (Starbucks, Piccolo Mondo Toy Store, Bliss Cupcakes and more close by.)  Overall this park is great fun, and one that kids should go to at least once. It is a park that definitely captures kids imagination and the sandpit alone can entertain some kids for hours.  So check out this great park and have fun Playing in Portland.

For directions to this park, click on maps. (This will lead you to park your vehicle at NW Meadowland Terrace and NW Energia St.)  If you would like to park at NW Hackey Dr and NW Energia st click here for an additional map.

Barrows Park

Barrows Park is another park in which I take my kids to when I need a relaxing playground experience. It is a newer play structure along a beautiful path and creek. The creek is not accessible right by the playground because it is blocked off by greenery and a chain linked fence. However, if your kids wonder down the path they could access the creek. (The path is highly elevated from the creek and at some points there are steep cliff like ledges so you will want to be right next to your little ones!) Out of all the times we have been to this park, this is the first time I tried to find the creek, as my kids are always content with being at the playground. One tricky thing about this playground is parking. I always park on Menlor st., near the Scholls Meadows sign (see the picture for reference) and walk up the path to the playground. You will know you are on the right path when you see the cement whale, turtle, frog, and camel in which kids like to sit and climb on. Another thing to mention is this park does not have swings. There are plenty other amenities as there is a big structure for older kids, and a smaller structure for younger children. There are no restrooms, but there is a drinking fountain. And, if you need a pick-me-up there is a good coffee-house Ava Roasteria and New Seasons (which sells Stumptown) in the shopping area off Barrows. In referencing the shopping area I have chosen to add another blog (Progress Ridge) because there is a lake and fountains to run through on hot days. My family and I love this park, and I think you will too!

Click on TualatinHillsPark&Recreation (THPRD) and see their description of Barrows Park.

Click on maps or Barrows Park for directions to this park.

Alberta Park

Alberta Park is a unique park because there are a various play structures, which are fairly spread out.  There is a newer play structure with a hanging round spinning ring as well as disc challenge in which kids can climb from one disk to another while hanging on to the poles. There is also ladders to climb, a track sliding bar to hang and slide from one side to another, and various other features.  There are two older slides, one is a large twisty slide with many stairs and the other slide isn’t as big, but too big for toddlers.  There is a tire swing attached to an older odd climbing structure near the swings and there are four old fashion teeter-totters off in the distance.  In between the odd climbing structure and teeter-totters, there is a small wooden structure that toddlers might like, but the climbing-ladder attached to the structure is quite tall.  It seems that little kids just like wandering around this park because there is plenty of room to walk and roam among the big trees.  One thing to be mindful of is this park does allow dogs off their leashes in certain areas.  However, if you are worried about big dogs or little dogs or anything for that matter there is a fire station attached to the corner of this park.  When we were playing we actually saw the firemen and women playing tennis.  Maybe if you have kids who love fire trucks you could call and view a truck while at the park. The last thing to mention is there are restrooms and even a Porta Potty.

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation and see their description of Alberta Park.

Click on maps or Alberta Park for directions to this park.

Bonny Slope

Bonny Slope is a park where my kids like to play and I can relax.  Some parks bring my anxiety level up beyond what is normal and others don’t.  At this park, my kids and I seem to always experience peace, and have a good time.  I think one of the best things about this park is the layout. For instance, when you enter the parking lot the basketball courts are first, and then after a few more steps on a small sidewalk you can reach the playground.  The basketball courts are nicely separated from the playground by a chain-linked fenced.  It seems nearly the whole park is fenced in either by a chain-linked fence or bushes that separate the houses or private fences from the surrounding home owners. My favorite feature about this park is the circular path filled in with a small field of grass, (and fenced out with bushes) that the kids are able to bike or run around.  One kid can be playing at the playground and another can run a lap and you don’t need to worry.  At all times you can see or be aware of where your children are playing. The play structure isn’t large, but we always have fun jumping on the wiggle bridge and riding the bouncy alligator.  There is also a fun tree to climb past the swings in the corner against the chain-linked fence.  I would suggest bringing a basketball, soccer ball or Frisbee so you and your kids can stay awhile.  Last, but not least, there is a Porta Potty and drinking fountain, which comes in handy when needed.  Have fun playing, we do!

Click on Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation (THPRD) and see their description of Bonny Slope Park

Click on maps or Bonny Slope Park for directions to this park.

Howard M. Terpenning Complex

Howard M. Terpenning has two covered playgrounds in-between various baseball fields.  There is one structure designed for children 2-5 years of age, and another structure designed for children 5-12 years of age.  One of the nice amenities about this park is both playgrounds are covered with a large blue tarp. Howard M. Terpenning is a park you can stay and play even if it is slightly raining.  Also, if it is extremely hot, we go to this is park because of the covering.  It seems that the patch of trees, right next to the smaller play area is always a main attraction.  Every time we have been to this park my kids or someone else’s kids are climbing those trees. Since this is a huge complex there are a lot of other amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, tennis courts, indoor swimming pool,baseball fields, soccer fields, skate park, bike and/or walking trails, and an in and outside basketball courts.  This park you could spend all day at!  Often if someone in your family plays baseball or soccer you do end up being there most of the day. The good thing is there is a Fred Meyer, Mc Donald’s and Starbucks on the corner of 158^th and Walker.

Click on Tualatin Hills Park& Recreation (THPRD) to see their description of Howard M. Terpenning Complex.

Click on maps or Howard M. Terpenning Complex for directions to this park.

Raleigh Park

Raleigh Park is fun because it has a modern structure with classic favorites.  My kids love swinging and climbing on the fancy mary go round.  They also enjoy swinging on the tire swing. There is a water pump and mud pit to get wet and dirty, so bring extra clothes.  There is also a shallow creek that your kids might like to jump over and in.  There is plenty of grass to run and play, but it is quite hilly.  My kids love running down the big grassy hill by the playground. There are trails to walk and ride bikes, tennis courts and a swim center.  Soon the park will have a name change to Raleigh/Swim Center Park.

Click on Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation (THPRD) and see their description of Raleigh Park.

Click on maps or Raleigh Park for directions to this park.