Shute Park

Hillsboro has some nice parks, and Shute Park is one of the many. I previously visited Shute Park about 8 years ago, and it has definitely been updated in the last couple of years. The primary playground has two sections, one for children 2-5 years of age, and the other for children 5-12 years of age. The additional mini playground has an awesome tree climber, swings, a unique teeter-totter and bouncy rider, which are all located in the far corner towards the big Indian statue. The main playground is primarily a new structure from Landscape Structures with three slides, a small climbing wall, latest spinners, fun monkey bars, numerous climbers (including the fabulous Hemisphere Climber also located at 53rd Ave Community Park), a gyro twister, a large climbing rock, and one of my favorites, the classic wiggle bridge. Kids especially love the fun Comet spinner, along with the nice sand pit, which has a waterspout coming out of the rock structure. The way the primary playground is set up is ideal for parents with kids playing at both the smaller structure, the sand pit, or the big structure because there is a sidewalk in the middle of the two structures, which enables you to see children who are playing on either side. The only negative thing I have to say about this playground is unlike other new parks, tires have not been placed under the main teeter-totter. This is a safety feature I would prefer to see at all newer parks. Despite this minor detail there is so much to explore, and it is a great park to walk around and behold the beautiful trees and learn a little of Hillsboro’s history by the bell as well as Indian culture. In addition, the Shute Library, located right across from the park has just been remodeled, and is a great place to check out books if you are Washington County card holder. Overall, Shute Park it is a fun park to walk around because the primary playground is phenomenal, and there are many things to explore like the huge Indian Statue I previously mentioned, a big bell, fire pit and more. My kids have asked to play numerous times at this park since we discovered it, and I’m sure your kids will be asking the same. It’s a great place to play. 

Click on Hillsboro Parks & Recreation to see their description of Shute Park.

Click on maps to find out directions to Shute Park.

Willamette Park (Portland)

This summer while Playing in Portland my family and I noticed a Willamette Park we hadn’t played at.  We’ve played a few times at Willamette Park in West Linn, but never at the Willamette Park in Portland.  I guess, since the Willamette River is 187 miles long there should be a couple of parks named Willamette Park. This specific Willamette Park is quaint, quiet and nice.  It consists of a small modern structure with fun features such as a log roll, spinners, and a four-person-size teeter-totter.  In addition, you may enjoy walking down the path to the boat dock and possibly see boats and skip or throw rocks in the river.  One down side to this park is you have to pay to park.  However, it only cost a $1.00 an hour.  Really I think an hour is a sufficient amount of time to play at this particular park because it isn’t that big.  In fact, in one hour we had time to play at the playground, climb a tree, throw rocks, walk down the dock and get a little muddy in the sand and water.  So for a $1.00 I think it is totally worth a new place to play.  So come check out another Willamette Park and have fun Playing in Portland.

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation to see their description of Willamette Park

Click on maps for directions to Willamette Park.  (To get to the actual playground it is best to drive past parking lot where the boats dock and past the tennis courts.)

Holly Farm Park

Holly Farm Park is a nice charming park at the edge of SW Portland.  It has an awesome skate park that your kids may love and even if they don’t skate my kids particularly love watching a tennis ball swerve all around the structure or they like running in the structure themselves. (You may want to grab a ball if you don’t keep one in your car. And of course this is all done when there are no skaters. Please be courteous and cautious.)  The playground itself is average size but has some unique features like a climbing attachment and steering wheel attached to a pole instead of a panel. There is an additional one on a panel, but I like the creativity of Play & Park Structures idea of putting a wheel in a different place. It also has a clatter/wiggle bridge, which is one of my favorite playground features. Holly Farm also has a nice open kind of oval grass area, which is perfect for Frisbee or kicking a ball around.  The only negative factor about this park is if it is a hot day there is no direct shade at the play structure.  There are trees that provide shade, but you might find yourself sitting on the grass or in a tree to stay cool.  Speaking of trees this park has trees that are fun to climb, I actually had to move out of the tree I was resting in because my kids wanted to climb it!  One of the last things to mention about Holly Farm Park is since it borders Tigard and Lake Oswego you could to do some park hopping and stop at Dickinson City Park which is just over a mile away or one of our favorites Westlake, which is just over 2 miles.  Alternatively, you could just stay at Holly Farm and enjoy all that is has to offer and have fun Playing in Portland.

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation to see their description of Holly Farm Park.

Click on maps for directions to Holly Farm 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.)

George Foege Park

If you want to go to the most peaceful park in Portland, go to George Foege Park! However, I don’t know if the actual playground is in Portland or Beaverton?  The Foege Park trail starts in Portland according to Map My Run, and the playground is in the Cedar Hill area. Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation doesn’t even show that the playground exists, but it does!  If you end up driving to George Foege playground, you will need to park either on NW Leahy (which one side of the street is almost completely marked with no parking signs) or 112th Ave.  I suggest turning east on Leahy from Cedar Hills Blvd., and then turn right on 112th Ave., and park up the hill.  You should see a beautiful wooden bridge, and once you cross the bridge, you will immediately see the playground. It is small, but the trees and the grassy area are stunning.  It is like a tucked away private park.  It won’t entertain older kids for long, but it is perfect for a peaceful time running in the grass or if you have young pre-school or early elementary children.  It is primarily fenced in, but does have a walk way from Cedar Hills Blvd. (So be careful on the one side that kids don’t get close to Cedar Hills Blvd! That is a busy street.  That is why there is a bridge to get to the park.)  Overall, there isn’t much else to say except the presence and awe of this park seems worth checking out.  We will definitely return when I am in need of a quiet day. So relax, and enjoy Playing in Portland.

I think you should follow my brief instructions over the map, but it will give you a general location. Click here for a map to George Foege Park.

Center Street Park

Every now and then it is nice to go to a low-key park, and Center Street Park is a definitely a friendly low-key park.  I had never been to Center Street Park, and I’m grateful my friend introduced me, because I plan on returning.  The play structure isn’t large, but it is just the right size for your kid(s) to get some energy out.  Plus there is plenty of open grass to play and a nice walking path that your kids could run around.  I don’t recall seeing a bathroom, but the park is near a Fred Meyer on Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, as well as a Learning Palace.  You may want to stop by Fred Meyer or the Learning Palace and pick up chalk, bubbles or a ball (I actually keep these things in my car all summer long) to entertain your children for longer so you can talk with a friend. The last thing to mention about Center Street Park is it is tucked away in a quaint neighborhood and is almost entirely fenced in.  Overall, It really makes for an easy play date.  So text a friend, tell them about Playing in Portland, and set up a time to play!

Click on THPRD to see Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation’s description of Center Street Park.

You may click on maps for directions to Center Street Park. However, those directions lead you to park your vehicle on Center Street and walk a path.  I prefer parking on the corner of SW Denfield St and SW Mercer Terrace.

Marshall Park

The Chelsea Anderson Playstation at Marshal Park is phenomenal!  In fact, it is such an amazing park, I would consider it a 5 star playground like Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum Playground, or RiverPlay Discovery Village Playground.  Your kids will be thrilled if you drive across the river and play at Marshall Park because this 5 star playground is quite close, and the others are an hour or more away.  Chelsea Anderson Playstation seems to have everything!  I believe there are 8 slides, a tire swing, track sliding bar, log roll, big arch climber, spiral staircase, fire truck structure for 2-5 year olds, nature area, chain links to climb and cross, a balance beam and so much more!  I remember when I took my oldest six or so years ago, I was overwhelmed trying to keep up with him as a toddler, but now that my kids are five and older this park is amazing!  However, I imagine that this park could be a bit stressful on a busy day, but if you are up for an adventure cross the river and have fun playing at Marshall Park!  It is an adventure that will give your kids a thrill!

Click on Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation to see their description of Marshall Park.

Click on maps for directions to Marshal Park.

Beaverton City Park Fountain

The majority of parks and recreational activities my family and I go to, I love!  However, there are a few that aren’t my favorite. Beaverton City Park is one of my least favorites. I think the fountains are beautiful, and my kids love them, but the park and actual playground I don’t usually enjoy. The playground itself is small and has been well used. In addition, my dislike may come from seeing people lingering around who make me feel uncomfortable when my children are present. We still go to this park every once and awhile, especially when it is Saturday and the Farmers Market is happening. This summer I thought since the park has ping-pong tables I should buy some ping-pong balls and paddles to make my experience more enjoyable, I just haven’t done it yet.  As I already mentioned the Farmers Market is there from June to November, and the Beaverton City Library is conveniently across the street. Overall, this park has some of the best fountains on the Westside; the park/playground is just not my favorite.

Click on Beaverton Oregon’s Website to see their description of City Fountain Park.

Click on maps or Beaverton City Park Fountain to find out directions to this park.

Sofia Park

Sofia Park is an intimate park with a whole lot of fun! It is in a beautiful neighborhood and like Elizabeth Caruthers Park it has a Farmers Market on Thursdays with live music from 4-8p.m. The playground consists of a modern structure from KOMPAN mixed with natural play including rocks, logs and water. KOMPAN has designed the fun and innovating Supernova along with other equipment your kids can spin, climb, jump, bounce, slide, shout and play on! I mentioned this park has water, which for detail sake consists of a low-key splash pad/fountains! Overall, this park is absolutely fabulous!  My kids played here for a lot longer than they originally thought because they initially couldn’t see ALL THE ROCKS and logs they could climb on! The modern and natural landscape of this park is so beautiful that you and your kids will want to return.

Click on City of Wilsonville in Oregon to see their description of Sofia Park.

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

Couch Park

Couch Park is a fun Portland park with a mixture of modern and classic wooden play structures. Since it is in the midst of downtown you will find a wide variety of people who walk through the park like doctors, homeless men and women, mothers, fathers, businessmen and women, grandma’s and grandpa’s and more. One thing that makes me feel comfortable at this park is the playground is nicely fenced in by a railing. It basically helps keep children at the playground and strangers away from the playground. One thing to note is the railing isn’t completely fenced around the entire playground as there is a wide opening at the front stairs of the wooden structure. I was also pleased and felt very safe at this park because the police patrol this park. When we visited Couch Park the police were on their horses and we got to pet them. That was definitely a highlight of the visit, but the park also has some amenities like none other. In the back corner there is a fun chain tight rope and steel swoosh slide. This park is also a fun park to play tag at because kids can run all around the wooden structure. Overall, this park is a fun place to stop and play. The best thing about this park for parents maybe that NW 23rd is just a few blocks away. So grab a coffee, Moonstruck, Pizzicato or some yummy ice-cream at Salt and Straw and enjoy Playing in Portland!

Click on Portland Parks & Recreation to see their description of Couch Park.

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