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.

A.M. Kennedy Park

There are a quite a few new or remodeled parks in the Beaverton/Aloha/Hillsboro area, which makes it hard to decide which park to blog about first. Since my family and I enjoyed playing at A.M. Kennedy Park because of a friend’s recommendation, I thought I’d start with this beauty. First it’s in an amazing location off of Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy (a.k.a OR 10, near Target) and tucked in a neighborhood off of 107^th. Although this park is near a heavy commuted area, the park is remarkably placed in a natural beautiful environment! For instance, you might instantly forget you were stuck in traffic on OR 10 once you get to A.M. Kennedy. Your kids will also enjoy getting wrapped in nature, as they climb over logs, walk amongst trees, pick treasures and play on a brand new structure from Landscape Structures. Although the play structure itself is rather small, the park’s total fun is over 8 acres!  Amongst that acreage there is a community garden, soccer field, Porta Potty, drinking fountains, basketball court, a covered picnic shelter, and both a gravel and paved path.  One thing I like most about this park is the architecture and set up along the soccer field. It is the perfect park for one child to be having soccer practice, while another child plays basketball, and possibly your third or a friend is happily playing at the playground and all fairly visible. For instance, the amazing structural cement seating allows you to see one kid at the playground and another one playing soccer and possibly another playing basketball in the distance. While watching your children enjoy the latest spinners, the fun O-Zone climber (like at 53^rd Avenue Community Park), a fun twist slide, great side panels, and my favorite new feature the RingTangle (specifically b/c younger kids such as 5-6 can use it as monkey barks  and any kid can enter then RingleTangle and climb through) you may also be gazing the beautiful scenery. So stop and enjoy the sights, sound, and adventure at A.M. Kennedy Park

Click on directions to locate A.M. Kennedy Park via Goggle Maps.

Click on THPRD to see their description of A.M. Kennedy Park.

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.)

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.

Terra Linda Park

The sun is beginning to shine more and Terra Linda Park is an updated, low-key, bright and colorful park you may enjoy.  This park incorporates two-playground manufactures one structure from GameTime, which is designed for 5-12 years old, and the other from Landscape Structures, which is designed for 2-5 years old.  I recently found out there was a fire last year that destroyed part of the park, so the new addition by Landscape Structures is really new.  Previously until my last visit, I wasn’t a fan of this park, but the new addition has won me over.  Just the other day I really enjoyed playing at Terra Linda Park, and plan to go more this summer.  One thing I don’t like about this park is the rail slide (which can be slid down or climbed up) on the 5-12 year old structure, and there is only a Porta Potty further down by the grassy field.  Alternatively, the grassy field is definitely a good open space in which kids can run and play.  Terra Linda Park also has some fun fast spinners, which kids love.  I also really like the seesaw/teeter-totter, and the kaleidoscope panel spinner on the structure designed for 2-5 years old.  If you find this park isn’t enough for your older children, the best thing is after your young ones play (or vice a versa) go across the street to the school playground.  At Terra Linda Elementary there is a large play structure for older kids to climb on and get their energy out.  We have played, and had fun at both places.  Overall, this park is kind of tucked away.  It feels like you are driving into an apartment complex from the long entrance to the park/school.  So don’t think you are driving in the wrong direction when it seems that you are at an apartment complex, just follow the long road and at the end you will see the park.  Have fun Playing in Portland!

Click on Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation (THPRD) to see their description of Terra Linda Park.

Click on maps to find out directions to Terra Linda Park.

Mt. Hood – Cooper Spur

What better thing is there to do in the winter than play in the snow! Of course we don’t always see snowfall here in Portland, but Mt. Hood has layers of it, and it is a load of fun! There are various places to play on Mt. Hood such as Skibowl, Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur, Snow Bunny, and Summit. If you don’t want to buy a ski/snowboard/tubing ticket, for a minimal cost you can play at White River West Sno-Park, and/or Little John Sno-Park. The only thing you need to purchase is a Sno*Park Permit at your local DMV. We recently checked out Cooper Spur and went tubing and had a blast! Tubing at Cooper Spur it is only $10.00 per person (each person must be 42 inches or taller) and you can tube for four hours. If you have little ones, or even the big ones, (a.k.a adults) you might not make the entire four hours, but it is worth it. I think even 2 or 3 hours is worth the cost. My family and I tried to get up there as close to 9 a.m. as possible and it took approximately an hour to go to the bathroom, get all our snow gear on, and buy tickets. One thing I do suggest before you get on all your snow gear is GO TO THE BATHROOM!  Sadly, Cooper Spur only has porta potties. That is the big downfall. All the other downfalls are fun because your sliding DOWN a hill. If tubing isn’t your thing Cooper Spur also has snowboarding and skiing options.  Although I haven’t skied there it seems like a nice low-key place. On Wednesdays they even have lift tickets for $10.00.  What a deal!!  We will definitely go back and try skiing or snowboarding as a family. At Cooper Spur you have the option of renting ski’s, snowboards and helmets at the mountain, or bring your own. The last thing I should mention is you might want to bring your own food. We didn’t eat on the mountain or even go to the upper log cabin, but I read prices for food are spendy. So grab some snacks, pack a lunch and head out for a GREAT day at Mt. Hood.

For directions to Cooper Spur click on maps.

Frances Street Park

There are quite a few play structures that are ships and my kids favorite is Pirate Park in Bethany (previously named Bethany Meadows Park, now referred to as Rock Creek Greenway), but there are a few others worth mentioning.  Frances Street Park is an Adventure Ship that will get your kids exploring into the deep blue ocean. There are fun periscope panels to look out toward the sea, as well as talk tubes to call out to your other mates. There are also slides, climbers, and various other panels. Surprisingly you can come to shore rather quickly and play on the grass, walk over bridges, or even play basketball. My only reservation for this park is if you have a kid allergic to acorns this might not be a place where you want to play. On the other hand, if you aren’t allergic, your kids can run wild and the acorns could be their booty. The last thing to mention is this park would be a nice place for your littles ones to ride trikes or bikes around the ship while other kids are still playing on ship. Overall, this is a nice park where many adventures await. Ahoy!

Click on City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation to see their discription of Frances Street Park.

Click on maps or Frances Street 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.

53rd Avenue Community Park

53rd Avenue Community Park, like Snyder Park is amazing! The water feature is one of the biggest I’ve seen! The disc swings are the absolute coolest, and the play structure is a lively modern design built by one of my favorite playground companies, Landscape Structures. For the most part, this park isn’t missing anything, well, except shade. If it is a hot day, this park can be flaming! However, remember, there is water, and it is a BLAST! (Maybe at this park you might want to wear a suit, and run in the water with your kids.) As for more features, this park has sand and a concession stand! What could be better? Before you want to pack up your things and head out to this park right now there are a two other features I would like to describe, for instance the popular climbing merry-go-round (also at Raleigh Park) and AIRPLANES! Yes, you will see and hear quite a few airplanes at this park so check it out. This park is spectacular!

Click on City of Hillsboro to see their description of 53rd Ave Park.

Click on maps or 53rd Ave. Community Park for directions to this park.