Barsotti Park

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Andrea

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.

Ridgewood Park

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Andrea

Today we were at St.Vincent’s so we decided to go to Ridgewood Park and play. We have been there a few times and it has always been enjoyable. Sometimes there are dogs off leash, but it has never hindered us from having fun. I don’t know if it technically is an off leash park or not, but it is accommodating for dogs to run in the nice open corner. Overall dogs seem to be preoccupied if they are with his or her owner, and kids can play at the playground. Every time we’ve come there have only been a handful of kids and the big blue plane (maybe dolphin) seems to be the main attraction. The tire swing is also fun, because they can be rare. Another rarity is this playground is manufactured by a company in Grants Pass Oregon. So it is nice to see some features such as the climber and various panels which make this park unique. One thing Ridgewood doesn’t have is a bathroom, but there is a drinking fountain. The last mentionable quality is the park is primarily fenced in except lacking a gate. Overall, I really enjoy going to this park because it is calm and I too like the big bouncing blue plane.

Click on THPRD to see their description of Ridgewood Park

Click on directions to locate Ridgewood Park via Google Maps

A.M. Kennedy Park

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Andrea

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^rdAvenue 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.

Hiteon Park

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Andrea

Hiteon Park has a special place in our hearts because it was the 100th playground in which I can name and count that we have played at! Obviously, if you keep up with my blog, I have a lot to blog about, but it takes a lot of time! So Hiteon Park is great, but I might be biased because it is our 100th distinct playground. It is a smaller park, but has a great new structure. In addition, there is shade! Hardly any new parks have shade so this is a BIG bonus. Plus there are cool trees in which kids can climb on and walk across. It makes this park a bit of a nature park with a regular playground structure. There is also a cool rock structure in the middle and my kids mentioned, “This really feels like a rock.” I had never seen or don’t recall seeing a modern Playworld Systems structure and I really liked it. The spinning bowls seem extra big, and I like the angle and curves, which hold the structure together. I did put a tag in saying the park is fenced, but I say that loosely. It isn’t entirely fenced in, as it is a wooden fence that can be climbed under, over, and through. It does provide boundaries, but not full security. Also the THPRD description says there are bathrooms, and I must have missed seeing them, because I can’t recall a drinking fountain or a bathroom. The good news is when your kids get bored, they can walk across the grass, or on the path to Hiteon Elementary, and play on the school structure, if school is not in session. At Hiteon Elementary they have an older playground by Landscape Structures with some extra fun features like a wire crawl tunnel, which is rare to come by. I know that RiverPlay Discovery Village in Eugene has one and there must be more, but I can’t think of any right now. The school playground also has a cool circular hoop like crawl through climber in which I don’t think Landscape Structures makes anymore. There are also structures that aren’t from Landscape Structures, one I think is a cool kind of handle swing in which I’ve never seen anything like it at a park here in the NW. If I just didn’t have surgery I would have totally swung on one of those! They also have an old fashion stainless steel slide that is a bit bumpy, but seemed like a whole lot of fun. So it is totally worth walking over to the school and taking advantage of easily playing at two playgrounds in one day. What more could a kid ask for right?

Hiteon Park

Click on THRPD to find their description of Hiteon Park .

Click on maps for directions to Hiteon Park.

Hiteon Elementary

Portland Parks & Recreation Rock Climbing

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Andrea

Who doesn’t like to rock climb? Well some people don’t, but we are here in the NW and today I was driving near Rocky Butte (where people actually rock climb) and later thinking I never put the free rock-climbing schedule up on the Concerts, Movies and Fun Times in Districts Across Portland post. So here it is: Free Rock Climbing Wall Schedule. (There is a waiver, which must be filled out by you the parent, or legal guardian.) In regards to rock climbing, we have done this various times like this year at the Centennial Celebration at Peninsula Park, we have also done it at THPRD’s annual: Party In The Park, and other places I hope to blog about soon. So if you have any future rock climbing enthusiasts check out the schedule because there is still time to have fun Playing in Portland!

Conestoga Recreation Playground

Posted on July 28, 2013 by Andrea

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.

Concerts, Movies, and Fun Times in Districts Across Portland

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Andrea

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

Water Features and Fountains!

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Andrea

Some of my favorite water features and fountains:

Portland

Director Park

Jamison Square

Bethany Village Fountains

Elizabeth Caruthers Park (The best fountains for babies and toddlers)

Beaverton, Hillsboro

Beaverton City Park

53rd Ave Community Park

Conestoga Splash Pad (My ultimate favorite, but there is a small fee.)

Wilsonville

Murase Plaza

Town Center Park

Pirate Park

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Andrea

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.