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.)

Dickinson Park

When you are looking for a quiet park in Portland, Dickinson Park is a great option. It is on the edge of SW Portland, minutes from Tigard, and it is a refreshing space. There is a beautiful view in which adults can admire while your children climb on a modern playground made by Landscape Structures. One of my favorite features about this park is the talk tubes, they are great to pretend you are ordering via a drive thru or talking to someone in outer space. The downside of this park is there are no bathrooms, and it isn’t a playground I would pack a lunch for, but the beauty and awe of watching the horizon or your kids running in the field is majestic. Check it out and have fun Playing in Portland!

Click on maps or Dickinson Park for direction to this park.

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

Red Tricycle also recently mentioned this park as a destination place in Portland.

Irving Park

Irving Park is best for hot summer days when you want to stay directly in Portland. There are unique water structures that kids love, and the newer playground brings a lot of fun climbing adventures.  Speaking of climbing my kids especially like climbing and walking around the cement balance beam like maze (which has dirt, stairs and wood chips inside). There is a fun little entrance that kids can go through and then they can walk around the ledges.  This park does have restrooms, but I’ve never been in the facilities. Irving Park isn’t one of my top favorite parks for my children to play at because of three reasons.  1). I have seen a man drinking a 40oz bottle of beer at 10am. 2). I’ve seen a homeless man taking shelter near the cement like balance beam maze.  3). There have been dogs enter the playground area because of this park at certain times allows dogs to be unleashed.  All that to say, this park is still fun the water structures are great!  The blue fountain is like a giant shower,  the red fountain is like a kid car wash, and the fire hydrant is awesome.  So, if it is a hot day, and you live in Portland check it out!

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

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

Willamette Park

Willamette Park is beautiful! I have been to this park once before, but it has been a few years, and I forgot about its greatness! The playground is great. The fountains are great. The rivers (Tualatin and Willamette) are great. Everything is GREAT!  My kids and I enjoyed the whole park – from playing on the stage (where they show summer time movies), to exploring paths that lead to where the Tualatin and Willamette River meet.  It was beautiful. After my kids and I explored the park they wanted to go back to the playground, as the playground is filled with fun. The twisty tube slide, circular monkey bars, and hanging bars to slide across seem to be a hit.  The fountains to play in are also designed well because there isn’t only the round cement slab that has fountains, but there is also a small zigzag path that kids can play in. Some last great features to mention about the playground specifically is the jungle-gym, tire swing, orbit spinner and stationary cycler. Overall this park is great for the whole family, and they even have a place to recycle near the playground.  Another thing I never see that appears in the women’s restroom is a baby changing station. Wow! This park is wonderful. Even if you aren’t close to this park, it is worth the drive. Cheers to a great day at Willamette Park!

Click on City of West Linn and see their description of Willamette Park.

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

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.

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.