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• THPRD Bond Measure this May
• May is National Water Safety Month! Join us for some select events.
• Park Improvement projects
• Memorial Day Commemoration
• Tualatin Hills Nature Center Updates
• Cedar Hills Rec Center Updates
• Elsie Stuhr Center Updates
• Garden Home Rec Center Updates
• May Events from THPRD near Cedar Mill
• Willow Creek Greenway Boardwalk Ribbon Cutting
• Serenity Park Grand Opening
• Día de los Niños

THPRD Bond Measure this May

The proposed measure would fund repairs, maintenance, and safety improvements at parks, trails, and facilities. The proposed measure would be timed to maintain consistent tax rates with the 2008 bond measure that is retiring soon.

In addition, Aisha Panas, Deputy General Manager, Parks Services for THPRD, says, “there will be limited funding for some new development or land acquisition in specific situations. The destination parks concept reflects one of those potential new projects. Destination parks draw park users from beyond the immediate neighborhood and feature really exciting play equipment, restrooms, playing fields for soccer and softball and other draws. These destination parks would be best situated at a large enough parcel that could support a community park, or at an existing community park where redevelopment could occur. Our park development prioritization criteria in the Parks Functional Plan will guide staff’s selection of sites for the destination park development,” Panas said.

One would likely be created on an undeveloped piece of land in the district’s northeast quadrant (which includes Cedar Mill) that it bought with proceeds from its 2008 bond but has never used [possibly the Teufel property]. And the other could occur at Commonwealth Lake Park, where the lake trail, soccer field and playground are frequently too flooded to use. Together, the two projects might cost $30 million, Panas said.

May is National Water Safety Month! Join us for some select events.

Vamos a Nadar/Jump-In: Water Safety 101 in Spanish

Sunday, May 17, 9-11:30 am (two classes), ages 2-6, Aloha Swim Center, 18650 SW Kinnaman Rd., Beaverton, free

A free one-day water safety and swim lesson activity for children. One parent or guardian aged 15 or older must be in the pool with each participant. Swim diapers are required for children who are not potty-trained. Two times available: visit the registration portal to register for the 9 am activity (code AL4JUMPIN1/Spring 2026) or 10:45 am activity (code AL4JUMPIN2/Spring 2026).

Wonderful World of Water Safety

Sunday, May 17, 4:30-7 pm, Conestoga Rec & Aquatic Center, 9985 SW 125th Ave., Beaverton, drop-in rates apply

Gain essential knowledge on how to protect yourself and your family around water. You’ll have the opportunity to try these safety techniques firsthand. This session, led by safety experts, will cover life-saving skills that could make all the difference in an emergency. Demonstrations are followed by open swim time. Please visit the event page for more details.

Women Only Open Swim & Swim Lessons

Sundays, 11-2 pm, Beaverton Swim Center, 12850 SW 3rd St., Beaverton, regular fees apply

Park Improvement projects

Waterhouse Trail Update

THPRD is making asphalt repairs from Walker Road to Willow Creek and Laidlaw Road to Rock Creek Trail. Portions of the trail will be closed during construction. Please respect closure signage.

Bonny Slope Park Improvements

The asphalt looped pathway will get a new asphalt lift overlay, a new asphalt pad will be installed for the portable restroom, and the outdoor basketball pad will receive a new slurry seal.

Greenway Park Improvements

Greenway Park gravel path replenishing is planned. The pathway located in the northwest section of the park will be refurbished with new gravel. The new gravel will raise the pathway, which will allow patrons to use a dry walking path when water is high.

Westside Trail Project Update

The district continues to add segments to the Westside Trail. Connecting the trail across Highway 26 is one of the remaining challenges. THPRD received a lot of valuable feedback from our community engagement phase. A summary of the public input received to date is available in the Planning Documents tab of the project page.

As a result, the district has extended the project schedule to allow staff and the design team to evaluate the feedback, hold an additional in-person community meeting (anticipated spring/summer 2026, date and location is TBD), and provide two presentations to the THPRD Board of Directors: one to seek their input on the proposed concept plan and the second, to seek their approval. Once the additional community meeting is scheduled, meeting notices will be mailed to project neighbors and also emailed to the project’s email subscriber list, in advance of the meeting.

Beaverton Creek Trail

A trail segment is currently in the planning stage that will connect the Westside Trail to Hocken Av. The multi-use trail segment will stretch alongside the TriMet light rail corridor and Beaverton Creek, and develop critical connections for transit, employment, commercial centers, the Tualatin Hills Nature Park, Beaverton Creek Wetlands, and more. Visit the Project Page for more information. Construction is expected to begin this year.

Memorial Day Commemoration

Monday, May 25, 10-12 pm, SW Watson Ave., Beaverton, free

Join THPRD and the American Legion Beaverton Post 124 for our annual Memorial Day Commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park, a site dedicated to veterans from all branches of the U.S. Military. The program honors fallen American military service members and veterans, featuring keynote speakers, flyovers, musical tributes by the American Legion Post #185 Band and more. Patriotic music begins at 10 am, with the official program beginning at 11 am. Visit the event page for more details.

Tualatin Hills Nature Center Updates:

15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton

Nature Play Park (Drop-In Program)

Saturday, May 9, 10-1 pm, no pre-registration, youth drop-in fee

When the park is too wet and cold, come play with us indoors—where nature comes inside! Join us in our warm and cozy indoor space where you and your little one can play, learn, and connect with nature—rain or shine. Our self-guided activity stations offer grown-ups a simple, engaging framework to explore nature-based play alongside their children. You’ll also find thoughtful parent resources and inquiry prompts designed to spark curiosity and support meaningful conversations about the natural world. Adult supervision is required; adults get in for free and must be accompanying a youth participant. Visit the event page for more details.

Nature Board Game Night

Friday, May 15, 6-9 pm, ages 21+, register here, $18.75/adult

Compete with fellow nature enthusiasts to build habitats, collect resources, and more. Drinks available for purchase.

Native Plant Work Party

Saturday, May 16, 10-12 pm, 15655 SW Millikan Way

Help us spruce up the Native Plant Garden at Tualatin Hills Nature Park! Volunteers will help weed and mulch, as needed. Please bring a reusable water bottle to drink throughout the day. Tools and gloves will be provided. No gardening experience necessary. Please visit the event page for more details.

Cedar Hills Rec Center Updates:

11640 SW Park Way

Earth Science

Wednesdays, May 6-June 3, 10:15-11 am, ages 3-5, register here, $48 (in-district)/$60 (out-of-district)

Parents and kids become scientists and learn about the world through outdoor exploration & scientific observation.

Kid’s Cooking Club Series-Cupcake Wars

Friday, May 29, 6-8 pm, ages 8-10, register here, $39 (in-district)/$48.75 (out-of-district)

Cook, learn kitchen safety, and gain culinary skills.

Kids’ Night Out

Friday, May 15, 6-9 pm, ages 5-10, register here, $54 (in-district)/$67.50 (out-of-district)

Parents can sign up their kids for a night filled with games, crafts, and popcorn! We’ll end the night with a movie & pizza dinner.

Elsie Stuhr Center Updates:

Elsie Stuhr Center, 5550 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton

Painting Workshop

Mondays, April 2-May 28, 9:15-12:15 pm, ages 55+, register here, $219 (in-district)/$197 (senior)/$273.75 (out-of-district)

Multi-level painting workshop with individualized instruction in oils, acrylics, watercolor or pastels.

Fraud Prevention

Wednesday, May 27, 10-11 am, ages 55+, register here, free

Learn how to recognize and prevent scams in this presentation focused on elder abuse and financial exploitation.

Lincoln City Trip

Thursday, May 28, 8 am-4:30 pm, register here, $53 (in-district)/$47.50 (senior)/$66.25 (out-of-district)

Enjoy a day trip to Lincoln City with stops at Chinook Winds Casino and the Lincoln City Outlet Mall.

Garden Home Rec Center Updates:

7475 SW Oleson Rd., Portland

DIY Beauty Lab

Tuesday, May 5, 3:45-5:15 pm, ages 7-10, register here, $51 (in-district)/$63.75 (out-of-district)

A hands-on class, students will learn how to make their own beauty and spa items like lip balm, soap, candles, and more!

NEW Workshops for teens & adults

Crochet, Calligraphy: Hand Lettering 101, Watercolor Wonders: Flowers & Birthday Cards, and more throughout the month of May. Visit the class list for registration.

NEW Saturday family workshops

Family STEAM Lab, Family Beauty Lab, and Family Art Studio are available. Join us for fun the whole family can enjoy together throughout the month of May. Visit the class list for registration.

Inclusive Spring Fling Dance

Saturday, May 23, 6-7:30 pm, hosted at Elsie Stuhr Center, 5550 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton, register here, $5.75 (in-district)/$8 (out-of-district)

This is an all-abilities silent dance. This drop-in dance is open to all ages and all abilities.

NEW Teen (TR) Takeover

Wednesdays, May 6 & 20, 5-6:30 pm, hosted at Elsie Stuhr Center, 5550 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton, ages 13-20, register here, $5.75 (in-district)/$8 (out-of-district)

A sensory-friendly hangout where teens play games, make art, listen to music. Pre-registration is required to join.

New volunteer software

THPRD is adopting a new software package to manage volunteers. If you’re a current volunteer, you have likely already received information from the district, but more info is available here if you didn’t get it. The switch may require you to enter recent hours.

May Events from THPRD near Cedar Mill

BSD Track & Field Sunset High Volunteer Opportunity

Thursday, May 7, 5-8:30 pm, Sunset High, 13840 NW Cornell Road

Volunteer while supporting BSD middle school students do their best competing at local track meets. Volunteers will welcome athletes, provide support with timekeeping and help run various meet stations throughout the evening. Please bring a reusable water bottle to drink from throughout your shift. Please visit the event page for more details.

Willow Creek Greenway Boardwalk Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, May 7, 4-5 pm, Waterhouse Trail at the soccer field, free

Ribbon cutting gathering and photo opportunity for the public agencies and dignitaries that helped fund the Willow Creek Greenway Boardwalk effort. Please visit the event page for more details.

Serenity Park Grand Opening

Saturday, May 30, 12-2 pm, 7360 SW Pointer Road, Portland, free

Join THPRD for a sweet celebration of the grand opening of Serenity Park with free ice cream or root beer float, crafts & games, and the Nature & Rec Mobile! This is a neighborhood event to walk, roll, or bike to. Parking is limited. Please visit the event page for more details.

Día de los Niños

Sunday, May 31, 11-1 pm, Cedar Hills Rec Center, 11640 SW Park Way, Portland, free

Join us to celebrate Día de los Niños centered on literacy, stories, and learning! This special day welcomes children from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds to explore the joy and power of reading. Families will enjoy activities such as bilingual story time, lotería, and hands-on arts and crafts that inspire creativity. Children will also receive FREE books to take home, encouraging reading beyond the event! Join us as we nurture young readers and celebrate culture! Please visit the event page for more details.