Parks News November 2025

November 3, 2025   Uncategorized

Updates from the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District (THPRD). More event information and registration details can be found online at thprd.org.

THPRD honored with Community Partnership Award

The Beaverton School District honored THPRD with their Community Partnership Award in October. THPRD was selected for a new partnership the two agencies started this year on charity drives. Donation drives THPRD led over the past year included prom dresses, clothing, shoes, hygiene products, diapers, and more.

Bond Task Force is underway

Community members have been meeting to review THPRD’s draft proposal for a bond measure for the May 2026 ballot to replace the district’s 2008 bond measure that will be ending soon. The district is considering asking voters to continue the tax rate, approved in 2008, to fund capital replacement repairs, maintenance improvements, and safety repairs, for the next 20 years. The task force is expected to share their recommendations with the Board of Directors in December.

Emerald Ash Borer detection and response

While conducting monitoring checks at Hazeldale Park, THPRD staff discovered Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). It is an invasive forest insect that attacks and kills ash trees, posing a serious threat to our local urban forest, including trees located on both public and private properties. Staff will be conducting assessments and implementing necessary safety measures to address the health of ash trees on THPRD-managed land. Learn more about EAB at OregonEAB.com. See Garden & Nature News for more EAB information.

Newt Day is back

Saturday, November 8, 12-4 pm, Tualatin Hills Nature Center

Explore hands-on activities, discovery stations, self-guided park exploration, and more. This is a free event courtesy of the Friends of the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Learn more at thprd.org/events.

Pacific Office Automation

Nature Board Game Night

Friday, November 21, 6-9 pm, Tualatin Hills Nature Center, registration required

Looking for a fun night out surrounded by nature lovers and good vibes? Join us for Nature Board Game Night! Bring your friends or come solo and meet new ones as you dive into our collection of nature-themed board games. Relax, unwind, and enjoy an evening of friendly competition, laughter, and connection. Beer and cider will be available for purchase (21+ event).

Nature Day-Off Camps

Nature Day-off camps are a great way to make new friends and have fun while discovering nature, for kids ages 7-13. Expand your knowledge of science, learn about plants and animals, and hike two to five miles daily. Bring a lunch, drinking water, two snacks, and a backpack daily. Dress for the weather. Camps are held at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way. Learn more and register here.

Newts about the Nature Park

Monday, November 10, 8-5, fee, registration required

Rough-skinned newts are the most poisonous animal in Oregon! Join us as we explore their home, learn all about their fascinating life cycle, and if luck is on our side, we might even get to meet one up close. Don’t miss out on this newt-tastic adventure!

Rocks and Blocks

Tuesday, November 11, 8-5, fee, registration required

Dig into the science of geology and learn how rocks and minerals shape and build our world. Learn how geologists identify real-life rocks such as cobblestone, obsidian, andesite, and get into creative game mode as we engineer our own world through rocks and blocks.

Autumn Snapshots

Monday, November 24, 8-5, fee, registration required

Capture the magic of fall in a natural world painted in red, orange, and yellow! Join us in the park to practice our nature photography skills and special frame to showcase your favorite shot of the day.

Local Harvest

Tuesday, November 25, 8-5, fee, registration required

Get ready for some dirty fingernails as we learn about where food comes from. Learn to cook with the delicious fruits and vegetables grown here in the Pacific Northwest.

Eco-Art

Wednesday, November 26, 8-5, fee, registration required

View nature from the perspective of an artist. Learn about the elements of art including textures and form, while gathering inspiration and materials from the natural world. Apply our observations in the assembling of your artistic creation.

Winter Break Camps

Keep your kids active and engaged during the holiday break. Sign up now for a THPRD winter break camp. Locations include Cedar Hills Rec Center and the Nature Park.

Autumn Afternoon Tea Party and Hat Contest

Friday, November 14, 2-3:30 pm, Elsie Stuhr Center, Registration Required

Enjoy tea, treats, and community fun complete with a hat contest. More details and registration available online.

High School Basketball

Winter High School Basketball Registration Closes November 24. Sign up your high schooler for our recreational basketball league. You can register with a team in mind or as an individual.

THRIVE No-school days

THRIVE No School Days are November 10 and 24-26 from 7:30 am-6 pm. We offer full-day care for THRIVE families when schools are not in session due to holidays or staff development days. There’s an additional fee of $65 for each full-day session.

Youth leadership opportunities for teens

RISE is a leadership program where youth, ages 13-17, can develop the necessary leadership and communication skills to join the workforce. Learn more about youth opportunities online at thprd.org.

Volunteer at a THPRD event this fall

THPRD is always recruiting volunteers to help out with a number of upcoming events. These events focus on a wide range of activities like habitat restoration, garden work parties, and community celebrations. Sign up at thprd.org/volunteer.

Coach youth fall sports: THPRD is looking for adults who can provide an enjoyable learning environment for youth athletes, while promoting participants’ physical, social and personal development. Coaches are needed to assist with volleyball now, plus basketball later this fall. Get more information and apply to be a coach online