Sunday Trailways spotlights Rock Creek Trail on Sept. 22

Building on last year’s successful debut, the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District will stage its second annual Sunday Trailways on Sunday, Sept. 22.

The event will offer free activities, entertainment and awareness for families and individuals at various spots along the THPRD portion of the Rock Creek Regional Trail in the Rock Creek/Bethany area. It will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We created Sunday Trailways to promote awareness of our 60-mile trails system,” said Lisa Novak, THPRD superintendent of Programs and Special Activities. “It’s active, family-oriented, highlights our natural resources, and showcases a non-motorized alternative for suburban travelers.”

An estimated 700 people participated in last year’s inaugural Sunday Trailways on the Fanno Creek Trail. The good turnout and positive feedback from participants prompted THPRD to do it again.

This year’s site, the Rock Creek Trail, extends 3.5 miles within THPRD boundaries from the Rock Creek West Soccer Fields to the Kaiser Woods Natural Area. It offers some compelling scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Sunday Trailways route map

People of all ages and fitness levels are invited to “walk, run, ride or roll” the trail to three designated activity sites: the Rock Creek West Soccer Fields, Bethany Lake Park, and Pirate Park (pictured below).

At those locations, participants will find live music, sports and games, the THPRD Rec Mobile and Nature Mobile, Radio Disney, dance and fitness classes, free basic bicycle repair, bicycle helmet inspection, information, and more. In addition, THPRD Natural Resources specialists will be out on the trail to help participants learn about their natural surroundings.

Activities will go on continuously at each site for all four hours of the event, meaning participants can join them whenever and wherever they like.

Participants are encouraged to visit www.thprd.org for a map and more detailed information about each site. For additional assistance, call 503/645-6433.

At 11 a.m. at Bethany Lake Park, the Park District will dedicate two new segments of the trail that were funded by its 2008 voter-approved bond measure. One connects Northwest Kaiser Road to its intersection with the north-south Westside Regional Trail. The other links Bethany Lake Park to NW West Union Road.

Community partners include the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Bicycle Safety Council, and Sunset Cycles (the latter is also a sponsor). Additional sponsors are Northwest Natural, ePrint, Schulz-Clearwater Sanitation, and Hilton Garden Inn.

About THPRD

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.