THPRD receives four achievement awards from state recreation association

The Oregon Recreation & Park Association has honored the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District with four achievement awards.

Individuals singled out for their service to ORPA were Joe Blowers, current president of the THPRD Board of Directors, and Leslie Mundt, a program coordinator in THPRD’s Sports Department. Also honored were THPRD’s design team for the Elsie Stuhr Center makeover and the Aquatics Department for excellence in programming.

In addition, Ann Satterfield, health and wellness program coordinator at the Stuhr Center, was recognized as past president of the association.

The awards were announced at ORPA's annual conference in Medford last month. Stephanie Redman, ORPA executive director, also recognized the winners at THPRD's monthly board of directors meeting on Oct. 1.

"It is a privilege to honor these professionals," Redman said. "They care deeply about parks and recreation in Oregon, and ORPA, THPRD and the people of Oregon all benefit from their dedicated service."

ORPA’s Natural Resources Section honored Blowers for his work during the past 10 years “showing outstanding leadership, innovation, creativity and dedication in the natural resources field.”

Mundt was recognized for her longtime commitment to ORPA’s Recreational Sports Section. She has served as section president numerous times and helped write legislation that led to a highly successful sports training program used by ORPA.
Mundt, a past president of ORPA, previously received the association’s David E. Clark Professional Honor Award (2005) and its Special Citation Award (2001).

THPRD’s Stuhr Center, for patrons 55+, was selected for ORPA’s annual Design Award. The Park District earlier this year completed a substantial renovation and expansion of the center, which is located near downtown Beaverton. Design of the structure was a collaborative effort of staff, community volunteers, and consultants led by Peter Foster of THPRD’s Planning Department and Tim Wybenga of TVA Architects.

The Park District’s Aquatics Department was honored for an initiative to increase attendance at open swims. Sabrina Taylor Schmitt, Aloha Swim Center supervisor, spearheaded the purchase of two large inflatable water toys. The inflatables were rotated among THPRD’s eight pools this past summer and proved to be so popular they will now be used throughout the year on specified days.

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning
about 50 square miles and serving more than 220,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational and educational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of diverse classes, 90 park sites with 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.