Grand opening of Winkelman Park set for Aug. 20

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District invites the public to a grand opening of Paul & Verna Winkelman Park on Cooper Mountain in Aloha.

The event will occur on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and include free food, fun and prizes. The THPRD Rec Mobile and Nature Mobile will provide activities for children and Park Patrol will distribute stickers.

In addition, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will be there with a K-9 Unit dog and handler. Community partners scheduled include Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue with a fire truck and the sheriff’s office crime prevention team with an information table.

A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by THPRD General Manager Doug Menke is planned about 6:30 p.m.

Located at 10139 SW 175th in Aloha, Paul & Verna Winkelman Park opened on June 1 following a 12-month construction project that was funded by THPRD’s 2008 voter-approved bond measure. The developed portion of the 20-acre site features a two-acre dog park and a multipurpose youth athletic field with backstop. It also offers parking and a perimeter pathway.

The dog park is fully fenced and partitioned into a small dog paddock, all-season
area with wood chips, and a large grassy area for pooches of all sizes to run and play off-leash. The athletic field, made of natural grass, will be used for a variety of sports, including soccer, lacrosse, football, baseball and softball.

The district plans to add Phase II - including a community garden, sheltered picnic seating, play areas, and more - at a later date when additional funds become available.

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, 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.