Beaverton Swim Center reopens after series of upgrades

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District has reopened the Beaverton Swim Center (12850 SW Third Avenue, Beaverton) on a limited basis following a three-month closure for structural upgrades and other maintenance improvements.

The primary task was to upgrade the center structurally to make it safer in the event of an earthquake. The district also painted the entire interior and exterior of the building, which included brightening the pool area considerably by changing the ceiling color from brown to white.

Other work included resurfacing the pool tank, replacing water heaters and piping, upgrading the roof, and more. The pool was officially reopened to the public on Dec. 4.
Most of the project was funded by THPRD’s 2008 voter-approved bond measure. The balance was covered by the Park District’s annual capital budget.

Besides all the new improvements, the center (located next to Beaverton High School) has a new supervisor. Brian Powers has taken over for Sharron Patapoff, who retired in September after 30 years as head of the facility. Powers previously was supervisor at the Sunset Swim Center, and before that, he managed the Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center.

“It’s not easy succeeding Sharron, but I’m excited to try,” Powers said. “I’m fortunate to have an excellent staff to help me, and I think the center looks great after all the improvements. I look forward to meeting our patrons.”

For more than five decades, the Beaverton Swim Center has been an important recreational outlet for local residents. About 100,000 children and adults use the facility each year for swim lessons, fitness and general swimming. It also provides instruction for more than 400 special needs swimmers annually. In addition, Beaverton and Southridge high schools use the swim center for water polo and swimming programs.

For the remainder of December and through Jan. 3, the center will be open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. on weekends. Starting Jan. 4, it will return to normal schedule: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

• Complete schedule

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.