Connect > THPRD buys land from churches for future park, natural area
THPRD buys land from churches for future park, natural area
December 09, 2013
The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District has acquired additional land to support implementation of its 2008 voter-approved bond measure.
Two properties – one for a neighborhood park and the other for a natural area – were recently purchased from local churches in separate deals totaling slightly more than $1.5 million.
"Adding land now for future recreational opportunities is a benefit for all of our residents," said Doug Menke, THPRD general manager. "Parks and natural areas give us the chance to play, relax, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and reap the benefits that clean water, fresh air and local wildlife bring to our neighborhoods."
The future natural area was obtained from the Church of the Nazarene for $480,000. The undeveloped, 2.23-acre parcel, at SW Hall Boulevard and SW 22nd Street in Beaverton, includes a mix of Douglas fir, big leaf maples, Oregon white oak, and an understory of native and non-native shrubs.
A paved path, maintained by the City of Beaverton, lies along the west and north sides of the property. THPRD staff will soon conduct a natural resources inventory and design a habitat improvement plan for the site.
The second purchase adds 2.97 acres to the district's inventory of land for future park development. Acquired from the Living Hope Fellowship Church, the land (located at 17915 SW Alexander Street in Aloha) is currently an open field with one residence and two storage buildings. The district plans to develop the property within the next few years with a youth athletic field using bond measure funds allocated for that purpose.
Purchase price was $1.023 million. A separate agreement will allow public use of the church’s parking lot at certain times.
THPRD’s bond measure is designated to preserve natural areas, develop new trails and trail connections, add athletic fields, and upgrade or expand parks and recreational facilities across the district. One-third of the measure ($33.6 million) is earmarked for land acquisition.
For information on specific projects, visit www.thprd.org/bondprojects.
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.
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Contact:
Bob Wayt
Director – Communications
503/614-1218 (direct)
503/686-5134 (cell)
Date: December 9, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Click here for official release (PDF).