News Release
THPRD's Elsie Stuhr Center to celebrate 35 years of service
02/05/2010
The Elsie Stuhr Center will celebrate 35 years of service to Beaverton-area seniors on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
A slideshow of the center’s history will be available for viewing during the celebration. The party will also include remarks by THPRD and City of Beaverton officials, followed by birthday cake and ice cream and entertainment by magician Jeff Martin.
“This is a chance for us to celebrate who we are and what we do here,” said Stuhr Center Supervisor LindaJo Enger. “For many people, this center is their lives. This is a chance to celebrate them. It’s also a chance to celebrate our volunteers and 35 years of working cooperatively with the city.”
The Stuhr Center, owned and operated by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, is located at 5550 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton. Named in honor of THPRD co-founder Elsie Stuhr, the center offers programs, classes and drop-in activities Monday through Saturday that are specifically designed for residents "55 and better."
Over time, the Stuhr Center has grown dramatically in popularity. Dedicated on Feb. 18, 1975, the center had a membership of 2,000 by the end of that year. Today, the Stuhr Center receives more than 130,000 visits annually.
The Stuhr Center's program offerings include health and fitness instruction, arts and crafts, social events, and classes geared to the interests of seniors. Also available are group tour opportunities ranging from Oregon day trips to multi-day adventures in the U.S. and abroad. For more information, call the center at 503/629-6342.
The center is about to undergo the fourth renovation in its history: a project to enlarge the fitness room, expand and remodel the lobby and reception area, create 13 additional parking spaces, and make structural upgrades. The north parking lot will be repaved with a sustainable, pervious material.
The $1.5 million project is funded by THPRD's November 2008 bond measure. Planning is under way and construction is set to begin in the spring of 2011. For more information, visit www.thprd.org/bondprojects/project.cfm?id=41&projectname=Elsie Stuhr Center -- expansion.
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving more than 200,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational and educational opportunities for people of all ages. Offerings include a wide variety of classes and more than 200 park sites, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,300 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.
| Contact: Bob Wayt Director – Communications 503/614-1218 (direct) 503/686-5134 (cell) |
Date: February 5, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Click here for official release (PDF). |
