Congresswoman Bonamici Toured THPRD Facilities - Shining a Spotlight on Federal Grant Request for Emergency Shelter Funding

August 17, 2023: Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington, Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, THPRD Board President Alfredo Moreno, and many other local officials toured THPRD facilities at the H.M.T. Complex today to shine a spotlight on THPRD’s application for federal grant funding to aid in infrastructure improvements to support sheltering people during emergencies.

Congresswoman Bonamici is championing the grant request in Congress, with a decision hopefully coming later this year. THPRD has applied for nearly $950,000 in federal funds that would provide vital infrastructure improvements to facilities to enable the district to provide more comfortable spaces to people during extreme emergencies.

THPRD has been activated 36 days over the past two years, providing cooling spaces during extreme heat waves, warming spaces during winter weather storms, and providing shelter during wildfire events. THPRD recently adopted the Washington County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and is considered a vital partner to provide emergency shelter space during regional incidents.

“THPRD is honored to work with our county and city leaders to stand up shelters when the time comes,” said Board President Moreno. “Park and recreation centers are trusted community gathering spaces and it is vital we invest in these facilities to make sure they can take care of the community when called upon.”

THPRD expects to receive a final decision on the grant ask in late 2023. If successful, the proposed grant would add air conditioning to the Cedar Hills Recreation Center and Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center gyms as well as the tennis courts at the Babette Horenstein Tennis Center. The grant would also provide air filtration system upgrades to six THPRD facilities, improving air quality.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 people in the greater Beaverton area. The district oversees year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of recreational classes, 117 parks, nearly 70 miles of trails, and 162 natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.