THPRD's 13th Annual Party In The Park Features A Festival Of Free Fun

On Saturday, July 28, Party in the Park returns with a dizzying array of activities for those in search of free fun.

The daylong festival, now in its 13th year, is presented by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District at the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex, 15707 SW Walker Road, Beaverton.

Party in the Park features a wide variety of family-oriented activities that run primarily from 11 am to 4 pm. All activities are free except for the Family Triathlon (9 am start) that carries a small entry fee to offset expenses.

“Party in the Park is our largest community event of the year and has become a real institution in our area, an event that patrons look forward to every year,” said THPRD General Manager Doug Menke. “It’s a great way for families, neighbors and friends to celebrate summer together. They also get a small sampling of the many recreational activities we offer.”

Returning attractions include a rocket-building station, “Join the Circus,” and two theaters offering puppet shows and roaming performers.

These complement a traditional entertainment lineup that includes several giant inflatable toys (Field 5), three climbing walls (Field 4), arts and crafts, and face painting.

The Family Triathlon kicks off the day’s activities at 9 am. This non-competitive event includes a 50-yard swim, two-mile bike ride, and half-mile run. Participants can preregister at thprd.org. The event includes a free helmet fitting and replacement station and minor bicycle repair, both provided by the Northwest Bicycle Safety Council.

The Beaverton Police Department’s popular K-9 Unit demonstration is scheduled from 11:30 am to 1 pm. The athleticism and discipline of these elite dogs always excites the crowd.

On Field 5, along with the inflatables, guests will be able to play bocce, futsal, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, and cornhole.

Free drop-in tennis will be available from 11 am to 4 pm on the Stadium Court; equipment will be provided by THPRD. Inside the Athletic Center, drop-in basketball, badminton, volleyball and table tennis will be offered. The outdoor courts will have basketball and pickleball along with mini tennis with low-compression balls.

At the Aquatic Center, two sessions of free swimming are planned: 1:30-3:30 pm and 4-6 pm.

The THPRD Rec Mobile will offer a sampling of games and activities for guests of all ages, and the THPRD Nature Mobile will provide nature and science learning opportunities, activities and games. The park district’s Wellness on Wheels van will host group fitness activities for older adults.

A diverse selection of food and beverages will be offered by Saigon Bowl Vietnamese Eatery, Dogs and Fries, Two Wahines Shave Ice, Doug’s Kettle Corn, and THPRD’s Athletic Center concessionaire.

Although parking is free for all Party in the Park activities, space is limited. The HMT Complex is served by bus routes 59 and 67, and bicycle racks are available. In addition, THPRD will run a shuttle between the complex and the Merlo Road/SW 158th MAX light rail station from 10:30 am to 5 pm.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 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, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.