Orchard Park (Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orchard Park |
|
|---|---|
Playground at the park
|
|
| Type | Public, city |
| Location | Hillsboro, Oregon United States |
| Area | 41 acres (170,000 m2) |
| Created | 2003 |
| Operated by | Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department |
| Status | open |
| Website | Orchard Park |
Orchard Park is a fun public park located in Hillsboro, Oregon. It opened in 2003 and covers about 21 acres (8.5 hectares) next to Rock Creek. You can explore nature trails, play on the playground, or try out the nine-hole disc golf course. The local R.E.I. store helps take care of the park through a special 'adopt a park' program.
Contents
Park History: How Orchard Park Began
Buying the Land for the Park
In 1997, a group called Metro bought 21 acres (8.5 hectares) of green space. They used money from a special fund set up to buy natural areas. A family named Nofziger sold the land to Metro. This land was perfect for a new park.
Developing the Park Site
Metro then gave the land to the city of Hillsboro. Hillsboro planned to spend money to turn it into a park. At first, the park was going to be called Nofziger Park. The plan was to keep it mostly as a natural wetland area. There would also be trails along Rock Creek.
In 2001, students from Miller Education Center helped improve the area around Rock Creek. They also collected information about the stream.
Naming and Building Orchard Park
In 2002, the park was renamed Orchard Park. This name honors Hillsboro's farming history. Construction on the first part of the park began in July 2002. Workers built boardwalks, trails, and places to watch wildlife. They also added bridges and a parking lot.
The park officially opened on June 24, 2003. Its design even won an award!
Adding Fun Features
The city thought about adding a disc golf course when the park first opened. They finally built one in 2005. It cost $12,000 to build and was the first disc golf course in a Hillsboro park. The park department sometimes offers free classes to teach people how to play.
In 2005, Hillsboro received a grant to extend the Rock Creek Trail. This trail would connect the park to other areas. The city plans to eventually extend the trail all the way to Rood Bridge Park.
In 2006, R.E.I. donated money to build climbing boulders at the park. These boulders and other play equipment opened in 2008. R.E.I. employees also help improve the park on special volunteer days. The city also plans to build a picnic shelter for visitors.
Park Amenities: What Can You Do at Orchard Park?
Orchard Park is mostly a nature park, but it has some great features for fun!
Disc Golf Course
The park has a free, nine-hole disc golf course. It's about 2,000 feet (610 meters) long. It's the only disc golf course in Hillsboro.
Play Area
Near the parking lot, there's a fun play area. It includes cool climbing boulders, swings, and bouncy spring riders.
Trails and Nature
Orchard Park has about 3,000 feet (914 meters) of paved trails. These trails lead to 700 feet (213 meters) of boardwalks. You'll also find several bridges and three spots to watch wildlife. The trails go through wetlands, open fields, and wooded areas.
You can see lots of nature at the park! Look for deer, beavers, and herons. The park has many types of trees, like Douglas fir, hemlock, alders, and maples. You might also spot cherry trees, dogwoods, elderberry, and Ponderosa pines.
