Wilsonville Memorial Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wilsonville Memorial Park |
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Play area at Murase Plaza in Memorial Park
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| Type | Public, city |
| Location | Wilsonville, Oregon United States |
| Area | 126 acres (510,000 m2) |
| Created | 1969 |
| Operated by | Wilsonville Parks & Recreation |
| Status | open |
| Website | Memorial Park |
Wilsonville Memorial Park is a big public park in Wilsonville, Oregon, USA. It opened in 1969 and is the largest and oldest park in the city. The park is about 126-acre (51 ha) in size.
You can find it off Wilsonville Road, just east of Interstate 5. The park has lots of cool things to do. There's a plaza with fun water features, sports fields and courts, walking trails, a skatepark, and places for picnics. It also has a special area for dogs and playgrounds for kids. Part of the park is right next to the Willamette River and even has a public boat dock where you can launch boats.
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Park History
Wilsonville became a city in 1969. That same year, the city bought about 61 acres (25 ha) of land along the Willamette River. This land was set aside to become Wilsonville Memorial Park.
In 1987, people in Wilsonville voted to approve a special fund. This fund helped the city buy another 41.5 acres (16.8 ha) for Memorial Park. This new land was also along the Willamette River. The city also built new restrooms near the river in 1988.
In 1989, the park's name was changed to Phillip R. Balsiger Memorial Park. This was to honor Wilsonville's first mayor, who helped create the city and the park. However, some people didn't like the name change. They felt they weren't asked about it. So, a group of citizens asked for the original name to be brought back. The city council agreed, and the park became Wilsonville Memorial Park again in November 1989.
In 1990, the city hired a design company to make a plan for the park. At that time, much of the park was undeveloped. The developed part had baseball and softball fields, plus playground equipment. In 1991, the city approved plans to build more in the western part of the park. This included new roads, parking lots, a playground, and a lighted tennis court.
In 1993, Wilsonville bought more land for the park, adding 22 acres (8.9 ha) to the north end. In 1996, a Boy Scout Eagle Project helped reopen the community garden in the park. Later that year, new basketball courts were added. These courts were built with help from companies like Nike. In 1998, the city approved adding a skatepark to Memorial Park. The skatepark opened in 2000, partly paid for by donations.
In 2006, Murase Plaza opened in the park's northwest corner. This area added cool water features and an outdoor stage (amphitheater) to Memorial Park. The water features were briefly closed in 2006 because of water quality issues. In 2008, the historic Stein Homestead Barn in the park was reopened after being fixed up.
What's Inside the Park?
Wilsonville Memorial Park is the city's biggest and oldest park, covering 126 acres (51 ha). It sits between the Willamette River and Wilsonville Road. A small stream called Boeckman Creek also flows through the park.
The park has many fun things to do. You can find walking trails, sports areas, wooded spots, and picnic areas. There are also restrooms and plenty of parking.
Murase Plaza is a special part of the park. It has an amphitheater for performances and cool water features where you can splash around. The plaza is named after Robert Murase, who designed it.
Sports and Play Areas
If you like sports, Memorial Park has lots of options. There's one full-sized basketball court and a smaller half-sized one. You can also play on two tennis courts and a beach volleyball court.
For field sports, there's one baseball field and four softball fields. These fields can also be used as three soccer fields. The park also has the only skatepark in Wilsonville, perfect for skateboarding and scootering.
Other Fun Features
The park has several picnic shelters where you can have parties or gatherings. The River Shelter can hold up to 200 people, and the Forest Shelter holds 150. There's also a smaller shelter near the sports fields.
If you have a dog, there's a special dog park area where your furry friend can run off-leash. The park also has restrooms, picnic tables, and playgrounds for younger kids.
The Stein Homestead Barn is a community building in the park. It was built way back in 1901 and was fixed up in 2008. It's now used for different events and gatherings. You can also find a public boat dock for river access.
Nature and Wildlife
Memorial Park also has beautiful natural areas. There are forested parts and wetlands. A northern part of the park is called Owl Woods because great horned owls live there.
You might also see other birds like wrens, woodpeckers, and even bald eagles sometimes. The park is home to a special tree called the Ernest Kolbe Giant Sequoia. It's one of the city's important heritage trees. The park also has a community garden where people can grow plants.
Park Events
During the summer, the park hosts "Art in the Park" for children. This craft program happens once a week and started in 2004.
In July and August, you can enjoy "Movies in the Park." This program shows free movies on select Friday nights. The park also holds an annual Easter Egg hunt.
Wilsonville Celebration Days used to be held at Memorial Park. However, that event is now held at Town Center Park.
