Hillsboro: Hidden Creek Park West

We went to Hidden Creek Park West because of the troll. You mean there's a local troll besides the one at Nordic Northwest?

Officially he is a giant named Oro, part of the "Woods Gone Wild" theme.

He is also not merely a decorative giant, but a giant play structure, along with many other interesting and inclusive play structures.

 

It is one of the more creative play areas we have seen, but that extended beyond the play area.

 There are also interesting seating options.

There is ping pong.

There are more strenuous activities for adults as well.

Do pay attention to the instructions before starting. We passed by one man discussing his options for getting down with his family, and I felt like that could probably have been avoided.

I was less impressed with the hammock forest. You have to bring your own hammocks, which makes sense. However, without actual trees there is no shade, and I feel like it would be very exposed. I may be viewing it wrong.

Regardless, there are a lot of options and a lot of ways to enjoy yourself.

If what you want is not at this park, it may very well be nearby. 

In addition to being adjacent to the Hidden Creek Community Center, it is across the street from Hidden Creak Park East, with pickleball courts and cherry blossoms at the right time of year. 

 

Then, on the way we saw a sign for Cornell Creek Park and we knew we were near Noble Woods Park, so there are a lot of options.

But as far as we know, only one has a giant.

COVID: We were there on a sunny day with lots of people, and we still found it possible to maintain social distancing. Maybe not if we had wanted to climb the giant.

Accessibility: This is pretty good. Obviously, not every activity will be for every person; I don't know that you can use mobility aids with the TrekFit Fitness Area.

Still, the trails are pretty navigable and there should be parts that work for all abilities, including some items designed specifically for inclusion.

 At least it shouldn't be boring.

https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/parks-nature/hidden-creek-park-west 

Related posts: 

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2018/07/orenco-woods-nature-park.html 

NW Portland: Bird Alliance of Oregon

Bird Alliance of Oregon on Cornell was having a baby shower, as spring is a busy time for animal rehabbers.

This had previously been an Audubon location; I had visited it long ago.

One thing I remember at the time is that the trails were very steep.

That makes sense; this is the West Hills. The Wildwood Trail that starts in Washington Park, passes through Hoyt Arboretum and connects to Forest Park goes through here too.

In some ways there is not a lot to see; animals are generally kept private as they recover and are readied for a return to nature.

The one exception is Julio, who imprinted on humans when very young and is a permanent resident.

That may make the alliance better for events.

There was lots of cute decor for the baby shower, along with food and games.

 They even had a camera set up so you could view two of the baby owls being cared for.

Their site has information on classes and camps, so there are various ways to participate and support the mission.

COVID: I wore a mask inside the party and at the store. Most of the area is outside. As stated previously...

Accessibility: that outside is steep! For getting around the buildings and even between them, mobility devices should be fine. Once on the trails, even with no impairment I think walking sticks are a good idea. 

https://birdallianceoregon.org/

PDX NE: Walking with Ramona

It is not unusual to see maps with sites related to Beverly Cleary and her books and characters. 

We recently used one provided by Multnomah County Library, released in conjunction with the addition of artwork to the Hollywood branch showing many of Cleary's characters.

About two years ago I wrote about a bust of Cleary at the Central location, but Hollywood is where Cleary herself would have visited.

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2024/07/libraries-milwaukie-estacada-and.html 

It is not the same location; that building is now the Fleur de Lis Bakery and Cafe, which does feature historic photos of the old library on its web site.

https://fleurdelisbakery.com/about 

That's one thing that is kind of fun; so much looks the same.

The Hollywood theater hasn't changed.

The library has gotten much bigger, as has the old school. Once called Fernwood for real and Glenwood in the books, it is now Beverly Cleary School.

I am sure the playground looks different, but there is still a sense of how things would have been.

I used to be surprised that there was a wading pool in the park, as they usually don't have those now. Seasonal fountains, however, have become popular, and became a way to restore the pool.

For readers and re-readers, there probably already was a picture, but seeing the sites makes it become more real. 

The familiarity does not have to be all local. I remember my parents taking me hunting for night crawlers, but I don't know if it was at Grant High School like Henry Huggins, and that's certainly not where they went in King of the Hill.  

However, if you are local and appreciated that connection, then it is kind of special to find yourself on Klickitat Street.

COVID: While you can go inside some of the places, the only place you need to enter is the library, and even that is right at the entrance, with a preview on the outside.

(But yes, I did wear a mask while inside.That's just smart.)

Accessibility: This is mostly good, but the standard access point you are directed to for the sculpture garden on 33rd is up a short flight of stairs. There are other entry points that are not as close to the sculptures. If stairs are a problem, plot a different course, maybe from the playground side.

https://multcolib.org/articles/take-walk-ramonas-neighborhood