THPRD's Welcoming Week starts Sept. 10 with free events celebrating Beaverton's immigrant and refugee communities, including a Spanish-language nature festival.

The Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District (THPRD) scheduled the annual observance from Thursday, Sept. 10, through Saturday, Sept. 19. The week follows equity work the district presented to its board in April, when Communications Director Holly Thompson described the approach behind the outreach.

"The district is leading by listening to what our partners who are doing the groundwork are asking for and there is intentionality behind the quiet nature of these actions as it helps with safety concerns," Thompson said at the April 8 board meeting.

Equity and Engagement Manager Lulú Ballesteros and Equity and Belonging Specialist Cinthya Rodriguez Méndez presented at that same meeting on partnerships with community-based organizations that help individuals access services. Board President Alfredo Moreno recognized the district's support of a Refugee and Immigrant U18 Girls World Cup Soccer Tournament as one example of that commitment.

Free Spanish-language nature event

One highlight of Welcoming Week is the Fiesta de Superhéroes de la Naturaleza, a free open-house event for Spanish-speaking families on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 2–6 p.m. at Tualatin Hills Nature Park, 15655 SW Millikan Way. The THPRD listing promises guided hikes, a live band, a bounce house, a craft workshop, a raffle and giveaways.

The following Saturday, Sept. 19, brings Fiesta de Cultura at Evelyn M. Schiffler Memorial Park from noon to 5:30 p.m. Both events are free. The Fiesta de Cultura celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with music, food and cultural activities.

Parkside Building opens after Timbers deal

In August, THPRD consolidated its administrative and maintenance staff into the Parkside Building, located off Greenbrier Road next to the district's flagship HMT campus. The move happened because the Portland Timbers purchased the building THPRD had shared near Highway 217 and Allen Boulevard to expand their operations. The sale of that building enabled THPRD to purchase the Parkside Building next to its flagship campus.

First-floor renovations include a welcoming lobby, public gathering spaces, a new boardroom and a print production room, according to THPRD board records. Board Director Tya Ping toured the building in January alongside Director Palacios.

Cedar Mill Cider Festival and more

The 18th annual Cedar Mill Cider Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. at the John Quincy Adams Young House and Park. The afternoon features food, live music and local history.

Also on Sept. 26, the Elsie Stuhr Center hosts its Annual Health and Wellness Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Fall volleyball leagues are expanding at the Tualatin Hills Athletic Center. Youth leagues begin Sept. 14 with a kickoff jamboree on Sept. 19. Adult leagues start in September and run through December.

Clean Water Services began construction on a stream stabilization project at the west end of Bethany Lake in early August. The work is expected to run through September and aims to protect a sewer line along the berm between Bethany Lake and Rock Creek.

Upcoming THPRD events

  • Sept. 10–19: Welcoming Week
  • Sept. 12: Fiesta de Superhéroes de la Naturaleza, Tualatin Hills Nature Park, 2–6 p.m. (free)
  • Sept. 19: Fiesta de Cultura, Evelyn M. Schiffler Memorial Park, noon–5:30 p.m. (free)
  • Sept. 26: Cedar Mill Cider Festival, JQA Young House and Park, noon–4 p.m.
  • Sept. 26: Health and Wellness Resource Fair, Elsie Stuhr Center, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 30: Jenkins Estate Historical Tour, 10 a.m.–noon

Residents can find details and register at thprd.org.