The Park Site Today
The southeast 13 acres of the site are fully constructed and are in use. The 53rd Avenue Sports Fields, artificial turf multi-sport fields, were opened for use in summer 2008. A concession and restrooms building was added in spring 2009. Recently completed just north of the sports fields are a plaza area with fountain,  tennis courts, basketball courts and additional parking. The Oregon Parks & Recreation Department awarded a $500,000 grant of Oregon Lottery funds to Hillsboro Parks & Recreation to help with construction of this portion of the park. In addition, the Hillsboro Soccer Club committed $10,000 toward the project. A grant of $5,000 from the United States Tennis Association Pacific Northwest Section also helped with the construction of the tennis courts.
Future Plans
A plan for development of the west side of 53rd Avenue has been completed, but construction dates are not finalized and will depend on funding availability. This portion will include grassy open areas, trails, an existing forested area, a larger playground, an event pavilion and a classroom with greenhouse.
Funding opportunities are also being pursued for future construction of an indoor recreation center planned for the NE portion of the park site. See the latest plans for this facility: front view; lower level floor plan; upper level floor plan.
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The Planning Process |
Successful design of the 53rd Avenue Community Park meant asking challenging questions and gathering thoughtful answers. As the Hillsboro community planned their new park, many questions  were answered:
- What uses will be included on the site, in the indoor recreation center, and in the future aquatic facility?
- Where will the various elements are placed on the site and in relation to each other?
- How can the park best integrate circulation of pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles with parking and other transportation needs?
- How can we create a unique space that best reflects the community of Hillsboro?
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 To find answers to these and other questions, park developers held meetings with community members and neighbors over five months to obtain feedback and ideas on the needs and expectations of the public regarding park designs. That process helped develop the overall master plan for this truly unique and special community park.
In 2007, the City Council appointed a 14-citizen "53rd Avenue Community Park Indoor Recreation Center Task Force" as part of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation's process to finalize the master plan for the indoor recreation center and explore costs and funding options. See the latest design here.
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Community Meetings |
The Parks Department will continue to seek input from the public as we move forward with future stages of this community park. Community meetings will be planned to gather these ideas and opinions when further planning for the indoor recreation facility begins.
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