This content was published: June 24, 2015. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District: Get Your Nature Play on While Volunteering!
Posted by hannah.cherry
Nature play is any kind of play that takes place in nature and/or with natural elements. This type of play has proven to be a valuable part of childhood development and because of this, the Park District is at the forefront of providing two different types of nature play areas locally, including (1) Off-trail play areas that involve the designation of existing natural areas for unstructured free-play, allowing kids to discover and participate with nature on their own terms; and (2) Natural playscapes that involve the design of nature-inspired play areas, incorporating natural elements and built play structures to provide for a sensory experience of nature and a variety of play activities.
We are looking for volunteers to survey patron use of these nature play areas, which will help the district better understand how nature play areas are being used by the public. Surveys can be performed at any time of day, year-round. Participants are expected to volunteer a at least 1 hour each week for a minimum of 3 months.
Contact Information
Melissa Marcum, Natural Resources Volunteer Coordinator
mmarcum@thprd.org | 503/629-6305 x2720
About the Organization
With a 59-year history of developing classes, facilities, services, and events for residents, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) provides year-round recreational and educational opportunities for people of all ages in the Beaverton, Oregon area. Offerings include thousands of broadly diverse classes and more than 200 park sites, 60 miles of trail, and 1,400 acres of natural area, in addition to eight swim centers and six recreation centers.
The Natural Resources Department at THPRD manages the natural areas, which provide a variety of benefits including ecosystem services, recreation, trails and learning opportunities. The Natural Resources Department serves as the steward of these areas, and also provides:
- Management of wildlife habitat and native plant communities.
- Educational programs, events, and activities throughout the Park District, with the Tualatin Hills Nature Center serving as the hub.
- Information about and coordination of the Park District’s trail network.
- Direction for volunteer and community service projects that are available to the public and support environmental education, trail stewardship, and the restoration of natural areas.