With the support of the local community, the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department set out to create its first fully inclusive park and playground. While every park in Hillsboro meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there can still be barriers to access that prevent children with cognitive, emotional, sensory, or physical disabilities. Inclusive playgrounds go above and beyond the standard ADA compliance to encourage interactive, creative play for everyone.
The Hidden Creek Park West project broke ground in July of 2022 and involved a new 11-acre lot on the west side of 53rd Avenue in Hillsboro, OR. The park features specialized equipment, safety measures, water play, exercise equipment, a hammock grove, and a 50-foot-long friendly forest giant named ‘Oro’ (meaning ‘gold’ in Spanish).
Both children and adults can explore a variety of new experiences such as navigating a lifelike waterway or using a ‘communications board’ as an effective non-verbal communication tool. The park is thoughtfully designed with spacious all-gender restrooms, six accessible parking spaces, and visually appealing fencing that ensures parents have peace of mind.
Partnering with the general contractor, P&C Construction, Goodfellow Bros. provided heavy civil earthwork, underground utilities, and offsite improvements. The project involved the management and placement of 4,000 CY. of fill material, the majority of which was imported to the site, while approximately one-third originated from onsite cuts. Additionally, a 4,700-square-foot underground detention system was installed to manage stormwater runoff. The project also included the installation of 5,100 linear feet (LF) of wet utilities, which encompassed water, sewer, and storm drain infrastructure. Furthermore, the site grading was executed to prepare for 116,426 square feet of finished surfacing, ensuring proper drainage and foundation for subsequent construction phases.
“My favorite part of this project was just how much the community has embraced it,” said Laurie DeVos, City of Hillsboro Parks & Rec Project Manager. “This park isn’t just a space; it’s a vibrant, accessible hub for all ages and abilities. We couldn’t have asked for better partners in GBI and P&C to bring our vision to life. They were true collaborators and delivered a quality project our entire community is proud of.”
In June 2024, the project received an Oregon DJC Top Project Award and was recognized for its inclusive design, further connecting and strengthening the Hillsboro community.
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