Hillsboro's first all-inclusive park and playground is being built, and those who will use the park say it's a necessary addition in town.
The park taking shape on 11 acres of land right next to the Hidden Creek Community Center aims to provide a place where all children can play, regardless of disability.
"I think it's something I've been waiting for ever since I began teaching 20 years ago," said Angie James of Orenco Elementary School's Life Skills classroom. "Having a place where they can actually play in a meaningful way is going to be awesome."
She and her students walked over to the groundbreaking event for the new park, held on Friday, Oct. 14. Normally, to organize a field trip for so many students with extra needs, it would take five school buses at a cost of about $400.
"Now, we can walk here whenever we want," James said.
The park is expected to be finished by the end of next summer or in fall 2023. Once completed, it will be Hillsboro's first and only park that is purpose-built to be accessible for people with wheelchairs, gait-assistance strollers and other equipment, or for those who require special accommodations to their play.
Instead of wood chips or bark mulch, the play surface will be a solid, rubberized surface that won't impede wheel movement or make for a tripping hazard. The walkways and access ramps to the playground will be wider than at existing parks, and the restrooms and other amenities will be built to accommodate people with disabilities as well.
"My job is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to recreation," said Jessica Stark, Hillsboro's adaptive recreation and inclusion supervisor. "It doesn't just happen. You have to build it."
Becky Berger, founder of Griffin's Place, a nonprofit that supports children with disabilities — named after Berger's own son, who was diagnosed with autism — spoke about the importance of including those with physical or developmental disabilities.
"We believe all of society benefits from integration, not just the individuals themselves," she said at the groundbreaking.
Officials also say the park will be key to tying into existing recreation programs offered through the Hidden Creek Community Center and the second phase of construction there, which will include an aquatic park.
"We're really excited to deliver this to the community," said Jeroen Kok, Hillsboro's planning and development manager. "It's a great compliment to what we're trying to do here at Hidden Creek … (and) it ties nicely into the city council's goals for diversity."
The crown jewel of the park will be the 54-foot-long and 20-foot-tall statue dubbed the property's "friendly forest giant." The name of the giant was officially announced during the celebration as Oro, the Spanish word for gold and a symbol of generosity and friendship.
Oro will be made of Alaskan yellow cedar and hardwood plywood, with his outer cladding comprised of accoya wood.
Not only will the giant sculpture be a large piece of artwork and engineering, Oro is also a play structure in and of himself. His hollow body will serve as tunnels and play rooms for children to climb inside. Even wheelchairs will be able to fit inside.
Overall, the project is estimated to cost around $14 million, with $12.4 million of that going to the construction elements themselves.
The as-yet-unnamed park is currently being called the Park at 53rd Avenue West. Hillsboro's Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Oct. 25 includes an agenda item to consider its permanent name.
The event concluded with a "seed scattering," where attendees who were provided with a free bag of clarkia and lupine seeds all coordinated a tossing of the seeds. Speakers said it was a reflection of the community engagement and partnerships that went into making this park a reality.
"We want to create a community where everyone feels respected, included and safe," said parks commission chair Gwynne Pitts.