Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD)

Quarry of Disappointment: A Nature Lover's Letdown

I'm still fuming after my recent visit to the Quarry Woods Natural Area, which is part of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District. As an avid nature enthusiast and a parent, I was excited to explore this 1.5-acre wooded natural area with my family. However, our experience was marred by several issues that left us feeling frustrated and disappointed. Firstly, the soft surface trail was poorly maintained, with overgrown vegetation and uneven terrain that made it difficult for my kids to navigate. The rock quarry pond, which was supposed to be a highlight, was barely visible due to the excessive growth of plants and trees around it. We were really looking forward to spotting some of the amphibians that call this place home, like the Northwestern salamander or the Pacific chorus frog, but unfortunately, we didn't see any. What's more, the presence of poison oak was not adequately marked or warned about, which is a significant concern for families with young children. I was also disappointed to find that the rental facilities and party packages, which I had considered for my child's upcoming birthday, were not as diverse or customizable as I had hoped. The themed party packages seemed generic and overpriced, and the community spaces were not as clean or well-maintained as I expected. As someone who values community engagement and outdoor activities, I was surprised to find that the district's facilities and services did not live up to my expectations. The Tualatin Hills Nature Center and Cooper Mountain Nature House, which I had visited previously, were not as well-staffed or informative as I had remembered. The Intertwine Trail, which I had heard so much about, was not as well-marked or maintained as I had expected. Overall, our experience with THPRD was a letdown, and I would caution others to manage their expectations when visiting their facilities. With some improvements to maintenance, signage, and community engagement, I believe that THPRD could truly live up to its mission of creating unforgettable moments and bringing communities together.