Butternut Creek Park

Park Overview

Found in South Hillsboro, Oregon, Butternut Creek Park spans a cozy 5 acres and is a go-to spot for locals seeking outdoor fun. This park offers a variety of options for visitors of different ages and interests.

At the heart of the park lies a generous central lawn where you can toss a frisbee or simply stretch out on the grass. A looped sidewalk encircles this open space - great for little ones just mastering their tricycle skills or anyone looking to get their steps in. The smooth, well-maintained paths also make this a great place to break out those rollerblades collecting dust in your garage.

Being relatively new, the park is still growing into itself. The trees are young and don't offer much shade yet, though more are being planted to create cooler spots in the coming years. The open layout gives a wonderful sense of space, but be prepared for some breeziness on windy days.

Recreation Facilities

The modern playground is equipped with a seesaw, four swings (two standard and two baby-friendly), a spinning structure, and a slide with attached climbing features. While older children will find plenty to keep them entertained, options might be somewhat limited for the under-5 crowd.

When temperatures rise, the splash pad provides a simple but effective way for kids to cool off. Conveniently, it's positioned near the covered picnic area, so parents can stay dry while supervising.

Sports enthusiasts can shoot some hoops at the basketball court, while cycling fans have something special to look forward to. The park features both a bike skills course and a pump track that cater to riders of all levels. Regardless of whether you're just finding your balance or looking to polish your technique, the combination of the dirt pump track and small paved track makes this an ideal cycling playground.

Additional Amenities

The park includes a natural turf dog park where dogs can run free and socialize off-leash. It's typically kept clean and well-maintained - always a plus when it comes to dog areas.

Planning a small gathering? The park's covered picnic shelter can comfortably seat about 15 people, and there are charcoal BBQ facilities available for cooking up some outdoor favorites. It works well for birthday celebrations or casual family get-togethers.

You can find gender-neutral restrooms at the park, but note that they're typically locked during winter months and open during summer. The water fountains follow the same seasonal schedule, so you might want to bring your own water bottle during off-season visits.

Accessibility

With its paved pathways and thoughtfully designed facilities, Butternut Creek Park welcomes visitors of all abilities. The layout is particularly smart, with amenities grouped together on one side, creating both active zones and quieter areas for relaxation.

The park's peaceful atmosphere makes it a lovely escape from the daily grind. While you might miss extensive shade on hot summer days, watching this park grow and develop over the years will be part of its charm. Butternut Creek Park, though relatively new, has become a nice space for the South Hillsboro neighborhood.