mission
Hillsboro Parks & Recreation is dedicated to providing diverse, innovative and exceptional recreational and cultural opportunities that enrich the lives of our citizens.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR I am pleased to present to you the Fiscal Year 2012–2013 Annual Report for the Department of Parks & Recreation. As this report indicates, we had a very exciting, challenging and rewarding year as we continued to address the leisure needs of an ever-growing community. Fortunately, we have a very dedicated and creative staff that is committed to delivering the best possible service to Hillsboro. Our work is directed by a very thoughtful Parks & Recreation Commission and supplemented by a vast network of volunteers and partnering organizations. Some of the many highlights from the year include: • • • • • • Wayne Gross, Hillsboro Parks • & Recreation Director • •
acquired 14 acres of land for future parks, extended the Rock Creek Trail from Orchard Park to Wilkins Street, completed the Master Plan for the 42-acre Orenco Woods Nature Park, developed an Indoor Facilities Master Plan, installed a new spray ground at Walnut Street Park, launched a co-ed adult kickball league, assumed management of Showtime at Shute – the free summer concert series, developed a greatly enhanced Youth Advisory Committee, and launched HillboroARTS Magazine.
Beyond the projects and the hundreds of recreation programs and events that we produced, our year was highlighted by the effort to bring professional baseball to Hillsboro. This involved negotiating an agreement with a team and then designing and constructing a ballpark. Normally this would be a multi-year process but all of this was accomplished in a little over a year. Given the strong political leadership from the Mayor and City Council, we were able to come to terms on a 20 year lease agreement with the team that became the Hillsboro Hops. Once a deal was agreed upon, the City assembled a strong team of staff, consultants and contractors to design and build a ballpark within just nine months. The groundbreaking occurred September 21, 2012, and on June 13, 2013, the ribbon was cut and the doors opened to a beautiful state of the art facility. The 4,500 capacity ballpark was completed on time and within budget. The Hops opened the Hillsboro Ballpark in style by entertaining a sellout opening night crowd with a smashing 12 – 1 victory over the Eugene Emeralds. More than just a baseball stadium, the multi-purpose Hillsboro Ballpark will be a tremendous community asset that will be programmed by our Recreation staff with sports leagues, camps, and special events. Our local high school teams will also make use of the all weather turf for soccer, lacrosse, football and baseball. While we fondly reflect on our many accomplishments during the past year, we are eager to continue our work in the new year to provide diverse, innovative and exceptional recreation and cultural opportunities that enrich the lives of our residents. Warmest Regards,
Wayne E. Gross, Director
2012 - 13 Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Annual Report | 3 New Annual Report.indd 3
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