ADAM MCKIBBEN
SW ’Burbs: WILSONVILLE
E X P LO R E W I L S O N V I L L E
Originally called Boone’s Landing after a descendant of Daniel Boone, Wilsonville got a name change in 1880. The name hasn’t been the only change in its history; Wilsonville has transformed from ferry site to port to train depot, and finally to the southernmost suburb in the Portland-metro area with a major freeway artery running right through its center. Wilsonville families can easily access so many of the state’s rural highlights: Willamette Valley wine country; farms that run the gamut of tulips to Christmas trees; the bikeable Ice Age Tonquin Trail; and more. And Niche.com ranks West Linn-Wilsonville as the No. 2 school district in the state. While residents are
play here Plenty of suburban family fun awaits in Wilsonville. The city boasts one of our area’s most spectacular splash pads at Murase Plaza (top photo) at Memorial Park. Memorial Park also features a skatepark, soccer and baseball fields, a boat dock, picnic areas, sand volleyball, disc golf and pickleball areas, playgrounds, and more. Plus there’s 50 acres of native forest to explore in the park — a perfect way to view wildlife. Graham Oaks Nature Park (pictured above) is another great spot for wildlife viewing — and much of the park is wheelchair-accessible. If your crew is looking for indoor excitement, there’s also a Bullwinkle’s Family Fun Center that features bowling, an arcade, mini golf, bumper boats and much more.
predominantly white (80% per the 2020 census), the city is growing more diverse with each passing year — and neighbors say that diversity is embraced.
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January 2023
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30
Walk Score