Dallas’ place to play and explore
DALLAS CITY PARK, ARBORETUM OFFERS OUTDOOR RECREATION
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his year especially, time to relax and walk off the stress of a pandemic-influenced life is vital. Tucked away in Dallas City Park is a place the combines history and nature that is the perfect place to take your mind to a better place. The Delbert Hunter Arboretum is dedicated to the appreciation of Oregon’s native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Arboretum volunteers are so committed to that mission that they’ve experimented with practices used by the region’s Native American tribes to restore ecosystems. With the help of the Dallas Fire Department, volunteers burn portions of the meadow section planted with native bunch grasses. In previous centuries, tribes used annual fires as a regeneration tool in places in the Willamette Valley. You can see the results of the experiment by
Benches throughout the arboretum provide spots to rest or take in the views. 30 Explore Polk County 2021
taking a walk through the meadow. Along the way, stop to check out other native plants and trees growing alongside the trails. Benches throughout the arboretum provide spots to rest or take in the views. Please remember that Dallas City Park and arboretum have leash laws. Dogs are welcome to enjoy the trails, but they are required to be leashed at all times. The arboretum is open during park hours, and the visitor’s center is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can reach the arboretum by traveling through Dallas City Park via the Levens Street entrance or, more directly, via West Ellendale Avenue, then Westwood Drive and Park Street. For more information on the arboretum: 503-623-7359. Looking for something at little more active? The park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course that’s popular with casual players and tournament organizers. The course opened in 2009, and since has become one of the park’s major draws. Disc golf is more than throwing a Frisbee around — even though it may look that easy. As in traditional golf, control of aim and distance is required. Dallas’ course offers ample opportunity to sharpen your skills in a fun environment. Most holes are short. Instead of distance
posing a challenge, hazards make this course unique. Whether weaving your way through trees or avoiding drifting into the creek, the course offers several holes that make even “pro” players stop and think. No tee times are necessary. Unless there’s a tournament taking place, you can walk on and take all the time you need. Course maps and score cards are available online at www.ci.dallas.or.us/discgolf. Just need to let the kids run around or walk the dog? The city’s largest park has all the mainstays to keep families entertained for hours. Multiple playgrounds offer slides, seesaws, merry-go-rounds and more. Trails and pathways are perfect for a creekside stroll. Tables and barbecue pits provide a great place for outdoor gatherings or quiet picnic lunches. During the summer months, it’s common to see families playing in Rickreall Creek, which weaves its way through the park.
Dallas’ place to play What: Dallas City Park Where: Old Side: 600 SW Allgood St.; New Side: 690 SW Brandvold Dr.
A Special Publication of the Polk County Itemizer-Observer
