A Troutdale Staycation is the Perfect Plan for Parks & Rec Month

Summer is the time for vacations and the Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination, with Troutdale, OR, as the Gateway to the Gorge. All the activities of a Gorge vacation, from hiking, biking, sightseeing and other possible opportunities, can be quite tiring.

A relaxing staycation in Troutdale may be the perfect addition to your vacation plans. July is Park and Recreation Month and with more than 20 parks and green spaces, there are many fun activities to choose from in Troutdale.

Community growth

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to recognize the power parks and recreation opportunities have in Troutdale. This year, the NRPA’s theme is “Where Community Grows,” directing attention to bringing people together to foster goodwill and growth in communities nationwide. Use the NRPA 2023 Park and Recreation Month Toolkit to promote activities in Troutdale.

Why we celebrate Parks and Recreation Month

Economic developers and city officials understand parks are essential for residents’ high quality of life and enjoyment and for new families looking for a place to live. Parks and recreation can also serve as an economic driver. When people visit our community to play at a park, participate in a tournament or use our recreation facilities, they often spend money locally as they shop, eat at restaurants and fill up their vehicles with gas, creating jobs and other local benefits.

Fun in Troutdale 

There is so much to do in Troutdale. A complete listing of the parks and recreation spots and an interactive parks and trails map can be found here, but some highlights are below.

Glenn Otto Community Park

Bordered on two sides by the Sandy River and Beaver Creek, the 6.38-acre Glenn Otto Community Park has a children's playground, swimming beach, riverfront access, and more. An incredible perk is the presence of Sugarpine Drive-In, a popular dining destination known for its seasonal sandwiches and salads, as well as the soft-serve ice cream.

Imagination Station

The large adventure playground, Imagination Station, has been a Troutdale fixture for over 25 years. A new structure covering approximately 20 acres was constructed in 2018 with a design to ensure accessibility for children of all ages.

Beaver Creek Greenway

The Beaver Creek Greenway is a heavily wooded canyon along Beaver Creek at the confluence of the Sandy River. This local favorite is known for its hiking trails and wildlife habitat throughout its more than 75 acres. 

Harlow House Park

A touch of history is always a welcome addition to vacation plans and Harlow House Park offers a glimpse into Troutdale’s past. The house is relatively unchanged from when it was built in 1900 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sandy River Delta

At more than 1,400 acres, the Sandy River Delta Park, known locally as Thousand Acres, is a favorite locale with residents and visitors. Dog lovers bring their pets from miles around to play and roam free. Additionally, the park has areas for mountain biking, horseback riding and more.

Confluence Pop-Up Disc Golf Course

Disc golf is one of the country’s fastest-growing sports and Troutdale’s Confluence Pop-Up Disc Golf Course is a fantastic opportunity for novices and experts alike. Twelve holes take ‘throwers’ through beautiful Sandy River and Broughton Bluff views.

Explore Troutdale

We encourage you to get outside, explore, do something new and bring a friend. Troutdale  has much to offer, and our parks and recreation department provides opportunities for community members to enjoy themselves. Still, only some take advantage of these opportunities. There are many ways you can help! Share posts about our parks and rec on social media. Invite friends to visit, leave positive reviews on Facebook and Google and become an ambassador for our community. Share this article and tell a friend about all the great things to do in our community. Explore Troutdale today or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to learn more about the opportunities awaiting you here!