Tom McCall Waterfront Fountain
September 2, 2009 by Leigh Anne
Filed under places to play
The Tom McCall waterfront park is the product of a task force compiled by Gov. Tom McCAll in 1968 to created a public open space in place of what was then, Harbor Drive. In 1974 construction began and the park was completed by 1984 and named Governor Ton McCall Waterfront Park.
Today it is a site for tourists and a cool place to play on a summer day. With a stunning display of water, the fountain is the centerpiece of the park. Spending just a few minutes observing children play on a hot summer day, one can’t help but get caught up in the energy that runs through Portland.
On any given summer day you will also find plenty of vendors ranging from signature Portland eats, cycle carts, rock climbing, and tie-dye T-shirts.
Local Park Series } Beaverton City Park
August 21, 2009 by Leigh Anne
Filed under places to play
The Park: Beaverton City Park features a shooting fountain, perfect for a hot day! Dress accordingly! There are lots of places to sit and relax!
Located at: 5th and Watson by the Beaverton Library.
A Fun Picnic Theme: The water cycle
What to Picnic:
– Dehydrated fruit=water cycle elements
– Water, duh!
– Popsicles, frozen state
What to Play:
– Have your child watch drops of water fall on the ground then wait for them to dry up, explain evaporation.
– Learn about the water cycle here.
– Earlier in the week have your child make ice cubes to take in a water bottle to the park. Teach them about the different states of water. solid-liquid-gas
– Anything you picnic requires water to get to your plate, explain in each instance how water was involved.
– Take your child to the library and do a little research!
– Water-balloon toss, squirt guns, or other water games.
– Bring water toys, children love filling buckets, measuring cups, sponges, or whatever you can find!
– Don’t forget to bring towels, or to explain why evaporation can make you shiver! Brrrrrr!
Local Park Series } Pirate Park
July 27, 2009 by Leigh Anne
Filed under places to play
The Park: Pirate Park is a neighborhood park tucked behind a hill. There’s a short walk to access it but it’s worth the work! There are three structures with a lot of slides, water, and sand.
How to get there: From HWY 26 take Bethany Blvd. north to Laidlaw. Head west on Laidlaw, turn right on Preakness Terrace, turn left on Hackney Dr. Park on the street, under the power lines. Walk down the hill to the right, look for pirate structure.
A Fun Picnic Theme: Gold Rush
What to Picnic:
– chocolate coinage is a delicious currency!
– Cheese, apple, a slice of bread, wrapped in a hanky
– Lots of water! Sore travelers paid as much as $100 for a glass of water during the gold rush!
What to Play:
– Poke holes in an old pie pan and let your child pan for spare change in the sand
– Pack your child’s lunch in a piece of cloth and have them carry it on a stick
– Do a little google-ing and teach your children about the gold rush.
– Football anyone? Why do they call them the 49ers anyway!
– Teach your children about the tools that were used to dig for gold, here’s a great resource.
