Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park is a really fun place if you find yourself in the Tanasbourne area. It is fully-featured and has some unique items that give this park extra personality. I've had a hard time getting many pictures when we are there because Linus runs all over the place!

One way this park stands out is that it has a toddler play structure that is separate from the big kids' area. There's no physical barrier separating the two, but they are on opposite sides of a sidewalk. The toddler structure is easy to access with steps and has several slides and a low set of monkey bars. There is a springy teeter-totter and two baby swings to complete the toddler section.

The big kid's play are has slides that are big and steep, but not so fast that the kids slide off the end. They are all accessible by steps, so even the little ones can get up to the big slides. There's the standard suspension bridge that is always a hit, and several unique twirly structures.

If the weather is warm, pack and extra outfit or put your child in a swimsuit to take advantage of the splash fountain. The pulses of water bring the squeals out of Linus in a big way, and there are fun turtle-like rock mounds to climb on in the water area.


The covered picnic area is a great place to dry off and catch a snack or meal. There's also a big grassy lawn if a blanket picnic is more your style. There is even a grill if you want to make a party out of your trip to this park. For bathrooms, there is only an outhouse, but it is a double-wide roomy one. There is, however, a working drinking fountain.

Overall, a stop at Magnolia park is a great reward for a child who is patient during shopping in the nearby Tanasbourne stores, or a fun destination in it's own right. This is one we'll be sure to visit over and over!

Camp Rivendale

Camp Rivendale is hands-down a GREAT playground! It is friendly to all ages and abilities. This playground is part of the Jenkins Estate land just west of Beaverton on Cooper Mountain.

A summer camp for disabled children is held here during the summer weekdays, but it's open for the general public on weekends all year and weekdays Sept - May. Sometimes the area is also rented on the weekends in the summer months.

Whatever you're looking for in a park, Camp Rivendale likely has it. The rubberized surface is perfect for toddlers, and the ramps and wide staircases are perfect for early climbing. There are swings for babies and big kids, and even the reclining plastic kind that my son seems to slip off of easily.

Every good park needs at least one slide, and this one has a triple slide. It is steep enough to be fun, but easy enough that toddlers can do it on their own.

One feature I haven't seen in any other park is the sway table area. It's named "Sway Fun," and my child happens to agree with that name. Anytime we go to this playground, we spend about half the time on this benched area that slides back and forth as you shift your weight.

There are a variety of ways to climb at Camp Rivendale. There are many sets of stairs for the simple route. There's also a simulated rock-climbing area, and this green pillar of ledges that it great for coordination.

There is a lot of area and variation in the structures, so older kids can exercise their imaginations as well as their bodies. Last time we were there, and could of kids were practicing riding their bikes on the pavement that circles the playground -- another option for older preschoolers and school-age kids.

For practical considerations, there is a fully-plumbed restroom and covered picnic area up the hill from the playground. There are also a new picnic tables in the grass near the play equipment. The large grassy area would also be perfect for a blanket picnic or a place to toss a frisbee.