Shute Park (Oregon)

Infobox park
park=Shute Park


image size=150px
caption=
type=Public, city
location=Hillsboro, Oregon,
United States
coordinates= coord|45|30|48|N|122|58|31|W|type:landmark_region:US|display=title,inline
size= 13 acres
opened= 1906
operator=Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department
annual visitors=
status=open

Shute Park is a municipal park located in the city of Hillsboro, Oregon, United States. Acquired in 1906, the 13 acre park is the oldest park in the city. Shute Park includes an aquatic center, a branch of the Hillsboro Public Library, and community center.

History

On December 21 1906, the City of Hillsboro purchased a 15 acre tract of land from banker John W. Shute for $1,622, with the condition that the land be used as a park and named in his honor. The city passed a levy to finance the purchase of its first park at 1.8 mills per assessed valuation. At the time the total assessed value in the city was just over $600,000.Park site sold to city by banker Shute in ‘06. "Hillsboro Argus", October 19 1976.]

Then in June 1920 voters approved a levy to finance the construction of a pavilion at the park. Finished in June 1921, the convert|71|ft|m|sing=on by convert|117|ft|m|sing=on building was designed and built without in posts in the floor and included a stage. At first the pavilion was used mainly for dances, but was later used as a roller skating rink. It also was home to an infantry unit and later artillery unit, and during World War II was used for drill by the national guard. Over time the building eventually no longer meet building codes, but the city felt the costs were too much to remodel the facility so the pavilion was torn down in 1974.

In 1935, workers from the Works Progress Administration improved the park. Enhancements included extensive landscaping, the addition of a baseball diamond, construction of a stone-arch bridge, a creek, and the addition of lighting. The improved park was dedicated on July 2 1936. In 2006, the city celebrated the 100th anniversary of the park that included people in period dress and a performance by the Oregon Symphonic Band. [Neighborhood Roundup: Living history marksShute Park's centennial. "The Oregonian", August 17, 2006.]

Beginning in 1925 until 1951 the Washington County Fair was held at the park. [Buan, Carolyn M. "This Far-Off Sunset Land: A Pictorial History of Washington County, Oregon". Donning Company Publishers, 1999. p. 126.]

Facilities

Located at 10th and Maple streets, the park contains a variety of amenities. These include a picnic shelter, softball field, restrooms, picnic areas, playground equipment, and a stage. Also at the park is the main branch of the Hillsboro library, a senior community center, and an aquatic recreation center. [ [http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/ParksRec/ParksFacilities/ShutePark.aspx Shute Park.] City of Hillsboro. Retrieved on February 25 2008.] It also houses the Chief Kno-Tah wood sculpture of a Native American head carved by Peter Wolf Toth as part of his Trail of the Whispering Giants. [ [http://www.gbkphoto.com/pages/peter_wolf_toth.htm Peter Wolf Toth's Trail of the Whispering Giants.] Roadside Attractions. Retrieved on February 25 2008.]

The Shute Park Aquatic and Recreation Center opened in 1980. [Hillsboro running a deficit in recreation space. "The Oregonian", February 23, 2006.] The indoor and outdoor pool facility also contained indoor exercise areas and racquetball courts. Beginning in 2004 it was remodeled and re-opened in 2006. Additions to the facility included a massage room, child care area, a spa pool, a pool slide, and a play feature in one of the pools. [Dive into exercise at remodeled swim center. "The Oregonian", March 2, 2006.]

Shute Park also hosts the annual Showtime at Shute free summer concert series. These outdoor concerts are held each Thursday beginning in July and running through August. [ [http://www.hcaonline.org/Showtime_06.pdf Showtime at Shute.] Hillsboro Community Arts. Retrieved on February 25 2008.]

ee also

*Hillsboro Stadium
*Noble Woods Park
*Hondo Dog Park
*

References

External links

* [http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/ParksRec/ParksFacilities/ShutePark.aspx Shute Park]