Livability and Recreation

Home » Focus Areas » Livability and Recreation

Goal Statement

With its clean, walkable neighborhoods, alternative transportation options, access to a variety of housing, open spaces and trails, abundant recreational activities, and a thriving arts culture, Hillsboro is recognized as one of the most vibrant and livable communities in the Pacific Northwest.

LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Bag & Baggage Productions
City of Hillsboro
HART Theatre
Hillsboro Farmers’ Market, Inc.

Tualatin Riverkeepers
WashCo Bikes
Washington County Chamber

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Coming soon!

INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS

Initiative 1: Foster distinct, vibrant neighborhoods featuring quality development, preserved landmarks, a variety of housing, and services safely accessible by walking, biking, transit, or short commute.

ACTIONS

A. Convene property owners and nearby business operators to explore ideas for enhancing or creating destination neighborhoods
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

B. Install way-finding signage in neighborhoods and districts citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2030+
STATUS: Started

C. Create 15-minute walkable neighborhoods by zoning or retrofitting specific areas to accommodate supported goods and services (e.g., coffee shop/cart, cafe)
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

D. Adapt the sidewalk dining ordinance to allow and facilitate open air restaurant seating and other third-place activities in public and private open spaces
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

E. Develop a world-class high-speed communications system
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

F. Establish a library presence and programming in South Hillsboro
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

Initiative 2: Expand Hillsboro’s inventory of community events, festivals, and family activities citywide.

ACTIONS

A. Encourage development of plazas, streetscapes, green spaces, and other new venues for holding community events citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

B. Utilize an app to promote farmers’ market hours, activities and goods
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Hillsboro Farmers’ Market, Inc.
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

C. Add a new artisan component to the Latino Community Festival featuring visual arts, demonstrations, and art sales
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Washington County Chamber
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

D. Establish and promote family bike ride events
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): WashCo Bikes
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

Initiative 3: Ensure Hillsboro remains a thriving hub for arts and cultural activities.

ACTIONS

A. Add performing arts and other cultural arts venues and activities at multiple locations citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

B. Install an outdoor amphitheater to accommodate larger concerts and events
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

C. Expand multicultural theater experiences and performances
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Bag & Baggage Productions, HART Theatre
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

D. Promote artist and community participation in Hillsboro's citywide mural installation program
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

E. Explore the potential for adding an acoustic shell cover to the Shute Park amphitheater
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

F. Publicize the availability of free and low-cost community spaces for classes, music rehearsals, and other enrichment activities
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

G. Design and install interactive art that provides immersive experiences citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

Initiative 4: Continue to build a full-service, world-class parks system scaled to meet growing community demand.

ACTIONS

A. Add new dog parks and/or separate spaces for small dogs at existing parks
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

B. Develop a “farm park” with educational and interactive features
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2030+
STATUS: Not Started

C. Add outdoor fitness components to new and existing parks where feasible
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

D. Construct additional bike and skate park amenities around Hillsboro
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

E. Add covered areas, tables, and other amenities to parks and facilities as resources allow
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

F. Add more covered sports courts and playgrounds
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

G. Ensure parks and parks facilities are welcoming and easy to navigate for all regardless of age, ability, or language spoken
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

H. Partner with Washington County to make the fairgrounds sports complex more accessible and functional for community recreation priorities
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

I. Complete the Crescent Park Greenway and connect city to regional trail network
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2030+
STATUS: Started

Initiative 5: Expand recreational facilities and opportunities to serve Hillsboro’s growing and diversifying population.

ACTIONS

A. Build a lap pool that will accommodate swim teams
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2030+
STATUS: Not Started

C. Build a community leisure and recreational pool
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2030+
STATUS: Not Started

C. Install additional sports fields in existing parks and schools where feasible, and install lights and turf, when appropriate
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

D. Build new pickleball facilities
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

E. Add cricket fields where feasible
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

F. Expand access to water activities in natural areas
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Tualatin Riverkeepers
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

G. Add spraygrounds to new and existing parks citywide, where feasible
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

H. Add bike racks to parks, where possible
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

I. Coordinate with community partners to increase sports and recreational opportunities (climbing, skating, volleyball, yoga, dancing, biking, sports, equestrian, etc.)
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

J. Explore the feasibility of opening a privately operated indoor pickleball club
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started