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

City of Hillsboro
Hillsboro Farmers’ Market, Inc.

Northwest Cricket Club
Portland General Electric
Reedville Baseball
Hillsboro Spartan Youth Baseball
TriMet
Washington County
Washington County Chamber
What'sGood - Local Food Online

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. Adopt standards for urban design with emphasis on creating or preserving neighborhood character and “sense of place”
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

B. Convene property owners and nearby business operators to explore ideas for enhancing or creating destination neighborhoods
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

C. Implement Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts Action Plan including installation of landmark public art and murals in neighborhoods and districts citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

D. Install way-finding signage in neighborhoods and districts citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

E. Revise policies and fee structure for tiny homes to increase affordable housing stock
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

F. Develop a world-class high-speed communications system
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

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

ACTIONS

A. Extend seasonal access to farmers markets with a focus on exploring year-round and indoor options
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Hillsboro Farmers’ Market, Inc.
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

B. Encourage development of plazas, streetscapes, green spaces and other new venues for holding community events citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

C. Install small, innovative library spaces to increase accessibility for all
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

D. Develop a pilot program to test smaller-scale neighborhood farmers’ markets
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Hillsboro Farmers’ Market, Inc.
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

E. Utilize an app to promote farmers’ market hours, activities and goods
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Hillsboro Farmers’ Market, Inc.
TIMELINE: 2025+

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: 2020-2025

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

C. Support initiatives to expand arts districts, galleries, studios and makerspaces
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

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

ACTIONS

A. Increase parks accessibility and create at least one destination park for people with disabilities
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

B. Create one or more “regional” destination parks
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

C. Add new dog parks, including small-dog and pop-up parks where feasible
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

D. Develop a “farm park” with educational and interactive features
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

E. Add outdoor fitness components to new and existing parks where feasible
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

F. Construct a bike and skate park in west Hillsboro
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

G. Add covered areas, tables and other amenities to parks as resources allow
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

H. 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: 2020-2025

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

ACTIONS

A. Develop community centers to serve seniors, youth and families citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

B. Build a lap pool that will accommodate swim teams
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

C. Build a community leisure and recreational pool
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

D. Install playgrounds and other creative play area amenities at schools and other locations in partnership with peer organizations
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

E. Install futsal and/or soccer fields in existing parks and schools where feasible and install lights and turf when appropriate
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

F. Build new pickleball facilities
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

G. Add cricket fields where feasible
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

H. Expand recreational class offerings at the Hidden Creek Community Center
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

I. Add splash pads to new and existing parks citywide where feasible
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

J. Coordinate with community partners to increase sports and recreational opportunities (e.g. climbing, skating, volleyball, yoga, dancing, biking, sports, equestrian)
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

Initiative 6: Continue to enhance alternative transportation options, services and facilities, and make Hillsboro more walkable and bicycle-friendly citywide.

ACTIONS

A. Conduct a local transit feasibility study
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

B. Evaluate and adopt policies for managing scooter and other third-party transportation systems
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025

C. Complete Crescent Park Greenway and connect city to regional trail network
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025+

D. Increase trail safety volunteer network
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2020-2025