You've probably driven past the intersection of SW 158th and Walker Road in Beaverton a thousand times and barely looked twice at the sprawl of green. To most, it's just "the park." But honestly, the Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex is a weirdly impressive 92-acre behemoth that essentially functions as the heartbeat of Washington County. It isn't just a place to kick a ball; it’s a massive, multi-million dollar testament to a guy who bought a bunch of "worthless" land in the middle of nowhere back when Beaverton was basically just trees and dreams.
People call it the "HMT" for short.
If you grew up around here, you likely have memories of shivering in the bleachers during a November soccer game or trying not to face-plant at the skate park. But there’s a lot about this place that even the locals don’t quite grasp. For instance, it’s the administrative nerve center for the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD), and it draws something like 800,000 visitors every year. That’s a lot of feet on the grass.
The Man Behind the 92-Acre Legacy
Howard M. Terpenning wasn't just some politician with his name on a plaque. He was the general manager of THPRD for 33 years. When he started in 1959, he was only 29 years old. Imagine being that young and having the audacity to tell people, "Hey, we should buy up these isolated parcels of land on the outskirts of town."
People gave him a lot of flak for it.
Back then, the area around Walker Road was considered "out in the sticks." Now, it's surrounded by a Fred Meyer, a Starbucks, and endless housing. Terpenning saw the suburban explosion coming decades before it arrived. He retired in 1992, and by 1933, the district renamed the whole complex after him. It’s kinda poetic that the guy who was mocked for buying "useless" land ended up creating the crown jewel of Oregon's park districts.
Why the Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex Is Actually Overwhelming
If you try to see everything in one day, you’ll fail. Sorta like trying to visit every exhibit at the Smithsonian in an afternoon.
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The complex is divided into several massive hubs. You’ve got the Babette Horenstein Tennis Center, which is actually famous in the tennis world. It’s got 15 courts, including a stadium court. Back in 2016, they actually hosted the Davis Cup matches between the U.S. and Croatia right here in Beaverton. It’s a big deal.
Then there’s the Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center.
It’s an indoor Olympic-sized 50-meter pool.
If you’ve ever been inside during a swim meet, you know that specific smell of chlorine and humidity that sticks to your clothes for three days. It’s the home base for the Tualatin Hills Synchronized Swimming Club and hosts everything from toddler "guppy" classes to high-stakes regional meets.
The Hidden Gems Most People Miss
- The Schlottmann House: It’s this historic-looking house right on the grounds. Most people think it’s just a decorative building, but it actually serves as THPRD offices.
- The Beginner Skate Park: Everyone knows the main skate park near the entrance, but in 2008, they added a second one specifically for beginners. It’s tucked away and much less intimidating if you're still learning how to ollie without breaking an ankle.
- The Covered Playgrounds: This is a lifesaver in Oregon. The playgrounds are covered with these giant blue tarps. You can take your kids there when it's drizzling—which is basically eight months of the year—and they won't get soaked.
The "Everything Else" Problem
The Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex also features an Athletic Center with six indoor basketball courts and an indoor running track. It’s where the Portland Trail Blazers have hosted their Summer Hoops Camp.
But here is where it gets a bit complicated: the "membership" thing.
A common misconception is that you can just walk into any building and start using the facilities for free. Honestly, that’s not how it works. While the outdoor paths, the 92 acres of natural area, and the outdoor basketball courts are generally free for the public, the indoor gyms and the pool usually require a pass or a drop-in fee. Also, if you’re not a resident within the THPRD boundaries, you usually have to pay an out-of-district fee, which can be a bit of a shock if you’re coming from Portland or Hillsboro.
What about the fields?
There are five multipurpose sport fields and seven baseball/softball diamonds. Field #1 is the "big" one. It has a grandstand and was the first field in the district to get synthetic turf way back in 2002. They replaced it in 2013 with a fancy new system that used 720,000 pounds of rubber and sand. If you've ever played on it, you know it feels a lot different than the soggy grass fields elsewhere in the county.
Practical Survival Tips for Your Visit
Don't just show up and expect to park right at the front door. On a Saturday morning during soccer season, the parking lot is a battlefield.
- Use the Overflow: There’s a North Lot weekend overflow parking area off NW Blueridge Drive. It’s a bit of a walk, but it beats circling the main lot for 20 minutes while you get increasingly frustrated.
- Check the Schedule: Drop-in times for pickleball, badminton, and table tennis change constantly. The Athletic Center is very specific about their windows. If you show up at 2:00 PM for badminton and the schedule says it ended at 1:45 PM, they will not let you on the court.
- The Starbucks Strategy: There’s a Starbucks right on the corner of 158th and Walker. If you’re a "soccer parent" or "tennis spouse," grab your caffeine there before you head into the complex, because the indoor concessions are... hit or miss.
What Really Happens Here?
The complex is more than just sports. It’s where the community holds the "Party in the Park" every summer. It’s a massive festival with a family triathlon and a cultural fair. It’s one of those rare places where you’ll see a 70-year-old playing pickleball next to a 10-year-old learning how to skate, while a high-level synchronized swimming team is practicing 100 yards away.
It's chaotic. It's busy. It's very Beaverton.
The Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex succeeds because it isn't trying to be a fancy, exclusive country club. It’s a high-use, high-energy public space that manages to feel both huge and accessible at the same time. Whether you're there to run the trails in the natural area or to watch a collegiate-level swim meet, the place just works.
To make the most of your next trip to HMT, verify the current drop-in fees on the THPRD website and check the "Field Conditions" alert page if it's been raining. Parking in the North Lot during peak weekend hours will save you a headache, and bringing a reusable water bottle is a must since the indoor fountains are scattered. Stick to the paved paths if you're looking for a quick loop, or head toward the Willow Creek trails for a longer trek into the wetlands.