Explore the Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex, Beaverton’s hub for swimming, sports, family fun, fitness, and outdoor activities.
If you’ve ever driven down SW Walker Road in Beaverton, Oregon and seen kids running through expansive green fields, a busy aquatics center, and a football game, chances are you’ve passed by here — Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex, a true reflection of Personal Growth & Lifestyle through community, fitness, and outdoor recreation.
The locals simply call it “HMT”… but to me it’s much more than an acronym. This is where Beaverton moves… breathes, and connects. A place to spend an entire Saturday without checking your phone, unless you’re photographing the kids’ nets or the sunset from the tennis court.
In this in-depth article… I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex, from its extensive facilities and events to little local tips you won’t find in any brochure. Whether you’re new to Beaverton or simply looking for your next outing with your family, this guide will help you experience HMT like a local.
A Brief History: From Local Dream to Beaverton Landmark
The Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex, named after the first executive director of THPRD, is not just another park , it’s an attitude brought to life.
When it opened in 1978, it was intended to be a center for all types of recreational activities , swimming, tennis, walking trails, and open green spaces. In 1993, it was renamed in honor of Howard M Terpenning, who helped transform Beaverton into one of Oregon’s most recreation-friendly communities.
Today, the complex spans 92 acres, making it one of the largest and most versatile entertainment venues in the Pacific Northwest. But beyond its size and amenities, what makes it special is its community energy , the mix of laughter, competition, and solidarity that fills the air from dawn to dusk.
Where Is It (and Why Is It So Convenient)?
You’ll find this beautiful community center here:
Address: 15707 SW Walker Road… Beaverton… OR 97006
It is centrally located… just minutes from major thoroughfares such as Highway 26 and Cedar Hills Blvd… making it extremely accessible for families throughout Washington County.
Ample free parking, including overflow spaces… is available for large events. The complex is also accessible to TriMet… which is great if you’re traveling without a car.
Trust me … getting there is the easy part, but leaving can be difficult once you realize how much there still is to explore at the Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex.
Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center: Where the Water Never Sleeps
Let’s start with my favorite , the Aquatic Center.
This is no ordinary pool. It’s a 50…meter Olympic-sized indoor structure… with space for both expert swimmers and casual divers. Whether you’re ready for a morning lap session or want to take part in a water aerobics class… there’s something for every energy level.
Typical daily programs include:
- Lap swimming: 5am–3pm (and again in the evening)
- Outdoor swimming: Evenings and weekends, perfect for families
- Water training: 8:00–9:00am
- Walk-a-Lap: For a slow… relaxing afternoon workout
You’ll find youth swim teams practicing here… synchronized strokes echoing across the water, and sometimes even local competitions filling the stands with cheering families.
Pro tip: If you like to start your day with a relaxing swim before work… morning sessions are quiet and meditative. Bring your own towel; prices may vary during peak hours.
Babette Horenstein Tennis Center: Beaverton’s Racket Paradise
Right next door is the Babette Horenstein Tennis Center , one of the best tennis courts in Oregon.
With 15 courts (6 indoor, 9 outdoor plus a stadium pitch)… the venue is lively year-round. Whether you’re a beginner or a competitive player… you’ll find a program that suits your level.
They offer:
- Lessons for adults and children
- USTA Championships and tournaments
- Practice and game sessions
- Quick reservations (they fill up fast, so book early!)
Local tip: The stadium pitch offers a fantastic open-air view, best visited in the evening, when the sky turns orange and pink at sunset.
Tualatin Hills Athletic Center: The Heart of Indoor Sports
Step into the Athletic Center and you’ll feel the pulse of Beaverton’s sports community.
It features multiple basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor track, and flexible spaces for youth leagues and adult games. You can also rent courts for private events or team training.
If you’ve ever been here during a youth basketball tournament, you’ll remember the energy , cheering parents, squeaking sneakers, and the scoreboard lighting up every few seconds.
Pro tip: Check the THPRD site for open practice times, especially if you’re planning a spontaneous game with friends.
Outdoor Areas, Paths, and Picnic Spaces
Outside, the complex spreads over a mix of open fields, playgrounds, and peaceful nature trails.
There are dedicated areas for:
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Baseball and softball
For families, there are playgrounds, picnic huts, and over 2 km of paved paths winding through shaded trees and grassy areas.
If you’re not into sports, these trails are your retreat. I often walk here in the morning , it’s a peaceful stroll where you can hear the rustling of leaves and the sound of tennis balls in the distance.
Insider tip: The trails are dog-friendly, but keep your furry friend leashed; rangers patrol occasionally.
Events That Unite Beaverton
If HMT is known for one thing beyond sports, it’s the events.
Throughout the year, THPRD hosts massive community celebrations that transform the campus into a festival space.
Party in the Park
Beaverton’s largest summer festival , music, food trucks, and free games for all ages. It’s pure shared joy.
Beaverton Cultural Festival
A lively mix of food, dance, and art from around the world, held right at the Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex , perfect for families who love cultural diversity.
Family Triathlon
A fun triathlon for all ages where families swim, bike, and run together. It’s less about winning and more about bonding.
Registration, Rentals, and Fees
The best thing about HMT is how flexible it is. You don’t need a long-term membership to enjoy most facilities , drop-in passes work perfectly.
Typical prices (vary by location and activity):
- Adults: $6–$8
- Youth/Seniors: $4–$6
- Monthly memberships available for swimming and fitness
Planning a team event, birthday, or small tournament? You can rent courts, rooms, or picnic areas online through the THPRD booking portal.
Parking, Accessibility, and Amenities
Parking is free and well-organized… with accessible areas near the Aquatics Center.
Accessibility includes:
- Ramps and wheelchair lifts
- Pool lifts
- ADA restrooms
- Reserved parking
You’ll also find shaded rest areas… water fountains, and clean restrooms , small details that make your visit more comfortable.
Sustainability and Future Plans
THPRD takes sustainability seriously. The complex integrates:
- EV charging stations
- Eco-friendly landscaping
- LED lighting
- A 2025 pickleball expansion project
The long-term vision is to make Howard M Terpenning Recreation Complex a model for sustainable recreation where community and nature coexist.
Personal Thoughts: My Relationship with HMT
When I first moved to Beaverton, I found this place while looking for a jogging trail. Over time, it became part of my routine , morning runs, my daughter’s swim lessons, and volunteering at festivals.
It’s more than just a recreation space … it’s the heartbeat of the community.
Plan Your Trip
- Address: 15707 SW Walker Road, Beaverton, OR 97006
- Phone: (503) 645-6433
- Hours: Park areas open dawn to dusk… Aquatic Center 5am–9pm
- Website: www.thprd.org
Best time to visit: Early morning for peace, weekends for family fun.
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, towel… and comfortable shoes.
Key Takings
- If I had to sum it up in one sentence: HMT isn’t just a place , it’s an experience.
- This is where Beaverton plays… laughs, trains, and connects.
- Whether you want a swim before work… a tennis match with friends, or a cultural event, this park has it all.
Additional Resources
- H.M. Terpenning Recreation Complex | Parks & Trails – THPRD: Provides a comprehensive overview of the complex, including park amenities, maps, directions, and accessibility information.
- Tualatin Hills Park Foundation – Talking Walls Project at HMT: Covers community art and sustainability projects hosted within the HMT campus, including the popular Talking Walls initiative.
