Over the river and through the woods, to Fields Bridge Park I go....
This is West Linn's newest park and one of its most natural. Located on the banks of the Tualatin River, it has community gardens, a couple of baseball fields, a basketball court with adjustable hoops (great for the little ones) and a playground.
I would say this park is best suited for kids 10 and under. One of the things that set it apart is the river access. They've just constructed a wood fishing pier on the river and the water changes from rapids in one section to a quieter pool with swirling eddys in another. The land across the river is undeveloped and looks like a wild evergreen forest. When it rains you even see some small waterfalls across the river.
Every time I come here with the boys, they want to throw or skip rocks in the river. I think this must be coded in every boy's DNA.
They are also developing a nice series of paved trails along the river and adding benches and tables which will be great for picnics and sipping your coffee while enjoying the view. The trails are a series of interlocking loops, so it is perfect for little ones learning to bike, roller blade or scooter, since the parent can relax on one of the benches and know that the kids won't go to far.
There is also the promise of some prime berry picking here this summer. The city is planning to make this park the permanent site for the Willamette Meteorite. I'm a history buff, so I tend to geek out over this sort of thing!
http://www.westlinnchamber.com/pressreleases/PearlOfIceAgeFloodsTrail.pdf read more