If you love disc golf, a sport somewhat like frisbee, then Orchard Park in Hillsboro is a decent spot for you. Take your sports buddies. Made up of 21 acres, you'll find plenty of lush and beautiful sights of nature. Ah, but there is one major drawback: stay far, far back from the steel power poles at the back end of the trails....
It gave us a bit of a chill to see homes so near a place like this, and what's more, people jogging regularly on this very path:
On the right, you can see the many trees that have been planted as a part of a reforestation project (above). What you won't see in these pictures is the sound of buzzing electrical wires overhead. In a matter of minutes, my girlfriend and I were feeling its effects. I had a migrane, and so did she, and we knew instantly what caused it. I mean, we could hear it - and feel it coming in through our skulls!
Moving on; there are a few different paths, and some unmarked paths.
During our walk, there were a lot of people playing disc golf, in big bustling, talkative groups. Walk here with caution, as discs may fly into the paths, perhaps due to a wind or to very strong throws.
A sign that reads, "There will be no trail access to NW Cherry Lane during the construction of trailhead facilities." - Don't worry, sign, we will never come back to this part of this park.
This unusually shaped rock - at the entrance of Orchard Park - is designated for light climbing, so we scaled it , though it seemed like an afterthought rather than the main attraction.
The two or three bridge walkways were pretty, but the electric buzzing and our migranes were a major turn-off and we couldn't wait to get out of the place, and get some water.
The two or three bridge walkways were pretty, but the electric buzzing and our migranes were a major turn-off and we couldn't wait to get out of the place, and get some water.
This bridge leads to the pole valley-path of migranes.
Orchard Park is a fairly good place to play disc golf, but a safe walk-park it is not. If you choose to use it for jogging, you'll be doing it with the risk of getting a major migrane - the kind you'd get from using a cellphone for 8 hours, real close up against your skull.
I don't know about studies to send you to, but cellphones that emit radiation are dangerous - and being near a source of electricity that is audible, and gives you a crawling sensation, should let you know that its best to get clear of it -- QUICK!
CONCLUSION
Unfortunately, this is a bad review for a pretty park ... and we're a bit annoyed there weren't any signs to indicate the danger. This post is here because it needed to be shared with you Portlanders and sightseers. So you can avoid getting hurt yourself.
If you have a tip about a park that you feel we should report on, leave a comment - we love them!
I don't know about studies to send you to, but cellphones that emit radiation are dangerous - and being near a source of electricity that is audible, and gives you a crawling sensation, should let you know that its best to get clear of it -- QUICK!
CONCLUSION
Unfortunately, this is a bad review for a pretty park ... and we're a bit annoyed there weren't any signs to indicate the danger. This post is here because it needed to be shared with you Portlanders and sightseers. So you can avoid getting hurt yourself.
If you have a tip about a park that you feel we should report on, leave a comment - we love them!