When prosperity followed in the wake of the Great Depression of the 1930s, Americans purchased automobiles in record numbers and rediscovered the “great outdoors.” Private parks sprang up along many of Oregon’s rivers. The largest and most popular parks on the Tualatin River were Avalon Park and Roamer’s Rest. Other Tualatin River parks included Jergen’s Park, Fisher Park, Louie’s Paradise Park and Schnoerr Park. The parks catered to families with picnic tables, ball fields, rental boats, and lifeguards. Dance halls with floating docks for boat access provided evening entertainment. Credit: “A Bridge Over Time” from the City Of Tualatin
Avalon Park and Roamer’s Rest thrived into the 1950s when the Tualatin River became too polluted to be safe to swim in. The Commons At Avalon Park Apartments, Roamer’s Rest RV Park, Jurgens City Park, and Elsner Lane off Roy Rogers Road are located at four of these river park sites.
