My summer adventures with kids continue with a visit to Browns Ferry Park in Tualatin, Oregon. 
My youngest son Augustin and I had about an hour while my twins were at youth group. Rolling Hills YouthSometimes I have to just grab the adventure when it’s there, even if not all of my kids are with me. Life changes. As my kids get older, it is harder to have all my kids there all of the time. And, of course, my two oldest are married now!
Brown’s Ferry Park, which is tucked behind a busy commercial section of Tualatin, is, as its website states, “a 28.33 acre natural area park located on the Tualatin River.” The address is: 5855 SW Nyberg Lane. The park is named after Zenas J. Brown who laid a claim to the land in 1850 through the Donation Land Act. He is also known for starting the first ferry in the Tualatin area.
I had been here before with the kids but had not been back again. And adventure can be returning to an old place with new eyes. And, as my children get older, they see things in new lights as well. It’s nice to have alone time with my children. Conversations ensue.
After parking, we walked toward to Tualatin River where we found the path that meanders along the water. Soon, we came to a 
large native grass and wildflower prairie that covers a good portion of the park. We stood there looking for birds and found some heron. It was near dusk and felt really calming. It is wild to think that just a half a mile away from this oasis is a busy shopping area with speeding suburbans and stressed out moms rushing their kids around. This place makes me want to not rush. We found this really neat bridge crossing the creek and others walking peacefully near sunset.
I especially loved the old barn 
which harkens to a slower time in our lives. I love barns.
One section of the park is chain-linked off, with a large trailer labeled Willowbrook.
I told Augustin I believe that is the famed creative arts summer camp for kids that I have always wanted to send my kids to. Augustin is my last chance.
For info, visit:
BROWNS-FERRY-PARK-Tualatin Oregon
And, for info on Willowbrook, visit: WILLOWBROOK-ARTS-CAMP
