Helen Althaus Park

Address: 248 SW 7th Street
Summer Hours: 8am - 9pm (April - Sept.)
Winter Hours: 8am - 6pm (Oct. - March)
Dogs: Allowed on-leash
Park Rules

Located off 7th Street, this 9.51-acre park was at one time a portion of the city’s watershed and was originally named Watershed Park. Access to the site is off 7th Street on the south and 4th Street on the north. The park is bordered by residential homes to the east and south and open space to the west and north. There are approximately two acres of open space are in the park. The remainder is forested.

Until recently, the park featured a basketball court located on the roof of Reservoir 1, a one-million-gallon concrete structure built in 1981. However, a seismic and structural assessment conducted in late 2024 determined that the 44-year-old reservoir should no longer support live loads, such as people using the court, due to safety concerns and to help preserve the reservoir's integrity. Based on this recommendation, the Parks Advisory Committee (PAC) voted unanimously on March 19 to permanently close the court, which has since been fenced off. Those looking for outdoor basketball options in Troutdale can still access a full court at Kiku Park and half-courts at C.P. Park and Weedin Park.

The park is named after Helen Althaus who served on the City Council and Parks Advisory Committee for almost 20 years from the mid-1960s to the 1980s. She worked towards establishing a parks and greenways system in the city. Because of her commitment to the city, the council renamed the park after her when she retired from public service in December 1982.

Currently, the park is only partially developed. Facilities include a small open grass area, play structure, and about a mile of trails that connects 4th Street to 7th Street. The trail has been extended from the edge of the forest to the sidewalk on 7th Street. When walking through the park, it is important to stay on the trails because of the fragile environment.