Tigard was incorporated in 1961 and today, is a clean, livable and affordable community located just minutes southwest of Portland in Washington County. As a community, Tigard strives to blend the amenities of a modern city with the friendliness and community spirit of a small town.
A modern Tigard Civic Center which borders the Fanno Creek Greenway was completed in 1986 and houses city offices and the police department. Tigard's new library, which opened the Summer of 2004, is located at 13500 SW Hall Blvd.
The City's "open door" policy encourages citizens to attend weekly city council meetings and observe the four-member council and mayor make important decisions. Tigard is a community building for today and its future. Local government and school leaders, citizen groups, businesses and individuals work hard to build upon Tigard's significant community attributes. The City promotes citizen participation through Citizen Involvement Teams that represent the community's four geographic areas. The teams allow citizens to become part of the decision-making process.
THE ARTS
"Art Resources in Tigard" is a grassroots committee that actively promotes art in Tigard. Tigard is also home to the Deb Fennel Auditorium which hosts the professional Broadway Rose Theatre. With computer-controlled lighting and sound systems, the 600-seat air conditioned facility spotlights the talents of the school's award-winning music and theater groups as well as touring professional artists.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Tigard Chamber serves as the local information center and sponsors many community and business events throughout the year. Business events continue to grow and give Chamber members many opportunities to expand their businesses. Good Morning Tigard! meets every Thursday at a host business location. The Tigard Chamber monthly lunch forum incorporates networking along with speakers from the community and business alike. Chamber membership is open to all businesses and individuals conducting business in the Tigard area. Our Chamber values the art of people working together because it encourages business and community prosperity.
CHILDREN
Tigard is truly a family-oriented community. Neighborhoods revolve around the schools. Summer reading program for kids and teens are offered through the library as well as swimming programs through the school district. Organized, professional daycare services are abundant at private facilities or on-site after school.
DOWNTOWN
Downtown Tigard is experiencing a renaissance of business and community involvement. Quaint antique shops, espresso bars and fashionable eateries line Main Street. Side streets are sites of community facilities and activities including the Tigard Civic Center, fire station and many retail and service businesses.
FARMERS MARKET
Over 45 vendors bring the fruits of the surrounding agricultural land to the vacant theater parking lot at Washington Square Too (10125 SW Washington Square Road) in Tigard each Sunday from mid-May through October. This weekly gathering place for friends and neighbors features fun, food and entertainment, plus locally grown fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers, plants, honey, baked goods and more. See Tigard Farmer's Market Website for additional information.
HOMES
In Tigard, community activity revolves around close-knit, family-oriented neighborhoods. There are many comfortable older neighborhoods in beautiful condition, and Tigard is growing by leaps and bounds. Lovely new homes and new neighborhoods are springing up in rapid progression. One of the fastest growing areas is beautiful Bull Mountain with a view of the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Range.
INDUSTRIAL PARKS
Since incorporating in 1961, Tigard developed a strong tax base and a diversity of businesses. The city's tax rate is among the lowest in the Portland metropolitan area, and industrial and commercial properties represent a large portion of the Tigard tax base. Today, there is over 4.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space in Tigard at business parks such as Lincoln Center, Oregon Business Park, Forum Properties Business Centers, Tigard Industrial Center, Commerce Plaza, Sequoia Parkway and Plaza West.
JOHN TIGARD HOUSE
John Tigard constructed the three room 1880 Carpenter Gothic Victorian house in 1880 at the corner of what is now Pacific Highway and Gaarde Street. The house was threatened with demolition in the late 1970's, but due to the efforts of the Tigard Area Historical and Preservation Association, the house was restored. In 1979, the house was entered in the National Register of Historic Places and now resides at the corner of SW Canterbury Lane and SW 103rd in Tigard. The Tigard Area Historical and Preservation Association operates the house and opens it on the third Sunday afternoon of each month to showcase special exhibits. See Tigard's other Designated Historical Sites.
LIBRARY
The Tigard Library offers much more than just a book to read. The library houses more than 100,000 books and 10,000 videos, audio tapes, DVDs and CDs. Storytimes and a popular summer reading program entertain both children and their parents. The library provides up-to-date business information and extensive research programs on computer. Free public internet access is available by appointment. Cardholders have access to all public libraries in the Portland metropolitan area.
PARKS
Tigard features many opportunities for activity and recreation including several public and private golf courses, city parks, outdoor tennis courts, bike and pedestrian paths and the Tigard High School Swim Center. The 79-acre Cook Park is the largest of 7 neighborhood and community parks. Cook Park is located along the banks of the Tualatin River and is currently undergoing a 3-phase expansion which will include many new amenities. Summerlake Park and Fanno Creek Park are unique havens to waterfowl and wildlife in the middle of the busy suburban community.
SHOPPING
Washington Square, one of the Northwest's largest climate controlled shopping malls is in Tigard. It features newly remodeled major department stores including one of the largest Nordstrom stores on the West Coast. Tigard is also proud to be home to one of the West Coast's largest Price Costco warehouse store as well as major home improvement centers and food and office superstores. All major grocery chains are represented in Tigard conveniently anchoring smaller shopping centers that include specialty and retail stores.
SENIORS
Tigard offers a variety of activities for seniors and an abundance of conveniently located and affordable housing for retirees. Several adult living communities are within or adjacent to the city. The Tigard Senior Center is the hub of senior activity. The Center serves 40,000 meals annually, plus Meal on Wheels serves hot meals each day to housebound adults. The Center offers many social events, classes, activities and the amenities of a gift shop.
TRANSPORTATION
Tigard is located at the junction of Interstate 5, Highway 99W and Highway 217 - a mere 11 miles from the Portland core, offering easy access to major interstate transportation routes.
Tri-Met, Portland's mass transit system, transports hundreds of people to and from Tigard daily. The Tri-Met bus transfer is located in downtown Tigard. Westside Light Rail runs east/west through neighboring Beaverton. The Portland International Airport is 25 minutes north of Tigard and is accessible via Light Rail.
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