The city of Hillsboro reaffirmed its good relationship with Hillsboro School District by re-adopting a decade-old agreement to share facilities July 19 at the city council's regular session.

The city and school district have had a partnership for decades, but made the relationship official in 2007. The agreement allows the school district to use city parks for sports and other activities, granting teams the use of Ron Tonkin Field, Hillsboro Stadium, Shute Park Aquatic Center and other facilities.

The city doesn't own a gymnasium or a track, and uses district facilities for rec programs — including large youth and adult basketball programs, summer camps and classes.

Hillsboro Parks and Recreation Services Manager Sean Morgan urged the council's approval, highlighting the positive interactions between the city and the schools, and the tens of thousands of hours each year the shared facilities are in use.

Morgan said city and school district officials have met to talk about a proactive approach to parks in South Hillsboro, the largest planned community in state history. The development is expected to add around 8,000 units and 20,000 new residents in the next 20 years.

Another massive portion of South Hillsboro moved forward on Tuesday with the preliminary approval of a concept plan for Reeds Crossing, a new 665-unit development.

The development will be built in two phases, the first being a 353-unit section built on about 463 acres a half-mile south of Southwest Tualatin Valley Highway. The development includes single-family detached and attached units, a central greenway and 2.5 acres of park space.

The development will sit to the west of an extension of Southwest Cornelius Pass Road, and includes both low and medium-density housing in the first phase. The concept plan includes 10 different housing designs.

According to a staff report, the developer will work with plans to build a mixed-use village, two new schools and several parks to the south, "where residents will have access to most of their daily needs within a short walk or bicycle ride."

Last spring, the council approved plans for groundwork, including stormwater management and a network of roads.

The council also gave final approval to a 3 percent Transient Lodging Tax, which will use funds from overnight stays at Hillsboro hotels to fund tourism opportunities. The city plans to use the most of the funds to build an events center at the Washington County Fair Complex, including a large expo hall, conference rooms and an outdoor performance space.

The council approved an agreement with Washington County to administer the tax, and will continue working with the county to set up the use of the funds.

Lastly, Mayor Steve Callaway said the first meeting in August, initially scheduled for Aug. 1, had been moved to Aug. 3 due to the Northwest League/Pioneer League All-Star game.

BEST OF HILLSBORO

The city's annual Best of Hillsboro survey drew several hundred votes, both online and in person at Celebrate Hillsboro, selecting some of the city's favorite spots. City Manager Michael Brown announced the winners at the council meeting on July 18.

Best Tourist Attraction

Hillsboro Hops

Best Place to People Watch

Hillsboro Farmer's Market/Tuesday Night Market

Best Local Fresh Produce or Crop

Hood strawberries

Best Picnic Spot

Rood Bridge Park

Best Place for Teens to Gather

Tuesday Night Market

Best Community Event

Celebrate Hillsboro

For a full list of awards and past winners, visit Hillsboro-Oregon.gov/Celebrate.