by Jennifer Austin

Created on: March 22, 2009   Last Updated: March 23, 2009

Albany, Oregon is a sweet little community. Though it is growing in size, it has kept it's small town feeling. The Albany Parks and Recreation department does an outstanding job of developing activities for families. On any given day, you'll have your chose of classes available through the city for toddlers through parents. The city pool, named the Cool Pool, is a newer addition to our city. Located near downtown Albany, it has beach access, slides and a lap pool. Cool Pool is open all summer long.

Also, available to families in Albany are many well maintained parks. Timberlinn Park in North East Albany is the home of the famous Timber Carnival. Monteith Park, in downtown Albany, sits right on the Willamette river and is host to the River Rhythms concert series from June through August. All concerts are free, food is available for purchase or you can pack a picnic. Kids enjoy dancing at these Thursday evening concerts. Several other parks have received makeovers and have brand new play structures. Eleanor Park is one of these made new by donations. It is the home of the 4th of July pancake breakfast sponsored by the local Lions chapter. Finding something to do in Albany is quite easy when you browse the Parks and Rec website.

Disc Golf is a casual and fun family hobby. Albany is home to a few courses. Bryant park, which runs along the Willamette river in downtown Albany and Timberlinn Park, which was mentioned above, both have 9 hole courses with plans for more. There is also a course out near Adair, which is close to North Albany. All courses are free to use, all you need to do is bring your own discs. These can be purchased online. A golf disc is similar to a Frisbee and the goal is to throw the disc and land it in the target in the fewest number of throws. Children, four and up, would have a great time playing Disc Golf.

There is a local Boys and Girls Club with many programs for Elementary children and up. There is an Indoor Park located inside the club during school hours. This park is for Infants, toddlers and preschoolers to play at with a parent or guardian. It is open during the school year, 4 days a week.

The public library is now in it's newly renovated home on 14th Avenue. It has increased its size greatly, added programs and materials to accommodate our growing town. Several times per week there is story time and a puppet show. Over the summer months, the library sponsors a summer reading program for kids. Prizes are earned for hours read.

Downtown Albany bodes a regional museum, many historic homes, a performing arts theater, upscale restaurants and cafes and a carousel renovation project that can be toured. The city of Albany is a family friendly place to live and visit.

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