Belt Park
One of the first parks developed in Hermiston, Belt Park is 4 acres in size and features a community arboretum, gazebo, and picnic tables.
Belt Park, located across the street from the West Park Elementary School playground, also includes a walking trail around the property and a canal stream that runs through the park. It also features a variety of trees. It’s a great park to walk your dog or just enjoy the shade on a warm day.
Belt Park History
Established in the 1940s, Belt Park is a linear neighborhood park with a history closely tied to the Belt family’s legacy in Hermiston. The land for the park was donated by the Belt family and the park was named in honor of Dr. Frank Belt, Hermiston’s first doctor and, for a number of years, the community’s only physician.
The Belt family came to Hermiston in 1935, when Dr. Belt moved to the area to begin his medical practice. He became known not only as a skilled physician, but as someone deeply committed to the people of Hermiston. It was often said that he never turned a patient away. Whether someone came to his back door or stopped him on the street, Dr. Belt made sure they received care. His service to the community reflected a deep personal commitment and a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of others.
The Belt family’s impact on Hermiston extended beyond medicine. Dr. Belt’s son, William “Bill” H. Belt, served as Mayor of Hermiston from January 1959 to December 1960. He later drew national media attention to Hermiston when he announced his candidacy for the 1964 presidential election, bringing one of the city’s earliest moments of national recognition.
That legacy continues to be reflected in Belt Park today. In 2005, funding in the amount of $6,285 was appropriated for the development of the Belt Park Arboretum. In 2026, through the Hermiston Community Forest Project, additional trees will be planted in the arboretum, continuing the park’s growth and long-term investment for future generations.
Today, Belt Park remains an important part of Hermiston’s park system and a place that reflects both local history and community pride.
Belt Park Bridge
The Belt Park Bridge has long been one of the park’s most recognizable features, serving as a crossing point, photo location, and familiar part of the Belt Park landscape.
The original wooden bridge was built as an Eagle Scout project by Abe Wright and served the park for more than a decade. His work left a lasting mark on Belt Park and created a feature that became meaningful to families, students, organizations, and park visitors throughout the community.
After many years of service, the original bridge was decommissioned as part of a planned life cycle replacement. While the structure has changed, the City is proud to honor the contribution Abe Wright made through his Eagle Scout project and the role the bridge played in the park’s history.
The new bridge was crafted by students from the Hermiston High School Metals Shop, continuing the tradition of local students contributing directly to a public space. Their work provides a durable new bridge for Belt Park while carrying forward the same spirit of service, craftsmanship, and community pride that began with the original project.
Hermiston Parks & Recreation would like to recognize Metal Shop Instructor Kelly Robison and students Michael Markwith, Chase Robison, Rayshon McKim, and Zeb Jones for their work in creating the new Belt Park Bridge.
The City is grateful to Abe Wright for his original contribution and to the Hermiston High School Metals Shop for helping create the next chapter of this well-loved park feature.
