Most people don't realize that the detectorists hunting in the parks and schools are actually helping to make them safer places for all to relax in and enjoy.
Although most things we find are buried, some are just below the surface or just hidden in the grass.
Oregon Treasure Trails members have removed hundreds of lbs of trash from parks during club hunts.
Sharp items and broken glass removed from Portland area Park
Sometimes we find little treasures, and other times hidden dangers.
Imagine a toddler finding these items in the grass and picking it up to play with. Or maybe just the point is sticking up out of the ground where you just spread your picnic blanket.
No. This is not a prop for some horror movie. This was actually found in a Portland park. Makes you wonder doesn't it?
Lost picnic items are fairly common finds, live ammunition not so much.
Potentially dangerous objects are being removed by detectorists all the time.
So if you see a detectorist nosing through a playground, a school grounds, or picnic areas, they could be there making it safer for you and yours.
Mace Spray removed from Portland park
Removed from Portland park
Removed from Vancouver park sports field
Shell casings removed from Portland park
Removed from Vancouver High school sports field
Removed from Vancouver Elementary School sports field
Removed from new play structure bark chips in a Portland park
Found at a Portland City Park
Syringe removed from Portland Park play structure area
Found near a tree in North Portland park.
Found at a Portland area Elementary school near the playground.
Found at a Portland area Middle School near the outdoor basketball area.
Winchester .45 found at an Elementary School. It was maybe a half inch in the ground, about 20 feet from the play structures.
Rusty nail found in the sand pit at the long jump. Can you imagine falling on this?
Found in the mud at a park on the Columbia River.
School Find
Portland Park Play area
Found in grass area at Cathedral Park