PARKS & SWIM
Bend City Parks
Big Sky Park and Sports Complex
21690 NE Neff Road, East of Hamby Road
97.2 acres
Bend's newest sport park features a regulation soccer field,
large and small baseball field, and BMX track, three new
regulation soccer fields, restrooms and concession stand, two
covered picnic shelters and one playground. Big Sky Park
Luke Damon Sports Complex is a full service sports facility,
hosting District sports programs as well as those sponsored by
local youth and adult sports associations. In 2005, a dog park
area was completed in the northeast section of Big
Sky Park. The park features:
* 3 acre fenced area with grassy play area and natural
surfaces
* Walking trails
* Picnic tables
* Water Spigot
* Double gated entry
Columbia Park
264 SW Columbia Street
2.01 acres
Columbia Park is developed neighborhood open space along the
Deschutes River. The park features a small playground and open
lawn surface. The lower level of the park, located along the
river, features a small bridge connecting two northwest
neighborhoods.
Deschutes River
Trail
This river trail allows nearly uninterrupted access to the
beautiful waterway that is the heart of the community. The Bend
Metro Park & Recreation District is at work building a
fully connected river trail between Tumalo State Park and
Meadow Camp. Once complete, the trail system will encompass
nineteen miles of trails. The current trail system is divided
into five "reaches", defined by landscape characteristics:
* Awbrey Reach
Visitors can access the River Trail at its northernmost point
at Kirkaldy Court off of Putnam Rd. Along the middle stretch of
this reach, the river drops into a deep canyon but the trail
stays high on the canyon wall. A steep climb up the Archie
Briggs Canyon Trail connects to Mt. Washington Dr.
* River Run Reach
This section, favored by many locals, is wide and relatively
flat. The trail passes through River's Edge golf course and
adjacent neighborhoods. There are several wetlands in this
reach, inhabited by songbirds, swans, otter and beaver.
* Pioneer Reach
This part of the trail goes through the downtown area and
isn't always right on the river. It passes through beautiful
Drake Park on Mirror Pond and ends in McKay Park. There are
several footbridges along the way offering opportunities to
cross the river.
* Old Mill Reach
This reach is a mix of river parks, the Shops at the Old Mill,
and areas yet to be developed. Three footbridges connect trail
legs on either side of the river, providing convenient walking
loops. On the east side, the trails are hard surface from the
Old Mill District to the Bill Healy bridge. Farewell Bend Park
provides two developed boat landings for paddlers using the
Deschutes River water trail.
* South Canyon Reach
This reach has trail legs on both sides of the river,
connected by a new footbridge 1.5 miles upstream from Farewell
Bend Park bridge. West side: This side is known as the Mt.
Bachelor Village Trail. It is open to pedestrians, but cyclists
are not allowed. An alternative cycling route connects from the
Bill Healy Bridge to the Haul Road Trail along Century
Drive.
Drake Park
NW Riverside Blvd. and Brooks Street
13 acres
This popular downtown community gathering place hosts many
events throughout the spring, summer and fall, including the
District's Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration. Features include
nearly one half mile of riverfront, acres of open lawn, an
outdoor stage, restrooms and small picnic tables. A major
renovation project for this park was completed in 2003. The
restrooms have been upgraded, pathways throughout the park have
been replaced with pavers making the walkway wider, new
irrigation and lighting systems have been installed, bike racks
have been installed, a seating and viewing area was added at
Mirror Pond and the High Wheel has made a triumphant return to
the park. Drake Park is more beautiful than
ever!
Farewell Bend Park
SW Reed Market Road
22 acres
Farewell Bend is Bend's newest river park, located along the
Deschutes River near the base of the Bill Healy Memorial
Bridge. The park features a canoe launch and natural marsh
areas. It has become a popular launching location for float
trips on the river. The Deschutes River Trail runs the
length of the park and connects the park to the Old Mill
District to the northeast, to Riverbend Park across the river
and to the new South Canyon Trail Bridge to the south. There
are two viewing shelters, a picnic shelter, a restroom,
benches, doggie rest stops, interpretive signage, bike
racks and a playground which Kiwanis assisted in
building.
First Street Rapids
Park
West First and Vicksburg Streets
7.2 acres
This popular yet informal river access point for canoes and
kayaks is located at the southern entrance to the River Run
Trail, along the Deschutes River.
Site Features:
* Picnic table
* Benches
* Portable Restroom
* Wood chip trail
* Canoe/kayak landing
Harmon Park
1100 NW Harmon Road
3.74 acres
This park is located along the Deschutes River across the
river from Drake Park. Park features include two softball
fields (used as a soccer field in the fall), restrooms and a
newly renovated playground.
Site Features:
* Baseball fields and bleachers
* Bike racks
* Picnic Tables
* Benches
* Drinking fountain
* Restroom
* Playground
* Outdoor Center/Hobby Hut
* Boat House
Hollinshead Park
1235 NE Jones Rd
16.5 acres
Donated to the District by Dean and Lily Hollinshead, this
former working ranch retains much of its original pioneer
charm. Located in northeast Bend, the park features several
original outbuildings including the renovated Hollinshead Barn
and the Share Croppers House, now a museum. The park is also
the location of the community garden. Much of the park is
open fields and an orchard. The park and barn are popular
locations for weddings and other private functions. Sufficient
off-street parking is available
Juniper Swim &
Fitenss
800 NE 6th St., Bend
Phone: (541) 389-7665
Juniper Swim & Fitness Center offers a variety of programs
for people of all ages, abilities and interests. From high
quality fitness programs, to outstanding aquatic programs, you
are sure to find just what you're looking for at Juniper Swim
& Fitness Center.
Facility Hours
May 1 - September 3
Monday-Friday: 5:30am-9:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am-6:30pm
Sunday: 9:45am-6:30pm
Indoor Pool
25-meter multi-purpose indoor pool is maintained at a
comfortable 86 degrees with water depth ranging from 3.5 to 12
feet. This pool is home to some of our swim instruction and
water exercise programs and enjoyed by people that want warmer
water lap swim times. 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards and the
rope swing make this a popular pool for recreation swimmers.
The pool also features easy entry stairs and hydraulic lift for
those needing assistance in entering and exiting the pool.
50 Meter Pool
Central Oregon's first and only Olympic size pool is really
two pools in one. A moveable bulkhead allows the pool to be
split into two 25-meter, 8 lane courses. The pool features a
7-foot deep "competition" side and a 4-5 foot deep
"multi-purpose" side.
Children's Pool
The perfect pool for young children, all year round! The
89 degree water is comfortable for children and parents
too. The 2-foot water depth with easy entry steps allows
children to explore and develop independence. Add the
duck slide, squirting fish and other fun water toys and you are
sure to have a splashing fun time.
Juniper Park
800 NE 6th
This large park surrounds Juniper Swim & Fitness
Center. The park contains open grass areas and native
conifers. The park is in proximity to Bend High School,
Pilot Butte State Park and a yet to be developed leg of the
Coyner Trail that will connect to Bear Creek Elementary School
and Ponderosa Park.
Site Features:
* Four Outdoor Tennis courts
* Youth baseball field and bleachers
* Four Swimming pools
* Fitness Center
* 14 Horseshoe Pits
* One Mile Soft Fitness Trail
* Picnic & BBQ facilities and tables
* Drinking fountains
* Restrooms
* Playground
* Public art
* Bike racks
Larkspur Park & Bend Senior Center
1700 SE Reed Market Road
14.46 acres
As a companion to the Bend Senior Center, the park offers
traditional neighborhood park amenities plus some community
features to create a multi-generational atmosphere attracting
park visitors from all areas of Bend. Rotary Clubs of Bend
funded the construction of an "all children's playground" in
Larkspur Park, to celebrate the Centennial of the Bend Rotary
Clubs. Larkspur Park has benches, paver walkways, Larkspur
Trail, a restroom, a meadow, a shade shelter, bocce and
horseshoe courts, and other active areas. Approximately 40% of
the site is kept as a natural area preserving juniper trees,
alpine current and rabbit brush, as well as habitat for quail
and small mammals commonly found in Central Oregon.
McKay Park
166 SW Shevlin Hixon Drive
Size: 3.93 acres
McKay Park was opened in May 2000 and quickly became a very
popular addition to the District's collection of riverfront
parks. McKay Park is an excellent choice for taking a break
from the work day to enjoy your lunch. Easily accessible by car
and on foot, the park has become an oasis for dog lovers and
those wanting to take a dip in the Deschutes River. Dogs must
be on leash. Park amenities include ample grass, picnic tables
and park benches. Art In Public Places donated a life-like
sculpture of Canada geese for the park.
Site Features:
* Benches
* Drinking fountain
* Portable restrooms
* Decorative tree grates
* Public art/sculpture
* Interpretive signage
* Mature trees
* Beach and river access
* Trail connections
Pine Nursery Park
East of Purcell Street at the Intersection with Empire
Ave.
157 acres
Status: Under development 2005-08
A large site adjacent to a future elementary school, Pine Tree
Neighborhood Park, and the USFS seed extractory facility.
The North Unit Canal Trail borders the south side of the
park. Areas of the site have exceptional 360-degree
views. Formerly a U. S. Forest Service pine seedling nursery,
treed windbreaks are preserved on the site. A master
planning and park design effort is underway in 2005 in
preparation for a first phase of development. The
Conceptual Master Plan for Bend's newest community park site
will feature sports fields, ball courts, natural areas, trails,
playgrounds, picnic areas, a fishing pond, and open lawn play
areas. The site will be supported with parking areas,
utilities, access drives and restroom facilities.
Riverbend Park
Columbia Street and Shevlin Hixon Drive
13.20 acres
The park, acquired in 2004 from the Old Mill District
partners, will provide for community river park development and
improvements to the Deschutes River Trail, and is proposed as
the future site of the Community Recreation Center and District
administrative offices. It is connected to Farewell Bend
Park across the river by the trail and footbridge. The
combination of the Riverbend and Farewell Bend properties
provide a new, 39-acre park complex significantly expanding the
District's river park inventory to meet the needs of rapid
community growth.
Site Features: River access - Deschutes River Trail
Sawyer Park
62999 O.B. Riley Road
45.19 acres
A large LWCF park stretching along both sides of the Deschutes
River. Formerly a state park dedicated to the District in 1980.
The park is connected by trail to Sawyer Uplands Neighborhood
Park and River Glenn Natural Area. A footbridge over the
river leads to the Deschutes River Trail and connections to
First Street Rapids Park, Sawyer Uplands Park and Archie Briggs
Natural Area. The site is adjacent to the Rivers Edge golf
course. The park has a mix of mature pine and
juniper. It is a popular viewing site for migratory and
riparian birds and is listed on the Oregon Cascade Birding Tour
route.
Site Features:
* Picnic tables and facilities
* Drinking Fountains
* Open lawn area
* Portable restrooms
Shevelin Park
18920 Shevlin Park Road
652 acres, 50 acres developed
This cherished regional park was donated to the community in
1920. Although the park has a paved road, three developed
picnic sites and Aspen Hall within its boundaries, most of the
park remains undeveloped. Tumalo Creek rambles through the park
with several foot bridges providing opportunities to cross over
to the newest section of the park, the Shevlin Conservation
Easement, adding approximately 44 acres to the east side of the
park in 2002. The easement features a parking area with a
viewpoint and is popular with hikers, joggers and mountain
bikers. Shevlin Park is a haven located less than three miles
from Bend and a perfect location for hiking, jogging, fishing,
cross country skiing and picnicking. There is an extensive
trail and pathway system providing for both summer and winter
uses.
Skyline Park Sports
Complex
19617 Mountaineer Way
24.4 acres
This heavily used sports facility includes four lighted
softball/soccer fields, restrooms, concession stand, picnic
shelter, outdoor basketball courts and ample off-street
parking. A small playground is located near the north ball
field. This facility hosts many District programs and sports
camps, adult softball tournaments and youth sports leagues.
Close proximity to Cascade Middle School makes this an ideal
location for Camp Cascade, the site of many of daytime summer
programs.
Tilicum Park/Chase
Ranch
18144 Couch Market Road
232.57 acres
Donated to the District by the Chase family, this former
working ranch is located 10 miles west of Bend, south of
Highway 20. This site has been used primarily during
the annual Pumpkin Festival in October. It has a
caretaker's house, an irrigation pond and assorted agricultural
improvements and structures. It lies adjacent to BLM land and
offers expansive views and the potential for regional trail
connections.
Site Features:
* Picnic tables
* Various agriculture structures and improvements
