Caring for our Parks
Bend's beautiful parks
host a wide variety of activities and events throughout the
year ranging from community-wide cultural events to individuals
relaxing in their favorite park. Bend Metro Park and Recreation
District oversees, maintains and develops parks, trails and
open space in Bend and surrounding areas. Since 1995, the
District has been involved in an aggressive park rehabilitation
program as a result of a voter approved levy. The
levy-supported projects were completed in 2003, however,
maintenance projects continue to be funded through the general
fund in order to keep our parks and facilities up dated and
safe. Following are major maintenance projects scheduled for
the District's parks, trails, and facilities. If you have
any questions regarding any of these projects, please contact
Ed Moore, Park Services Director, at 388-5435.
Park Projects
Beyond the routine maintenance program that keeps our parks clean, green, safe and beautiful, there are a number of larger projects our staff is working on.
Tree Pruning...During fall and winter months staff are busy pruning trees throughout the park system, removing dead wood and correcting structural problems that could present hazards to the public. Special emphasis is placed on the older larger trees that create the unique and wonderful environs found especially in Drake, Pioneer and other older established parks.
District Composting Project...The District has developed a successful composting system, using a variety of composting techniques to recycle over 45,000 pounds of pine needles, grass clippings and limbs that are removed from the parks every year during various maintenance activities. The goal is to reduce costs by diminishing landfill tipping fees and to improve the health of our parks by improving fertility as well as saving water.
Forest Health Projects...This past year the District completed another 30 acre fire fuel reduction project at the south end of Shevlin park. This year we will take on another similar size project using more federal grant funds to improve forest health and fire safety north and east of Aspen Hall.
Better Technology---This year the District purchased GIS equipment and software to map and inventory trees and other park features. With this system we will be able to track the progress of maintenance programs such as forestry and noxious weed control. This will give the District the ability to plan for future needs by creating a more sustainable maintenance management system that better preserves what we have.
More Skiing---This winter the District created more opportunities for people to cross country ski and skate ski right here in town. Crews groomed tracks at Shevlin, Skyline and Big Sky Parks. Hopefully we will get enough snow to do it again!
