Updated: August 24, 2026
The Art Station’s new home at Larkspur Park is nearly complete! Art and enrichment programs will once again have a dedicated facility since moving out of the old train depot in the Old Mill District in 2022. At 5,000 square-feet, the newly constructed center features contemporary design, a lobby space, three classrooms including a clay studio with kiln room, gallery wall, office space and restrooms. Viewable from large classroom windows, the surrounding natural area and trails will be celebrated assets to the Art Station providing inspiration and space to create and play, while maintaining the landscape and trail experience.
CLASSES BEGIN EARLY FALL | OPEN HOUSES IN OCTOBER – FEBRUARY
A full menu of art and enrichment classes and party opportunities are available for registration now and include options for youth, adults and multi-generations. Look for open houses each month through winter including an opening celebration in October.
Click on the floor plan and renderings below to enlarge.



Updated: August 2025
The Bend Park and Recreation District will build a future Art Station following agreement from the board of directors at its Sept. 19, 2023 meeting.
In fall 2016, BPRD worked quickly to restart Art Station programs that were previously offered by Arts Central in the same building when the not-for-profit organization closed. Programs have featured a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, printing, sculpture, jewelry, glass arts, ceramics, pottery, textiles and mixed media.
The Art Station was previously located in the train depot in the Old Mill District. The Old Mill District discontinued a generous low-cost lease in April 2022, so the building could support the growing use of the amphitheater. This arrangement was intended to be temporary and was communicated to BPRD in advance.
Since spring 2022, the district has offered youth and adult art programs at Larkspur Community Center, Harmon Hobby Hut and in various Bend area schools. During this same period, district staff have been exploring potential sites and facilities for a future home for district art programs.
District staff recommended and the board agreed that a new Art Station facility should be built at Larkspur Park.
“Constructing a new facility for the Art Station at Larkspur Park provides considerable opportunities for shared staffing, co-programming and scheduling coordination,” said Matt Mercer, recreation services director. “The placement within a park also provides direct connection to both developed and natural areas that will enhance art programming and ignite creativity for youth and adults.”
Larkspur Park offers neighborhood park amenities plus some community features to create a multi-generational atmosphere adjacent to Larkspur Community Center at 15th Street and Reed Market Road. Larkspur Park has benches, paver walkways, a restroom, a meadow, a shade shelter, bocce court, horseshoe court, basketball court, connection to the Larkspur Trail, and other active areas.
Rotary clubs of Bend funded the construction of an “all children’s playground” in Larkspur Park, which is active year-round.
Constructing a new Art Station facility will allow spaces to be specifically designed to and built for the intended uses, including size and dimensions of rooms, utilities, finishes, etc.
Funding allocation for building the facility is $4.5 million.
A construction timeline is underway now with a construction contract approved by the Board of Directors on August 19, 2025. Staff estimates completion of the facility in summer 2026.