Construction to close Columbia Park and Gilchrist Bridge
Access to the river is a high priority for residents and visitors, and work will begin soon at Columbia Park and Gilchrist Bridge resulting in temporary closures beginning Oct. 19.
Years of use and increased demand on Columbia Park caused the access point to deteriorate, requiring fencing to protect the riverbank area. The current project includes a new river access point, riverbank restoration, accessible pathways, plazas and site furnishings. Work will restore a section of riverbank and provide a small, improved access point for entry and exit the river or enjoy the water’s edge.
In March 2026, the BPRD Board of Directors and Bend City Council added replacement of the Gilchrist Bridge into the scope of the Columbia Park project to more efficiently use public funds, streamline the design process and provide the community with a more complete improvement project. Following completion of the project, the bridge ownership and maintenance work will be transferred from the city to BPRD.
Closures begin Monday, Oct. 19 at 8 a.m.
Columbia Park and The Gilchrist Bridge will be closed to public use beginning Monday, Oct. 19, at 8 a.m. The closures are anticipated to remain in place through early summer 2027 while bridge replacement and related project work are completed. Detours are recommended at Bend Whitewater Park or Galveston Avenue to cross the river.
The park’s playground, lawn areas, pathways and other park amenities will be closed for safety and due to the logistics and complexity of the construction work that is focused on the riverbank only. In advance of the bridge closure, site fencing and contractor staging of equipment may begin before Oct. 19.
“This project represents a coordinated effort between the district and the City of Bend to improve river access, ecological conditions and trail connectivity in a partnership that benefits the community,” said Ian Isaacson, BPRD landscape architect and project manager.
During certain portions of the project, recreational use of the Deschutes River through the project area will also be temporarily closed. These closures will occur only when necessary for construction activities, such as during removal of the existing bridge.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as construction gets underway,” added Isaacson. “The bridge, park and river are important community resources, and the project will enhance the experiences.”
Advance notice of temporary river closures will be posted on project information boards located at river access points near the project site, email notifications will be sent to project stakeholders, and public notices will be shared through media and social media.
Funding for the projects
Funding for the construction of the Columbia Park project includes grant funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and from a donation from the Joseph & Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation. Funding for the design was provided from the Oregon State Marine Board Waterway Access Grant Program, which invests 10-foot and longer nonmotorized boat permit fees for boating facility improvements.
The Gilchrist Bridge replacement is funded by the City of Bend, and the design was completed with support from a grant by The Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Learn more on the Columbia Park and Gilchrist Bridge project webpage.
