Parks

Parks – Grass Areas

Some parks are available for business use that falls under the following parameters:

• No more than 1.5 hours per session
• No more than two sessions per day
• No more than three days per week

Parks – Picnic Areas and Shelters

Park picnic areas and shelters may be reserved for family, non-profit or business use. Business activities may occur in a picnic shelter so long as the business is conducted to invited guests and not the general public. Insurance is required for all business and commercial activities.

A shelter or designated picnic area may not be reserved for consecutive and/or recurring use (such as every Monday/Wednesday/Friday) in order to allow sufficient opportunity for general public use.

To reserve a picnic shelter or picnic area for business use, check out our rentals page for more info.

Parks – Off-Leash Dog Areas

Off-leash dog areas are not suitable for business use permits. Any dog training business use must be conducted with dogs on-leash at all times.

Trails

Trails may not be reserved for private use. Running/walking events require a reservation and adherence to public event reservation procedures. 

Fields

Athletic fields are reserved through our sports field rental process. For more info, please visit our athletic field rentals page.

Courts

Tennis and Pickleball Courts

Tennis and pickleball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not available for private, reserved use. Courts are not available for individual reservation. Courts may be reserved for District-approved activities and events.

Horseshoe Courts

Horseshoe courts at Juniper Park are not available for individual reservation. Courts may be reserved for District-approved activities and events.

Questions about sports fields and courts? Contact:

Deposits

Refundable deposits may be due depending on the type and group size of the rental. Deposit amounts vary by reservation. Providing there is no damage to the park and no additional clean up is required, the deposit will be returned in full within 10 business days.

Insurance

To protect public assets, BPRD requires all commercial park users to provide general liability insurance naming Bend Park and Recreation District as additionally insured. Private park users need to provide insurance when an activity involves the consumption of alcohol, has more than 60 people in attendance, and/or is deemed necessary by the District.  Insurance is due no less than 30 days prior to the reservation date(s).

Please see the insurance packet for more information.

Metal Detector Use Application

In order to operate a metal detector on District property, one must have a metal detector permit in their possession. The permit provides the holder with information on park rules and regulations and how to properly use a metal detector on District property.

Metal detector permits are available free of charge through the online form below, or through Park Services, 1675 SW Simpson, p. (541) 388-5435, hours 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.

Commercial Photography/Videography/Film Permit – $50 per day/per location, plus any necessary reservation and rental fees.

1. A single professional photographer with a portable camera does not require a permit or District notification.
2. Professional media production or activity requires a scope of activity and possible evidence of prescribed liability insurance based on risk. Should production require exclusive use of parkland, staff time or other District resources, a permit, park reservation and associated fees apply.
3. For film permits, please complete and submit a BPRD Commercial Film/Photography/Videography Permit Request.
4. Requests are to be made a minimum of seven business days in advance of the requested date(s). For more complicated requests with any of the following – multiple dates and locations, exclusive use, activities outside of park rules, large groups (20+) a variety of equipment/vehicles on site – 30 days in advance is strongly advised.
5. Questions about using a park or facility for a commercial shoot? Contact:

To conduct business at McKay Park and/or Miller’s Landing Park adjacent to the Bend Whitewater Park, there is a permit process that requires proof of insurance coverage.  This is the process for sale, rental or promotions of merchandise or service; the provision of a paid service or program, instruction or training that includes use of dry land for anything more than quick transportation in or out of the Deschutes River.

The public is always welcome in our parks; therefore, a permitted business does not have exclusive use and business activity may not adversely impact general public use.

Permit requirements: General liability insurance of $2M naming BPRD as additionally insured is required. Classes operating in the Deschutes River must abide by all Oregon State Marine Board rules and regulations.

Permit use: Permit holders and class participants do not have exclusive use of the park. Class activities may not adversely impact general public use of the parkland or in the Bend Whitewater Park. Areas of use in the whitewater park include the Whitewater Channel and the Passageway Channel. The island adjacent to the Whitewater Channel cannot be reserved as part of a park reservation. Use of the island is open for the public at all times.

Permit holders must have a copy of their permit with them during permitted use.

Business Use in Water Only: Conducting business in the water only at the Bend Whitewater Park– without any use of river bank or the island — does not require a permit or insurance coverage by the Bend Park and Recreation District; however, it does require an Oregon State Marine Board Outfitter Guide Registration Card.  The Marine Board has authority for the water way and is a great resource for questions or assistance applying for outfitter guide registration.

For a quality experience for participants, please conduct in-water activities in non-peak times and days. The Bend Whitewater Park is a public park and is heavily used in afternoons and weekends during the summer.

To avoid conflicts with other users, the District recommends classes/lessons be conducted in down times (5 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) or during the off season (October-April).