Big Sky Park Expansion
21690 NE Neff Rd, Bend, OR, United States
Project Phase
- PLANNING
- DESIGN
- PERMITTING
- CONSTRUCTION
Project Overview
Big Sky is a community park that is home to the Luke Damon Sports complex, a multi-purpose athletic facility. The park also features an off-leash dog area, playground, picnic shelters, and a BMX track that is run by Bend BMX.
A phased design plan evaluated current park use and planned future projects in the park that would improve connectivity and safety, increase accessibility, and offer additional recreation opportunities. The plan also included a new bike park. The bike park was designed in collaboration with community partners and will have elements for riders of all skill levels from beginner to professional.
The first phase focused on infrastructure improvements and some bike features. Infrastructure improvements include a new entry from Hamby Road, improved vehicle circulation within the park, 93 new parking spaces, and more than 1.5 miles of soft-surface trail that will loop around the perimeter of the park. Bike features include a pump track, tot zone, trials area, bike skills development area and single track trails. Construction started in the fall of 2021 and is anticipated to be completed late winter 2023.
Additional bike features will be built in the second phase. They will include a slopestyle terrain park with start tower and a sessions zone.
Initially, all bike features were planned to be built in the second phase of construction. In an effort to bring some of the bike park features to the community sooner, BPRD applied for and was awarded a grant through the Bend Sustainability Fund! The Bend Sustainability Fund invests in projects that protect, steward, and create sustainable recreational resources and outdoor experiences in Bend’s backyard.
Located at the corner of Hamby and Neff Roads at 21690 NE Neff Rd.
$4.8 million
Property Taxes, System Development Charges and Bend Sustainability Fund grant
Phase 1 Feb 2023; Phase 2 Summer 2024
Contact Information
For more information on the Big Sky Park Expansion, please contact
Bronwen Mastro
Landscape Architect
Tel: (541) 706-6152
Email: bronwenm@bendparksandrec.org
What is planned for the next phase of development at Big Sky Park?
BPRD is very excited to enhance use at Big Sky Park. Updating the master plan after 15 years created an opportunity to revisit activities and needs in our community. Improvements to the park in this next phase include:
- Improved traffic flow and parking.
- New point of access and exit to Hamby Road that will serve as a common access for the park and Buckingham Elementary School.
- Additional parking for 93 vehicles.
- Asphalt pump track
- Slopestyle trails ranging from beginner to professional difficulty level.
- Single track trails
- Bike trials area
- Children’s skill area
- Bike skills development trail
- Multi-purpose loop trail around the park
- Covered picnic shelter
- Off-lease dog area expansion (completed Winter 2019)
Will the sports fields change with this development?
No, the sports fields will remain the same. Improvements were made to the infield of Field #3 in winter 18/19.
Will there be lighting added at Big Sky?
Lighting is not a part of this project.
Will the proposed entrance and addition parking help with the traffic congestion?
It is anticipated that the new entrance from Hamby Road and the additional parking will ease congestion for park visitors and improve safety where pedestrians and vehicles are sharing spaces.
Will there be bike races with the development of the bike park?
There may be bike races with the development of the bike park. Cyclocross racing promoters are excited about having more bike races in Bend. Depending on the development of the rest of the bike features, there may be other types of races. Any future organized activities will be planned and communicated in advance to ensure the park is a good neighbor.
How will the bike park be maintained?
BPRD maintenance staff will handle the day-to-day maintenance of the bike park along with responsibility for the rest of the park.
Will the BMX course change?
The BMX course is operated and maintained by Bend BMX. There will be no changes to the courses as part of this project.
Will there be permanent amplified sound?
There is no permanent amplified sound as part of this project. The conditional use permit allows amplified sound for a designated number of events each year. All amplified sound shall comply with the applicable residential DEQ and County requirements.
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