Sawyer Park project begins; parking lot closes Oct. 26
Bend Park and Recreation District is beginning its improvement project at Sawyer Park next week, and it will impact vehicle access while the project is completed.
The park remains open to pedestrian and bike users along the Deschutes River Trail; however, beginning Monday, Oct. 26, the parking lot, accessed from O.B. Riley Road, will be closed for construction activity. There will be maintained pedestrian access from O.B. Riley Road along the southern edge of the park.
“Because of Sawyer Park’s placement along the City of Bend’s low-stress network, efforts will be made to keep the park and trail connection open as much as possible during the project,” said Jason Powell, BPRD’s construction manager. “Park visitors are asked to adhere to fencing, occasional detours and closed areas during construction while we improve the future experience.”
BPRD’s project includes relocating the parking area closer to O.B. Riley Road, adding accessible parking, habitat restoration, improving trail accessibility, and the addition of a permanent restroom, picnic shelter and river overlook.
The project is funded in part by grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Local Government Grant Program and is expected to be completed next summer.
A park locator is available on the website.
