The High Desert Section of ASLA Oregon in partnership with Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD) hosted a design workshop to study projects proposed in Riverbend Park as part of the Draft Deschutes River Access and Habitat Restoration Plan. A team of nine designers joined staff from BPRD along with some of their community stakeholders at Riverbend Park in Bend July 23rd and 24th for the event.

River recreation in Bend city limits became legal 15 years ago. Over the years, river use has grown in popularity and a recent survey indicated improved river access as a top need among Bend residents. For the past two years BPRD has been developing a plan to prioritize projects for river access and habitat restoration. Once adopted the plan will have an approximate ten-year implementation timeframe. The plan will address resident’s and visitor’s desire to recreate in the river, as well as improve riparian habitat along the river’s edge.

Riverbend Park was developed in 2009 as a main river access point. Today it is one of the busiest and most active parks in the district. The plan proposes two high priority projects in Riverbend Park:

Improve beach accessibility, including the addition of an accessible non-motorized watercraft launch
Provide off-leash dog river access

The workshop kicked off with a presentation by Pat Addabbo of Oregon Adaptive Sports and Ashley Schaffer of Empowering Access on Improving River Access through Universal Design. Participants then walked the site to discuss opportunities and constraints on the property. Community stakeholders, including Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and DogPAC, participated. They helped provide additional context to the workshop, touching on history and information about the needs of specific user groups. The designers explored the feasibility of locating both an accessible watercraft launch and off-leash dog river access. Their ideas will help BPRD with decision making about future projects at Riverbend Park and will be logged as part of the public outreach on the Draft Deschutes River Access and Restoration Plan, which is happening through August 20, 2021. Bend Park and Recreation District is very appreciative of the contribution of both time and ideas from the designers and ASLA Oregon.

ASLA Participants: Anna Arbetter (Futurity), Brian Nierman (SZABO Landscape Architecture), Chelsea Schneider (LOCI Studio), Christine Ransom (SZABO Landscape Architecture, High Desert Section Co-Chair), Dan Jenkins (SERA Architects), Ethan Gefroh (Cameron McCarthy) Jennifer D’Avanzo (GreenWorks, PC), Mike Faha (GreenWorks, PC), and Mike Szabo (SZABO Landscape Architecture)

BPRD Participants:Bronwen Mastro (High Desert Section Co-Chair), Jason Powell, Kelsey Schwartz, Rachel Colton, and Sarah Bodo