Ryan Brennecke / The BulletinA cyclist makes his way along a pathway that flanks the Discovery Park pond located in NorthWest Crossing on Monday. The park features a 3-acre pond and officially opens to the public on Tuesday.

NorthWest Crossing’s Discovery Park opens today.

Located north of Summit High School in Bend, the 31-acre park includes a lake and water play area, a picnic shelter, a natural play area, walking trails, 16 acres of natural open space and an off-leash dog park.

The park was expected to open in May. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we waited to open the park so that newly planted fragile plants and turf could establish,” wrote Michelle Healy, strategic planning and design director, in a news release issued by the Bend Park & Recreation District on Monday afternoon.

Bend Park & Rec developed the park through an agreement with West Bend Property Co., which donated the lake acreage. The district bought the remaining 12 acres for about $1.9 million.

With development the total project cost about $4.8 million.

An opening celebration is planned July 16.

— Bulletin staff report