The Bend Park & Recreation District plans to build a $2.5 million facility to expand opportunities for art classes following the closure of its previous one in the Old Mill District.

The new facility will be built at Larkspur Park in east Bend, according to a news release from the district. Construction is expected to be complete by 2026.

The art facility was previously located in the train depot in the Old Mill District, which leased it to the park district. The Old Mill ended its lease so the building could support growth of the amphitheater area.

Since the spring of 2022, the park district has offered youth and adult art programs at several locations, including Larkspur Community Center, the hobby hut at Harmon Park and various Bend-area schools.

Past art classes have featured a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, glass arts, ceramics, pottery, textiles and mixed media.

Locating the facility at Larkspur will help the park district staff the facility, coordinate schedules and offer co-programming, said Matt Mercer, recreation service director for the park district.