What is the oldest park in Bend? Which park required two acts of Congress to acquire?

Bend Park & Recreation District is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an independent government agency, and it’s a great opportunity to explore the history of some beloved parks. But first, let me explain the 50th anniversary, because parks and recreation go back much further than 50 or even 100 years.

Both Shevlin Park and Drake Park celebrated their 100th birthdays in 2021, and the City of Bend managed parks until 1974 when residents voted to establish a special taxing district for parks and recreation. This significant decision created the system of parks, trails and recreation options available today.

To honor the history, there is a scavenger hunt opportunity underway.

To start your hunt, visit page 19 in “Your Playbook,” which arrived in all mailboxes within the past two weeks. If you didn’t get one, you can stop into Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, Larkspur Community Center, The Pavilion or the BRPD District Office for a free copy.

Visit the 12 locations, enjoy the suggested activity or something of your choosing, and return the completed list to the park district for a chance to win prizes. The first 25 completed entries will receive a special 50th anniversary collection of BPRD goodies and be entered into a random drawing for one of 10 $50 BPRD gift certificates.

While I would love to tell you what I’ve learned about all of the locations, here are a few of my favorites:

Drake Park & Mirror Pond

In 1958, the Deschutes River Trail was first envisioned by Vince Genna, a 36-year career parks employee whose legacy is felt across the community. He hoped for a trail along the river from Tumalo State Park to forest service land in the south.

In the early 1980s BPRD obtained permission from the City of Bend to create a river strollway, from the edge of Mirror Pond Park north toward the Newport Avenue Bridge, which opened in 1986.

Sections of the DRT continue to be worked on today and in fall 2023, we completed an underpass at Newport Avenue to the north end of Drake Park that closely resembles the drawing from a 1995 trails plan. Good trail plans are timeless!

Shevlin Park’s Fishing Pond

The Shevlin Park Fish Hatchery was built in 1919, closed in 1929, was the focus of a restoration project for about 20 years, and was renovated in 1975 with help from a film crew for the Rooster Cogburn movie starring John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn.

Unfortunately, the building burned to the ground in August 1987.

The cause of the fire was traced to faulty wiring in a ceiling fan left on in the building after Genna’s family reunion.

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As I understand, before the ashes were cool, staff and board discussions were underway to replace the building.

Construction began during the summer of 1988 and it opened as Aspen Hall, which is popular for events today while fishing continues in the pond.

The pond was also popular for winter ice skating decades ago. The fee was 50 cents when a staff member was present (free when unstaffed) and it was open 7 days a week in the evenings.

River parks

As the 20th century was ending, BPRD was planning alongside the Old Mill District and other partners to envision the next “community living room” along the Deschutes River. Drake Park was the original hub of outdoor enjoyment in Bend, but the post-logging era brought new opportunities and vision. A Bend Bulletin article in 1999 called the river parks plans “a new Drake Park for the 21 century.”

With an agreement that included a land swap and a reduced price for a portion of the property, BPRD acquired 22 acres of riverfront land and turned it into what became Riverbend Park and Farewell Bend Park.

Bill Smith, developer and the driving force behind the Old Mill District and other projects, was the catalyst and valued collaboration and preserving natural areas balanced with innovation.

The concept for the parks was related to a heated community conversation about if a road and vehicle bridge would be developed.

It was resolved and Farewell Bend Park, the Bill Healy Bridge and Reed Market Road were built and are used extensively by community members who can’t imagine not having these amenities as part of their daily experience.

Whether you join our scavenger hunt or make your own, enjoy the exploration.