An open house for the upcoming Sawyer Park improvement project is set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 22 at the Bend Park & Recreation District office in Bend.

The park district will share project information, including plans to mitigate potential impacts to the park’s cultural and historic resources.

Increased visitor use has made the parking lot and entrance insufficient for the park’s needs. The park district plans to move the parking closer to O.B. Riley Road, add accessible parking and improve trail accessibility. The plan will also add a permanent restroom, picnic shelter and river overlook.

More than $1 million was awarded for the project by a land and water conservation grant. As part of the grant program, the site was reviewed to figure out how the project would impact cultural and historical resources. The review determined the process would have an adverse impact on some resources.

There will not be a formal presentation as the meeting is open-house style. Community members are encouraged to drop in at their convenience. The project is set to be completed in summer 2026.