State gets input on Pilot Butte master plan update

Every 20 years or so, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department updates its master plan for Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, the northeast Bend landmark that’s a popular walking spot.

The last time the plan was updated was back in 1995.

An advisory group came together along with local stakeholders over the last six months to work toward an update.

The master plan is aimed at making the park able to change and adapt where it’s needed to keep up with the rising demand for use.

Rachel Hill with OPRD said at a public gathering Monday evening the biggest thing is keeping up with the growth the surrounding area is seeing and the resulting increase in visitors.

Hill also said it’s important to make sure the resources the park provides are not over-used.

“We want to maintain the vehicular access,” Hill said. “We are already managing that, though, in a way that allows the summit road to be car-free for parts of the morning so that people who use the trail, or use the road like a trail, can do that without cars. And so it’s less of an issue of limiting or changing, and more just managing the situation.”

Hill said being able to adapt to the changing city around it is key to making sure that Pilot Butte serves its purpose in the coming years.

Many of those at the meeting said they want to make sure the park is preserved and utilized in a sustainable way.

David Howey and Maryanne Huffman said they love the butte and walk it nearly every day, and are excited to be a part of the conversation.

“I think it’s exciting that people are starting to get excited about the butte in my opinion,” Howey said. “It’s obviously something that needs attention drawn to it, as far as safety concerns go and obviously saving the beauty of the butte.”

They do have some concerns though, and want to see better access for neighborhoods around the park. They also would like to see erosion issues taken care of.

Huffman said, “Everybody loves the butte, and we don’t want to cut off access, so we do have to come together and come up with some solutions.”.

This was not the only public meeting to be held on this topic. There will be another one in the fall before the master plan is completed, officials said.

The parks department hopes to have the plan in place by winter or spring of 2020.

If you would like more information on the Pilot Butte Master Plan, click here.