Bend Park and Rec planning upgrades at historic Hollinshead Park; open house set for next Monday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Park and Recreation District is working on an improvement project at Hollinshead Park and is seeking input on initial design plans. An open house is scheduled for Monday, May 20 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hollinshead Barn, 1235 NE Jones Road in Bend.

Hollinshead Park is a 16.1-acre community park in northeast Bend. Donated by Dean and Lily Hollinshead, it has deep roots in the area. Originally a busy ranch, today it offers visitors a journey back in time.

Park features include an off-leash dog area, community and demonstration gardens, a walking trail, and picnic areas. The park is also home to historical buildings including the Hollinshead Barn, tack shed and the museum house.

Community members and BPRD staff collaborated in 2010 to develop a preferred concept plan for the future of the property.

With Bend’s continued growth and demand on our parks, improvements planned for the park include:

• A new permanent restroom.
• New ADA-compliant pathways to increase accessibility, including enhanced access to Hollinshead Barn.
• Renovation of the parking area to improve circulation and operational issues.
• Enclosing the off-leash area to increase park-user safety and reduce conflicts.
• Creation of a “History Walk” with interpretive signs to share the park’s history and features in collaboration with the Deschutes Historical Society.
• Preparation of a maintenance report to preserve the park’s structures for future generations.

“The open house is an opportunity for the community to review the initial design plans for each of the project’s elements, ask questions of the design team, and to provide feedback and comments,” said Ian Isaacson, BPRD landscape architect and project manager.

Community members who are unable to attend the open house can review the plans and submit comments on the project website, beginning May 20.

The project is estimated to be completed in 2026.