Community appears split on Bend Park & Rec’s proposed split rail fence along Deschutes River at Drake Park

(Update: adding video, comment Bend Park & Rec, community members)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Park and Recreation District has proposed another noteworthy change to an iconic Bend setting that has undergone trail and other upgrades in recent years: installing a split rail wooden fence along the Deschutes River at Drake Park.

According to the proposal submitted to the city Planning Department on June 28 by BPRD landscape architect Ian Isaacson, the goal of installing nearly 3,000 feet of the nearly 4-foot-tall cedar split rail fence would be to "address park vegetation protection and goose management along the Deschutes River."

Drake Park is one of Bend’s most iconic places, known for its scenic beauty and history on the shores of Mirror Pond, but some are concerned the proposed installation of a new fence along the river could disrupt its classic charm.

"I think we need to let nature do its thing," said Debby Young-Luty, a frequent Drake Park visitor. "I think Bend is known for that. I don't think we should do a fence. I'm against fences."

Steve Taylor who was out enjoying the views of Mirror Pond, said, "It wouldn't be that big a deal, but I think it's fine the way it is."

Walking along the Deschutes River Trail may look different in the future. Bend Park and Rec is proposing to replace droopy fences with wooden fences that have wire mesh. The goal is to mitigate geese access to the park.

Isaacson said, "We've seen the majority of geese are entering the park by just floating up to the river bank and then walking into the park, making it really easy for the intent of this fence is to prevent them from being able to access the banks as easily."

The landscape architect for the project says the increase in fecal matter from the geese is causing health concerns especially, with recent avian flu outbreaks.

Kelsea Woodman, a frequent trail walker, said, "I wouldn't mind it. I do walk this regularly on my lunch break, so seeing they're feces all over isn't the best - I can't go around it."

Young-Luty added, "We walk my dog along this path. We just know better, to walk around it."

Environmental protection is another reason for the proposed fence.

Isaacson said, "We've seen impacts to the park line itself from the geese and the numbers of geese that are getting on it, both from eating the grass and from pooping on it and the piles of poop that are building up on it."

The fence would have two cedar rails with welded wire mesh. A gap of a few inches would allow small animals like muskrats and beavers to navigate the barrier. 

Jean Taylor, enjoying the park's scenic views, isn't a fan of the fencing idea.

"I'm getting to an age where I can't stand up very long," she said. "So any time you put a fence up, I don't care how transparent you tried to make it, it still inhibits anybody that's sitting on the ground or inhibits their view of the beautiful pond,"

The fence would stretch from Mirror Pond all the way to the river access ramp in Drake Park, but the park district says it will not cut off any designated river access. If city planners approve the fence project, BPRD will then develop a timeline for the project.

You can read more about the city application at this web page.

The proposal letter and site plan is below: