Residents tour Bend’s new centralized public works facility

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Department of Public Works recently hosted an open house, inviting the public to tour its new combined campus located on Talus Place in North Bend. The event allowed residents to explore the facility and learn about the department's operations.

The open house highlighted the city's investment in a centralized and environmentally conscious public works hub.

The event was designed to showcase the department's new combined location, where visitors could walk through the massive equipment hangars and see the city's vehicle repair areas. City staff were present to answer questions about various projects and utilities.

The open house also featured recreational activities like corn hole and had food trucks available. Attendees noted the welcoming and open atmosphere of the event, with a particular point of pride for the new campus being its "Zero Energy" or "Net Zero Program."

Bend resident Steve Haynes attended the open house and shared his positive impressions of the new facility.

"I think it's terrific. It's a nice facility. It's nice that, all the operations are in one place now," Haynes said.

Another Bend resident, Sandy Thompson, expressed her appreciation for the campus's environmental initiatives and the staff.

"I'm impressed with the Zero Energy Board. And so far, every person we've met has been so friendly and helpful," Thompson said.

The "Zero Energy" or "Net Zero Program" is a central feature of the new public works campus. This design ensures the building is highly energy efficient and generates its own solar power. Parts of the building also utilize wood in construction instead of steel and concrete. Additionally, the surrounding landscaping is designed for minimal water usage.