Volunteers restore old Shevlin Park trail, reconnecting Tumalo Creek to picnic area

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Sixteen volunteers restored an old trail in Shevlin Park as part of Bend Park and Recreation's Volunteer Days projects. The trail, part of the Tumalo Creek trail system, connects a creek to a picnic area.

The restoration effort focused on bringing back an old trail located at the very end of Shevlin Park. Volunteers spent the day digging up grass and sod to uncover the pathway.

Andy Sommerville, Trails Supervisor for Bend Park and Recreation, highlighted the community aspect of the work. “It's a really fun experience to get a bunch of strangers together and work on something to a common goal, which is to, open our public spaces for for better access for all,” Sommerville said.

While the volunteers completed significant work, the newly restored trail will not be open right away. It requires resurfacing with gravel before it can be used by the public.

For those interested in participating in future park improvement efforts, Bend Park and Recreation has scheduled a river cleanup event. This event will take place on July 11 at Farewell Bend Park. People can sign up for this and other volunteer opportunities through Bend Park's “Volunteer Project Days” website.