State grant to help fund McKay Park upgrades

The Bend Park and Recreation District said Friday it has been awarded a $371,150 grant in support of enhancements to McKay Park on the Deschutes River.

The local government grant was approved by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Commission earlier this month.

McKay Park is among nine parks statewide to receive local government grant funding in 2014 totaling $2.3 million coming from dedicated Oregon lottery funding. Grant eligibility is limited to public outdoor park and recreation areas and facilities.

The grant funding will enhance McKay Park with several features that will support the Colorado Dam Safe Passage project, such as an accessible beach, two areas for spectator seating and recreation viewing, improved trail connections and river bank habitat restoration.

Other park improvements such as a new restroom and changing facility will be funded separately by the park district. Construction is planned to begin in the summer of 2015 and anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2016.
“We are grateful to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Commission to be awarded this grant. The funding helps us stretch local financial resources to provide additional features at McKay Park to serve the needs of our community,” said Michelle Healy, Director of Planning & Development.
In 2012, the District received a similar $262,750 grant in support of developing Miller’s Landing Park across the river from McKay Park. In 2010, the District received a $250,000 grant in support of acquisition of the Miller’s Landing property. The District has also received local government grants for the development of Pine Nursery Park in 2008, the South Canyon trail bridge in 2005 and for acquisition of the Shevlin Park conservation easement in 2000.
For additional information on McKay Park and other park projects, visit www.bendparksandrec.org or contact the Bend Park & Recreation District at (541) 389-7275.