Riley Ranch: far from just another Bend park

No playgrounds. No neatly mowed grass fields. No mountain bike trails. The Bend Park and Recreation District is taking a new approach in the development of one of its newest parks, Riley Ranch Nature Preserve.

“This is a place that people need to experience on foot,” said project manager Jim Figurski.

Funded as part of the 2012 Bend Park and Recreation district bond measure, $3.3 million is slated to be spent for construction at the preserve, which has two scenic miles of Deschutes River frontage.

But if you fear over-development, that’s not the plan: Most of that money will be on roads and access points, while much of the land itself will remain untouched.

“We’re really looking to turn this into a true nature preserve and provide more impetus for wildlife to move in,” Figurski said.

The district plans to manage the land as seven different units; the canyon floor, riparian, meadow, rimrock, juniper flats, rim rock flats and rural residential area, which includes a home with a spectacular view.

Plans are not set for the house, but it could be used for classroom space or small groups. The intent is to limit the size of the groups, to preserve the wild right outside the busy city.

The plans thus far have been guided by a citizens’ advisory committee. Thursday evening, the general public gets its first chance to weigh in.

The park district is hosting an initial open house at their headquarters on Southwest Columbia street in the Old Mill District from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Learn more at: http://www.bendparksandrec.org/Current_Projects/Park-Projects/Riley-Ranch/