City signs placed at scenic Bend viewpoint irk hikers

Central Oregon is known for its beautiful scenic views, but some hikers expressed dismay Tuesday at the city of Bend’s choice for where to install ‘tobacco-free campus’ signs in the middle of a view atop Overturf Butte.

The butte attracts many people because of its views and now the city signs are in the way of the view.

The sign is posted on a square cement slab in the dirt, so it’s clearly not going anywhere.

Chris Calande sent sunset-and-sign photos to NewsChannel 21 Tuesday, asking us which city department is responsible for placing the two signs on Overturf Butte.

“This is a great example of government doing the wrong thing when trying to fix a problem,” he wrote.

City of Bend Communications Director Anne Aurand told us the signs were posted earlier this summer, in response to complaints from neighbors.

The city installed the signs after people had been parking on the city property, which is not a public right of way.

There were reports of drinking and smoking that had been disturbing neighbors, according to city officials.

“We intentionally had to put the signs in place that we knew they would be seen so gates, entrances and places where you stand,” Aurand said.

Joanna Goodwin, who hikes the trail daily, noticed the signs posted last week.

“I looked at it, and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh! Why is it there? It seems like out of place,” she said.

The city representative said the posted signs are a good compromise, instead of having the area fenced off from the public.