Central Oregonians enjoying new amenities at Bend’s Pine Nursery Park
(Update: adding video, comments from Bend Park and Rec)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- From new pickleball courts to upgraded ball fields and trails, an $8 million improvement project at Pine Nursery Park is nearing completion.
Some of the newest additions include eight pickleball courts, a full basketball court, three new entrances to the off-leash area, and a pedestrian connection to Deschutes Market Road.
Central Oregonians are already putting the new amenities to use.
“We got an email this morning that there were a large group of people playing basketball last night, and that’s great to hear,” said Jason Powell, construction manager for Bend Park and Recreation District.
“I have heard quite a bit about the fact that the trails are a lot smoother, and that makes people happy. So, yeah, there have been a lot of positives,” Powell added.
Crews repaired roughly 1.5 miles of the park’s perimeter trail, installed 99 solar pathway lights, and added artificial turf and new lighting at the softball fields.
The new amenities are open, but an issue with an electrical component is keeping the lighting offline for now. Powell said connecting the power is the biggest remaining step before the project can officially wrap up.
“There are punch-list items, and some landscaping things still need to be established and grown in, but the main thing is to get the power in so we can get the lighting commissioned and online for this fall, when we would like to have extended lighting hours on the fields,” Powell said.
Once operating, the new lighting will be DarkSky certified, meaning it is designed to direct light where it is needed while limiting glare and light pollution.
The lights will also allow people to use the fields, courts, and perimeter path during more early-morning and evening hours.
Construction began last fall and was funded mainly through system development charges, with some property tax dollars also included.
Whether visitors come to Pine Nursery Park to walk their dogs, play a game, or simply enjoy the outdoors, they are likely to notice something new.
Earlier Story -- BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The Bend Park and Recreation District is putting the finishing touches on an approximately $8 million improvement project at Pine Nursery Park in Bend, Ore. Several new facilities are now open to the public, including a full-court basketball court, eight new pickleball courts and upgraded sports fields.
Pine Nursery Park is a 159-acre community park that draws approximately one million visits each year. The park has been developed in phases since 2006 and the latest renovations fulfill high-priority projects identified in the district's 2018 Comprehensive Plan and its 2024 midterm update.
Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company completed the work following a competitive bidding process. Improvements across the park include a new pedestrian connection to Deschutes Market Road, off-leash dog area upgrades and paving and lighting repairs along the perimeter loop trail. Maintenance area improvements feature a new storage shed and fencing.
Crews also converted ball field infields to artificial turf and added sports field lighting. Dark-sky compliant lighting was installed along both the fields and the paved perimeter loop pathway to extend usability during the fall and spring when daylight hours are shorter.
The project involved partnerships with local organizations. Bend Park and Recreation District renovated a storage space for exclusive use by Oregon Adaptive Sports, while the Bend Pickleball Club raised half of the funding for eight new pickleball courts.
The addition brings the total number of pickleball courts at Pine Nursery Park to 24. Eight of the courts remain open for public drop-in use at all times, except during a small number of annual tournaments.
Jase Newton, recreation services director for the district, highlighted the community partnerships involved in the park's expansion.
“Collaborating with partners and seeking opportunities to collaborate is on display at Pine Nursery Park and it serves the community best when we're able to align goals and resources,” Newton said.
Newton added that the district aims to maximize public investments through these facility upgrades.
“By enhancing existing amenities, the district can deliver greater value to the community, expand recreation opportunities and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources,” Newton said.
Final elements of the project are scheduled to be completed by early fall.
