Safety concerns lead to removal of Harmon Park’s 50-year-old play boat

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Park and Recreation District removed a long-standing play boat from Harmon Park this week after staff determined the structure no longer met modern safety standards.

District staff regularly inspect all community playgrounds and had fenced off the boat for further evaluation following concerns about chipping paint, rust and exposed metal that heats up in the sun. All other play features at Harmon Park remain open to visitors.

The play structure had been in use for more than 50 years. In 1974, park district employee Ken Lehto converted a repurposed lifeboat into the play tugboat. Ten-year-old Tim Carpenter named the vessel PS Happy Harmon after winning a district naming contest.

Michelle Healy serves as executive director of the Bend Park and Recreation District. She acknowledged the community impact of removing the long-standing structure. “The old boat at Harmon is beloved by community members and our staff, so we know this is disappointing,” Healy said. “The boat was repurposed from the start and was showing its age and years of use, which doesn't meet standards for modern playgrounds.”

Harmon Park recorded approximately 40,000 visits last year. The park district manages 47 playgrounds across the community and provides a park locator tool on its website. “We wish to continue welcoming families to enjoy the playground at Harmon Park,” Healy said.