Construction at Sawyer Park will close parking lot starting Oct. 26

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Park and Recreation District will begin an improvement project at Sawyer Park next week, which will impact vehicle access to the park.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 26, the parking lot accessed from O.B. Riley Road will be closed for construction.

The park will remain open to pedestrian and bicycle users along the Deschutes River Trail during the project. Pedestrian access will also be maintained from O.B. Riley Road along the southern edge of the park.

The improvement project includes relocating the parking area closer to O.B. Riley Road and adding accessible parking spaces. The district's plans also feature habitat restoration, improved trail accessibility, a permanent restroom, a picnic shelter and a river overlook.

Jason Powell, construction manager for the Bend Park and Recreation District, emphasized efforts to keep the site accessible during work. “Because of Sawyer Park's placement along the City of Bend's low-stress network, efforts will be made to keep the park and trail connection open as much as possible during the project,” Powell said. “Park visitors are asked to adhere to fencing, occasional detours and closed areas during construction while we improve the future experience.”

The project is funded in part by grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Local Government Grant Program.

Construction activity at Sawyer Park is expected to be completed next summer.