Two of Drake Park’s iconic trees may be taken down

Due to planned pathway to expand the Deschutes River Trail

(Update: More comments from Don Horton)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two of Drake Park's most popular trees could be in danger of being uprooted: a weeping willow and a Ponderosa pine, in particular, for a long-planned trail expansion.

A planned pathway that will connect the Deschutes River Trail between Drake Park and Pioneer Park may prompt the removal of some of Drake Park's popular trees.

"This park doesn't have an abundance of trees, and we need to save all the trees we can," Bend resident Rusty Hartley said.

Some community members have asked that the weeping willow and Ponderosa pine not be damaged or cut down. Earlier, the park district drew attention when it said up to three dozen trees could need removal for the project.

"At all costs, I would hope they would avoid cutting down trees," Yolanda Sanchez said.

Some have even tied green ribbons on the trees, in an attempt to save them.

Don Horton, executive director of the Bend Park and Recreation District, said, as he has previously, that the park will attempt to save as many trees as it can.

"We have identified every tree that may have to come out, knowing that we are going to be able to work our way around some of those trees," Horton said.

The trail that was approved by the Bend Planning Commission in February has been on the park district's trail plan since 1995.

Horton added that it is too early to tell whether or not the trees can be saved. Construction on the pathway is scheduled to begin in the fall.

Horton said the park district spent two years on the trail's design, and in that process spared many trees.

"We will continue to look for ways to save trees during construction, as we always do," he said. "And as a result of that effort, some trees will be saved."

"There appears to be only two trees that are causing the most concern," Horton said. "Extra effort will be given to those trees. We agree with those community members who think it's important to save trees. After all, we are in the park beautification business."

The $6 million project is needed in part to meet ADA accessibility requirements.

 "With the grade changes necessary to meet ADA accessibility requirements (and) slope, it is not possible to curve around all trees,” Horton had said previously.

"The trail expansion is also necessary for pedestrians, bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs and other modes of trail use. Because of the grading necessary to meet the ADA grade, it is difficult to work around some of the larger trees. In some cases, we will be constructing retaining walls in order to meet these grade requirements.”

The idea of cutting down trees that have been in the parks for many years has created an outcry among the community. In February, a Bend resident taped a green ribbon around one of the Drake Park Trees with the words, “Go Around: Do Not Cut Me Down.”