Several Neighborhood Associations recently conducted the Deschutes South Canyon Use Survey to learn how residents and visitors currently use this area and to get their thoughts on its future. The survey garnered responses from 2,039 people with an overwhelming majority favoring preserving the land as parkland.

• 74.2% supported Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD) creating a new natural area park, similar to Shevlin Park, on the property. An additional 14.7% said they might support this effort.
• 81.1% thought BPRD funds should help with the purchase.
• 71.6% said they would support a bond measure to help fund the purchase.

An executive summary with more details on the survey results is available here.

Located in southwest Bend between Brookswood Boulevard and the Deschutes River, the land is currently owned by the Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) where it operates a piped canal and power station. COID plans to sell a major portion of the property for development. The property is Bend’s largest remaining open space by the Deschutes River, and has been used as a natural recreation area by thousands of residents and visitors for many years.

To learn more about efforts to protect the trails and habitat of the Deschutes South Canyon, visit the Save Bend Green Space website at savebendgreenspace.org.