McKay, Miller’s Landing, and Columbia Park's River Access
***Fall 2023 Update - Preferred Conceptual Designs***
Why is BPRD working on this project?
To better manage increased recreational river use, improve the experience for all users, and to better facilitate sustainable use of our river resource, BPRD created the 2021 Deschutes River Access & Habitat Restoration Plan. Three individual projects from the River Plan, which encompass four river access points, have been combined into this single, larger project: the McKay, Miller's Landing, and Columbia Park's River Access Project .
McKay, Miller's Landing, and Columbia Parks, which are located in the heart of Bend, are locations where river access can be provided to support a multitude of uses. Improved access at these three parks for a site-specific combination of watercraft launching, wading, swimming, and hanging out by the river, would go a long way in addressing "access to the river," which was identified as a high community need by the 2018 Comprehensive Plan.
Project History
In early 2023, BPRD completed this project's initial phase of work, which included site surveys, data collection, and development of initial concepts. Community and stakeholder feedback on the initial concepts was collected from 522 completed surveys, 1,268 individual written comments, 18 emails, 50 comments from the district’s social media platforms, and around 40 individuals showing up to the in-person open house on February 1, 2023.
At the March 21st meeting of the BPRD Board of Directors, district staff was provided direction to continue moving forward toward preferred conceptual designs at each access location. Based on the board's direction, extensive community and stakeholder feedback, and the opportunities and constraints of each location, a preferred conceptual design has been developed for each of the four river access locations.
To review the existing conditions at each site, and view each design, scroll down to advance the StoryMap. For the optimum experience, a desktop computer is recommended. ArcGIS StoryMaps recommends using Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browsers for best results.
Existing Conditions
McKay Park
In 2015, McKay Park was redeveloped with the addition of the Bend Whitewater Park. The park’s access point is heavily used for floating, paddling, surfing, and wading/swimming, creating a huge amount of congestion during peak use times. This congestion, along with other barriers, make it difficult for users with mobility needs to access the river here.
Miller's Landing Park, Access Point #1
Miller’s Landing Park offers access to the river from a boardwalk and at an open spot in the fencing downriver from the boardwalk. There is potential to enhance the existing access points, address erosion, and improve riverbank habitat.
Miller's Landing Park, Access Point #2
The downstream access point, #2, is a user-created access point located adjacent to a gap in the fence. The riverbank is severely eroded and deteriorating rapidly. The bank was left unimproved when the park was constructed in 2014 and has been unable to sustainably withstand the amount of daily use.
Columbia Park
Columbia Park has one designated river access point that was developed in 2011 as a launch point for small watercraft. It may be accessed from a combination of paved and natural surface trails descending from the playground area, or from across the river via a pedestrian bridge. The access point has severely eroded and was closed starting in the summer of 2020 due to safety concerns and to prevent further erosion/damage. Opportunities exist to address the erosion, improve safety, and enhance river access.
Preferred Conceptual Designs
The following preferred conceptual designs were developed based on the public process laid out in the Project History section above.
***To view how each concept fits over the existing site, click and drag the double arrow icon to the left and right. Dragging to the left will reveal the proposed concept while dragging to the right will reveal the site as it stands today***
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McKay Park
Improvements at this location focus on river access for users with mobility needs and improved overall user circulation.
The current construction cost estimate is $490,162.
***See examples of Grouted Boulder Terracing and Steps at bottom of page***
Preferred Concept
McKay Park - Preferred Concept: Existing vs. Proposed Conditions
McKay Park - Preferred Concept Renderings
Miller's Landing Park
Access Point #1: With an accessible route from the parking lot, improvements at this location focus on infrastructure upgrades at the current boardwalk location which would better enable people with mobility needs to recreate in the river independently with their watercraft.
Access Point #2: With an accessible route from the parking lot, improvements at this location focus on the sustainability of the river bank and on providing all users, regardless of ability, access to an area of the Deschutes River that is unique in the downtown Bend area. The river here is calm, sand-bedded, and relatively shallow, creating ideal conditions for wading and swimming.
The current construction cost estimate, which includes both access points, is $1,095,185.
***See examples of Grouted Boulder Terracing and Steps at bottom of page***
Preferred Concepts
Miller's Landing Park - Preferred Concepts: Existing vs. Proposed Conditions
Miller's Landing Park - Access Point #1 - Preferred Concept Renderings
Miller's Landing Park - Access Point #1 - Preferred Concept Section-Elevation
Miller's Landing Park - Access Point #2 - Preferred Concept Renderings
Columbia Park
The riverbank along this neighborhood park is shaded much of the time, and provides a less crowded alternative to McKay and Miller’s Landing Parks. Due to limited street parking, narrow proximity to the trail, and relatively steep slope, improvements at this location focus on the sustainability of the river bank and providing access for users of all abilities to wade and swim.
The current construction cost estimate is $518,081.
***See examples of Grouted Boulder Terracing and Steps at bottom of page***
Preferred Concept
Columbia Park - Preferred Concept: Existing vs. Proposed Conditions
Columbia Park - Preferred Concept Renderings
*Grouted Boulder Terracing and Step examples (photos from Riverbend South Access & Restoration Project)
Thank you for your interest in this project!
These preferred conceptual designs, if approved by the BPRD board of Directors, will continue to be refined and developed into final designs and details by spring 2024. At that time, the designs for Miller's Landing and Columbia Parks will continue towards a final construction set, while the design for McKay Park will be combined into the district’s upcoming project planned at the Bend Whitewater Park, which is estimated to begin in 2024 with site topographic survey and data collection. Please refer to the project website to find the latest updates and/or to comment on the preferred conceptual designs.
