BEND, OR -- On the first full day of summer, Deschutes County Commissioners recognized more than a dozen individuals and businesses for their snow removal efforts, and other ways they’ve gone “above and beyond” to improve sidewalk safety.
The Downtown Bend Business Association was honored, Wednesday. Executive Director Rod Porsche says it takes a village to keep pedestrians moving under the extreme conditions experienced, last winter. "There are many businesses, and some of those are being honored today as well, with their own awards, for doing outstanding snow removal. So, it’s not just us doing it; it’s not just the building owner, the business owner; it’s everyone jumping in for the safety of our downtown sidewalks."
Porsche tells KBND News, "We clear a 4' path throughout the downtown: sidewalks, common areas, crosswalks. We’re trying to make it safe for Bendites and visitors alike to get to those coffee shops, to get into work safely. And, we do it as long as it continues to snow. We start at 5 a.m. and if it’s snowing in the afternoon, we’re still out there." He adds, "The other thing we did is we bought two snow-blowers for the first time. One was donated from a downtown business and the other one our organization was able to purchase; and that was really a game-changer. And, yes, I was behind the snow-blower for 14+ hour days. It was pretty crazy."
County Commissioners handed out 16 “Safe Sidewalk” awards, to those who took extra care over the past year to clear snow and ice, overgrown landscaping and other pedestrian hazards. Other recipients include McKay Cottage, Bond Street Barber Shop and the Redmond Fred Meyer. The Downtown Bend Business Association's winter effort was also recently recognized by the city’s Accessibility Committee.
