BEND, OR -- Bend Park and Recreation plans a major renovation of Hollinshead Park, and is looking for public feedback on the proposed changes. Project Manager Ian Isaacson says the work includes improvements to make trails and parking more accessible, "Upgrade a portion of the existing parking lot to improve accessibility and site circulation. Right now it’s a pretty tight space and really difficult for folks to get in and out of there."
Isaacson tells KBND News, "Another big portion of the project is a fully flush restroom and toilet. That’s an amenity that we have at all of our other community parks. And so, we'll get rid of the porta-potty and have a real restroom." He also expects they'll install interpretive signs around the property, "To talk about the history of the site, because we think that’s really important and a really unique aspect of Hollinshead Park. And then, we’re looking to include fencing off the designated off-leash area for dogs." Hollinshead is one of just two BPRD parks with an uncontained off-leash area.
The project is still in the design phase, but Isaacson says a big focus is on maintaining the property's history and personality, "People love the charm of Hollinshead Park, the way it is now. And a lot of the design intent that we’re looking to implement, both with the restroom structure, with the fencing for the off-leash areas, we’re intending it to kind of blend in." He also hopes to plan for future preservation of the former ranch, "We have an architect and a structural engineer, who’s doing a full assessment of all of the structures on site; many of those are historic structures. They’re going to provide a report to our maintenance staff on how to preserve and renovate those buildings going forward so we don’t lose that part of history."
Much of the work planned in the Hollinshead Park Improvement Project was outlined in a 2010 Master Plan. Isaacson expects design and planning to take another two years, with work to begin in 2026. The initial budget is $1.1 million, paid for through existing Parks & Rec funding sources.
BPRD hosts an open house next week to share design plans and get public input. It's Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Hollinshead Barn. You'll find more information at the Project Website.
