September 18, 2024

Wyden, Merkley Announce $1.3 Million in Federal Funds for Bend Park and Recreation District

Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $1.33 million for the Bend Park and Recreation District to renovate Sawyer Park and improve access for outdoor recreation close to home.

“Being good stewards of our breathtaking outdoors is essential to our identities as Oregonians,” Wyden said. “I congratulate Bend Park and Recreation District for winning this competitive federal award, and look forward to seeing the improvements to Sawyer Park that will allow more residents and visitors to access this treasure in Central Oregon.”

“Oregon’s public parks and lands are a huge part of what make our state great, and ensuring these resources are safe, up-to-date, and accessible is important to all Oregonians’ quality of life,” said Merkley, who funds the National Park Service as Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. “This federal investment to help the Bend Park and Recreation District renovate Sawyer Park will help keep the public park beautiful and accessible well into the future.” 

The federal investment is through the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund, and will be used to facilitate a number of improvements to Sawyer Park including:

  • Relocating and expanding the existing parking lot closer to the park entrance, 

  • Adding a permanent restroom and shelter,

  • Enhancing and expanding trails and picnic facilities,

  • Planting new native vegetation.

“Sawyer Park is one of Bend’s oldest and most beloved parks, and we are grateful for the Land and Water Conservation Fund support because it demonstrates the impact and legacy that alternative sources of funds have to preserve tax dollars while also improving recreation amenities,” said Jodie Barram, chair of the Bend Park and Recreation District Board of Directors. “Since Congressional adoption in 1965, communities across Oregon have received grant funds that improve park systems thanks to consistent support from Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley to fund the program. Grants are an important source of funding for the Bend Park and Recreation District to support improvements to, and expansion of, district amenities including this much-needed and anticipated Sawyer Park improvement project.”