Beginning Monday, Oct. 19 at 8 a.m., Columbia Park and the historic Gilchrist Bridge in Bend will be closed to the public as the Bend Parks and Recreation District and the City of Bend launch a comprehensive riverbank restoration and bridge replacement project. The closures, expected to last until early summer 2027, are part of a coordinated effort to enhance the community’s beloved riverfront, improve ecological conditions and provide safer, more accessible recreation for families.
Project scope and benefits
Years of heavy public use have taken a toll on the Columbia Park riverbank access point. To protect the area, temporary fencing will be installed while crews restore a section of the riverbank, construct a new accessible river access point, and add pathways, plazas and site furnishings. The project also includes the replacement of the Gilchrist Bridge, a key crossing that connects park users to the opposite riverbank.
“This project represents a coordinated effort between the district and the City of Bend to improve river access, ecological conditions and trail connectivity in a partnership that benefits the community,” said Ian Isaacson, the district’s landscape architect and project manager. He asked residents for patience during construction, noting that the bridge, park and river are vital community resources that will be even better after the work is completed.
Funding and partnerships
The Columbia Park portion is funded by a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and a generous donation from the Joseph & Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation. Design work received support from the Oregon State Marine Board Waterway Access Grant Program, which uses permit fees from non‑motorized boats ten feet and longer. The City of Bend is covering the cost of the Gilchrist Bridge replacement, with design assistance from a grant provided by the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization.
These funding sources reflect a strong partnership between federal, state and local entities, as well as private philanthropy, all working together to preserve Bend’s natural assets for future generations.
What residents need to know
During construction, the park’s playground, lawn areas and existing pathways will be closed. Site fencing and contractor equipment staging may begin before the full closure. The Bend Whitewater Park and Galveston Avenue are the recommended detour routes for crossing the Deschutes River.
Recreational use of the river in the project area will also be temporarily limited during specific construction activities, such as the removal of the existing bridge. Advance notice of river closures will be posted on information boards near the site, emailed to stakeholders and shared through media and social media channels.
Long‑term stewardship
When the project is completed in early summer 2027, ownership and maintenance of the new Gilchrist Bridge will transfer from the City of Bend to the Bend Parks and Recreation District, ensuring local oversight and continued investment in the park’s upkeep.
The community is encouraged to stay informed through the district’s website and social media, and to support the temporary inconveniences with the knowledge that the improvements will provide safer, more enjoyable river access for families, anglers, hikers and all who cherish Bend’s natural beauty.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
