Bend, OR

In the heart of downtown Bend, developed in 1921, this popular 13 acre community park is the scene of many events throughout the year. It features nearly one-half mile of riverfront, several acres of open lawn, an outdoor stage, restrooms, and picnic tables. The events include the Duck races, many movies in the park and outdoor concerts all year round. Saturday and farmers markets, brewing festivals, our Oktoberfest, various different wine and beer tasting events, company sponsored outings and our big Cascade festival of music are the most popular activities in this park.

The park has a winding paved walkway from one end to the other. This walk way is along the upper half of the park. Along the river’s edge is a walkable concrete barrier. In following this barrier you will end up at the wildlife viewing platform and if you continue down and make your way through the somewhat overgrown trees you will find a small cave. This is my favorite part of the park, reclusive yet not. This is also where I can see a majority of the park from one viewpoint as well as the animals.

The other part of the park which I enjoy is the upper half where the concrete tables sit as these concrete tables have chess/checker boards engraved into them and being a purveyor of strategy games I enjoy watching and playing games with others who come here to play.

With the completion of the renovation of the park all the restrooms have been upgraded, pathways throughout the park have been made wider, new irrigation and lighting systems have been installed, bike racks have been installed, a seating and viewing area was added at Mirror Pond and now Drake Park is more beautiful than ever!

From Hwy 97, turn West onto Franklin Blvd which will take you right into downtown and you will not be able to miss this grand park which is only about a mile from the major through way of our little city.