Bond Measure Project:
Southeast Bend Community Parkland Acquisition
& Larkspur Park Expansion
The southeast Bend area will require additional community parks spaces in the future in order to ensure all district residents receive equitable service. It’s anticipated that future development would include typical community park amenities such as open play areas, natural space, playgrounds, picnic areas, trails and potentially sport fields. The identified future need for community park space in the southeast area of the district is approximately 25 acres. It is currently a buyer’s market. However, funding for community park land acquisition is not included in the district's System Development Charge (SDC) methodology. Therefore an alternative funding source is necessary. Purchasing a parcel now at an affordable price will allow to district build the park with SDC funds when the residential construction market picks back up.
Larkspur Park is the home of the Bend Senior Center and the Children’s Playground. The park is functioning at capacity and should be expanded in order to accommodate future growth of the senior center. The potential site is approximately 4 acres and zoned multi-family. The City of Bend will be building a round-about at the corner of 15th Street and Reed Market that will require the district to provide access to the senior center parking lot via 15th Street. Acquiring this parcel is necessary in order to make the connection.
Spring 2013 Update: On April 16th, the board authorized staff to purchase a 4.5 acre parcel of land located on the corner of SE 15th and Reed Market Road, adjacent to the Bend Senior Center. This land purchase will allow future expansion of the Bend Senior Center as well a second egress into Larkspur Park off 15th Street. Director Don Horton has also been in communication with other land owners regarding future land sales.
Timeline:
- Larkspur Park expansion -- purchase agreement secured; future development to be determined.
- Acquisition of approximately 25 acres of future community parkland in southeast Bend – TBD based on land availability and readiness.
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