Discovery is a community park located within the NorthWest Crossing neighborhood.
The park features a 3-acre lake with approximately 12 acres of developed park and about 25 acres of open space. Amenities include a natural play area with water play feature, walking trails, fenced off-leash dog park, restrooms, picnicking areas and picnic shelter.
Additional expansion to Discovery Park will be occurring over the coming years and the new Outback Trail was opened as a part of the first phase. You can learn more about the development by visiting the project page.
Note: The lake is for irrigation purposes and the water is not potable (treated). Swimming and water play in the lake is at one’s risk and not recommended. Fishing is not allowed.
5 am to 10 pm
1315 Northwest Discovery Park Drive, Bend, OR 97701, United States (Directions)
Street Parking
40 acres
This location is ideal for active groups, small gatherings and private celebrations.
- 4 rectangle picnic tables.
- Adjacent to the three-acre lake with plaza and dock.
- Natural play area for to kids to play on
- Open lawn areas and paved trails
- Restrooms and water fountain
- Lighted shelter (no electrical outlet)
- Fenced in off-leash dog park
Learn more about this rental.
Care for Parks, Trails & Off Leash Areas
Volunteers help keep Bend’s parks, trails and off leash areas beautiful and safe places for everyone to enjoy!
Adopt-a-Park or Trail or Off Leash Area
Groups, businesses, schools, families or individuals can adopt a park, off leash area or section of Bend’s urban trail system. Volunteers help care for their adopted space by visiting regularly all year – picking up litter, pulling invasive weeds and keeping an eye out for vandalism, weather damage and potential safety hazards. Volunteers make at least a one year commitment and complete a monthly volunteer activity report.
Group Park Projects:
Your group can make a big impact by helping with a landscape maintenance project in a park.
Opportunities may be available in spring and fall, depending on the weather and vary based on the size of the group and current District needs. Projects are typically 2-3 hours and may include activities such as raking planting areas, spreading bark or playground chips, pulling invasive weeds and picking up litter. BPRD staff provides support for your group’s efforts and supplies any tools or materials needed for the project.
For more information about adopting a park or trail or scheduling a project for your group, contact:
Send email to
The Community Garden at Northwest Crossing’s Discovery Park became a Bend Park and Recreation property in 2019 and is supported by the Oregon State University Extension Service and the OSU Master Gardeners. In partnership with the Bend Park and Recreation District, Master Gardeners offer personalized support and a wide variety of classes at the 51-bed garden throughout the growing season. The Discovery Park Community Garden provides a gardening opportunity for people with limited space to grow their own flowers and vegetables and to be a part of the gardening community.
OPENING DAY: Early April – Each year newly available 4’ x 10’ raised bed garden plots are offered to the public. Available raised beds are awarded via a lottery drawing among all applications received by the announced cutoff. Opening Day is a day to get garden common areas ready for the season, get started preparing the raised bed for planting, and for new gardeners to get a general orientation of the garden. Master Gardeners are assigned to assist gardeners and provide gardening tips and advice that because of our unique and sometimes challenging Central Oregon environment, can be especially helpful. Gardening at Discovery Park can be both adventurous and very rewarding.
For lottery information and how to apply for a raised bed, visit the Central Oregon Master Gardener Association website in early March at: https://www.gocomga.com/gardening-news or https://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/home-garden-landscape-0 and scroll down the page to the “Sign Up for Local Community Gardens…” link.
Natural play areas are park features made of natural elements or inspired by nature, which are meant to provide a different sensory experience than modern plastic and metal play structures. They are designed to invoke more creative, free play.
In natural areas, kids are encouraged to walk or hop across stumps and logs, race up a cluster of boulders or play tag with friends in a log forest. Using built-in hand water pumps, children can mix sand and water to build sand castles – getting their hands dirty and exploring in the process.
Learn more about Natural Play Areas.
Dogs are a part of many Bendites’ lives and involved with their owners in many recreational adventures. In Bend, there’s so much to do with your four-legged friend including:
- Walk and run on the trails and paths
- Swim in the Deschutes River
- Play, walk and run off-leash at nine off-leash areas.
No matter the activity or adventure, it’s important that dog owners manage their dog responsibly so that everyone can enjoy the parks and trails.
City of Bend law and Bend Park & Recreation District rules require that:
- Dogs are to be leashed up in public except in official off-leash areas.
- Dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.
Off-Leash Area Rules
The intent of these rules is to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all park users.
- No aggressive dogs allowed. Immediately remove your dog from the park if it is misbehaving or acting in an aggressive manner.
- Keep dogs on leash outside designated off-leash areas.
- Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste.
- Remain in visual sight and voice control of your dog at all times.
- Carry a leash for each dog in your care.
- Closely supervise young children. Children under the age of 12 may not be in the off-leash area unsupervised.
- Accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused by your dog.
- Bring no more than three dogs to the off-leash area at any time.
- Do not bring a dog in heat to a Bend park.
- Do not bring a puppy without a complete cycle of vaccinations to a Bend park.
- Display tags showing proof of current license and rabies vaccinations on all dogs.
- Consider using natural materials like sticks when playing with your dog in the river.
- Please be courteous to neighbors and control excessive barking.
Download a Visitor’s Guide to Dog Parks with tips for having a positive experience at a dog off-leash area.
Kid's in Off-Leash Areas
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in Bend off-leash areas unsupervised. Here is some guidance for those with children in an off-leash area:
- Not all dogs are child-friendly. Do not allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the owner’s presence and approval.
- A running, squealing or screaming child may become a target for many dogs, because the child resembles an injured animal or prey.
- Do not let your child have toys or food in an off-leash area.
- Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching grass where feces or urine are present. Be sure your children (and you) always wear shoes in an off-leash park area and wash hands after touching dog play toys.
Small Dogs in Off-Leash Areas
When it comes to off-leash areas, a designated space for small dogs to have a play and activity level that's in their proportion rather than with big dogs can be a great option for small dog owners.
Currently, there are fenced small dog areas at Alpenglow, Riverbend, Pine Nursery and Ponderosa Parks. The criteria for small dogs is less than 15 inches at the shoulder and under 25 pounds.
- Alpenglow Park - 61049 NE 15th St. Agility course available
- Riverbend Park - 799 SW Columbia St. River access available
- Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park - 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.
- Ponderosa Park - 225 SE 15th St.
If you would like to comment on the small dog parks, email us at info@bendparksandrec.org or call (541) 389-7275.
Learn more about dog-friendly parks and off-leash areas.
Want to host an event here?
Portions of this park are available for sports field rentals for practices and games from April 1 through October 31. All organized sport program use of Bend Park & Recreation District athletic fields requires a reservation and permit. Organized sport program use is defined as any time a group of individuals is practicing, playing contests, conducting drills, camps or other programmed activities under the coordination, direction and supervision of an individual or organization. The reservation process provides a user or organization the exclusive use of a field. Permits are enforced by Bend Park and Recreation District staff. Learn more about sports field rentals.
Other Available Fields:
Looking for other fields? See all rentable sports fields.
For additional information or questions, contact:
Send email to
Discovery Park was acquired in 2016 from the West Bend Property Company. The park was part of the development and expansion in the Northwest Crossing area. The naming of Discovery Park originated with the developer, as it was the working name during planning and design. The beautiful art features in the park are courtesy of Chris Cole and Doug Robertson.
features
Rental info
This location is ideal for active groups, small gatherings and private celebrations.
- 4 rectangle picnic tables.
- Adjacent to the three-acre lake with plaza and dock.
- Natural play area for to kids to play on
- Open lawn areas and paved trails
- Restrooms and water fountain
- Lighted shelter (no electrical outlet)
- Fenced in off-leash dog park
Learn more about this rental.
Community Garden
The Community Garden at Northwest Crossing’s Discovery Park became a Bend Park and Recreation property in 2019 and is supported by the Oregon State University Extension Service and the OSU Master Gardeners. In partnership with the Bend Park and Recreation District, Master Gardeners offer personalized support and a wide variety of classes at the 51-bed garden throughout the growing season. The Discovery Park Community Garden provides a gardening opportunity for people with limited space to grow their own flowers and vegetables and to be a part of the gardening community.
OPENING DAY: Early April – Each year newly available 4’ x 10’ raised bed garden plots are offered to the public. Available raised beds are awarded via a lottery drawing among all applications received by the announced cutoff. Opening Day is a day to get garden common areas ready for the season, get started preparing the raised bed for planting, and for new gardeners to get a general orientation of the garden. Master Gardeners are assigned to assist gardeners and provide gardening tips and advice that because of our unique and sometimes challenging Central Oregon environment, can be especially helpful. Gardening at Discovery Park can be both adventurous and very rewarding.
For lottery information and how to apply for a raised bed, visit the Central Oregon Master Gardener Association website in early March at: https://www.gocomga.com/gardening-news or https://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/home-garden-landscape-0 and scroll down the page to the “Sign Up for Local Community Gardens…” link.
Natural Play Area
Natural play areas are park features made of natural elements or inspired by nature, which are meant to provide a different sensory experience than modern plastic and metal play structures. They are designed to invoke more creative, free play.
In natural areas, kids are encouraged to walk or hop across stumps and logs, race up a cluster of boulders or play tag with friends in a log forest. Using built-in hand water pumps, children can mix sand and water to build sand castles – getting their hands dirty and exploring in the process.
Learn more about Natural Play Areas.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Dogs are a part of many Bendites’ lives and involved with their owners in many recreational adventures. In Bend, there’s so much to do with your four-legged friend including:
- Walk and run on the trails and paths
- Swim in the Deschutes River
- Play, walk and run off-leash at nine off-leash areas.
No matter the activity or adventure, it’s important that dog owners manage their dog responsibly so that everyone can enjoy the parks and trails.
City of Bend law and Bend Park & Recreation District rules require that:
- Dogs are to be leashed up in public except in official off-leash areas.
- Dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.
Off-Leash Area Rules
The intent of these rules is to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all park users.
- No aggressive dogs allowed. Immediately remove your dog from the park if it is misbehaving or acting in an aggressive manner.
- Keep dogs on leash outside designated off-leash areas.
- Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste.
- Remain in visual sight and voice control of your dog at all times.
- Carry a leash for each dog in your care.
- Closely supervise young children. Children under the age of 12 may not be in the off-leash area unsupervised.
- Accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused by your dog.
- Bring no more than three dogs to the off-leash area at any time.
- Do not bring a dog in heat to a Bend park.
- Do not bring a puppy without a complete cycle of vaccinations to a Bend park.
- Display tags showing proof of current license and rabies vaccinations on all dogs.
- Consider using natural materials like sticks when playing with your dog in the river.
- Please be courteous to neighbors and control excessive barking.
Download a Visitor’s Guide to Dog Parks with tips for having a positive experience at a dog off-leash area.
Kid's in Off-Leash Areas
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in Bend off-leash areas unsupervised. Here is some guidance for those with children in an off-leash area:
- Not all dogs are child-friendly. Do not allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the owner’s presence and approval.
- A running, squealing or screaming child may become a target for many dogs, because the child resembles an injured animal or prey.
- Do not let your child have toys or food in an off-leash area.
- Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching grass where feces or urine are present. Be sure your children (and you) always wear shoes in an off-leash park area and wash hands after touching dog play toys.
Small Dogs in Off-Leash Areas
When it comes to off-leash areas, a designated space for small dogs to have a play and activity level that's in their proportion rather than with big dogs can be a great option for small dog owners.
Currently, there are fenced small dog areas at Alpenglow, Riverbend, Pine Nursery and Ponderosa Parks. The criteria for small dogs is less than 15 inches at the shoulder and under 25 pounds.
- Alpenglow Park - 61049 NE 15th St. Agility course available
- Riverbend Park - 799 SW Columbia St. River access available
- Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park - 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.
- Ponderosa Park - 225 SE 15th St.
If you would like to comment on the small dog parks, email us at info@bendparksandrec.org or call (541) 389-7275.
Learn more about dog-friendly parks and off-leash areas.
Sports Field rental
Want to host an event here?
Portions of this park are available for sports field rentals for practices and games from April 1 through October 31. All organized sport program use of Bend Park & Recreation District athletic fields requires a reservation and permit. Organized sport program use is defined as any time a group of individuals is practicing, playing contests, conducting drills, camps or other programmed activities under the coordination, direction and supervision of an individual or organization. The reservation process provides a user or organization the exclusive use of a field. Permits are enforced by Bend Park and Recreation District staff. Learn more about sports field rentals.
Other Available Fields:
Looking for other fields? See all rentable sports fields.
For additional information or questions, contact:
Send email to
Park History
Discovery Park was acquired in 2016 from the West Bend Property Company. The park was part of the development and expansion in the Northwest Crossing area. The naming of Discovery Park originated with the developer, as it was the working name during planning and design. The beautiful art features in the park are courtesy of Chris Cole and Doug Robertson.
Adopt a Park
Care for Parks, Trails & Off Leash Areas
Volunteers help keep Bend’s parks, trails and off leash areas beautiful and safe places for everyone to enjoy!
Adopt-a-Park or Trail or Off Leash Area
Groups, businesses, schools, families or individuals can adopt a park, off leash area or section of Bend’s urban trail system. Volunteers help care for their adopted space by visiting regularly all year – picking up litter, pulling invasive weeds and keeping an eye out for vandalism, weather damage and potential safety hazards. Volunteers make at least a one year commitment and complete a monthly volunteer activity report.
Group Park Projects:
Your group can make a big impact by helping with a landscape maintenance project in a park.
Opportunities may be available in spring and fall, depending on the weather and vary based on the size of the group and current District needs. Projects are typically 2-3 hours and may include activities such as raking planting areas, spreading bark or playground chips, pulling invasive weeds and picking up litter. BPRD staff provides support for your group’s efforts and supplies any tools or materials needed for the project.
For more information about adopting a park or trail or scheduling a project for your group, contact:
Send email to