McKay, Miller’s Landing and Columbia Parks (MMC) River Access and Restoration Project

Project Overview

To better manage the increasing recreational river use, improve the experience for all users, and to promote sustainable use of our river resource, BPRD initiated the 2021 Deschutes River Access and Habitat Restoration Plan. The plan identified 28 projects to be completed over approximately 10 years to improve and consolidate existing access points along with habitat restoration. Three initial projects were identified at McKay Park, Miller’s Landing Park, and Columbia Park (project numbers 20, 21, and 22 in the plan).

The three parks host some of the few calm water sections in downtown Bend, making them ideal locations for various recreation activities. By enhancing access at these sites, the district hopes to meet community needs for many activities like launching watercraft, wading, swimming, and riverside leisure.

After months of initial work including site surveys, data collection, and substantial community and stakeholder input, the preferred concept designs were completed for each park and these were approved by the board on September 5th, 2023. The preferred conceptual designs are available on the documents and plans tab, and you can also view the StoryMap here.

The construction of the access points and habitat restoration work will be completed under individual projects at each park. You can learn more about these projects at:

• McKay Park River Access Project
• Miller’s Landing Park River Access Project
• Columbia Park River Access Project – coming 25/26

Funding Partners:

• Partial funding for Phase One design work of this project is provided by the Oregon State Marine Board Waterway Access Grant Program, which invests 10-foot and longer nonmotorized boat permit fees for boating facility improvements.
• Partial funding for Phase Two design work of this project is provided by the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The MPO works cooperatively with local governments to set priorities for transportation needs. MPOs are charged with maintaining and conducting a “continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive” regional transportation planning and project programming process for the MPO area.
• Partial funding for Phase Three for design work of this project is being provided by the Central Oregon Future Fund, a newly established annual grant program managed by Visit Central Oregon. The purpose of this program is to reinvest Transient Room Tax dollars generated from overnight visitors back into the region to create positive revitalization for visitors and residents alike.
• Partial funding for the construction of the Miller’s Landing access points is being provided by the Bend Sustainability Fund which invests in projects that create sustainable experiences in Bend’s community, and by the Oregon State Marine Board Waterway Access Grant Program, and a donation from the Joseph & Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation.

Location : McKay Park, Miller's Landing Park, and Columbia Park

Total Funding Allocated : $933,300

Funding Source : Property Tax, Grant Funding, and SDC Reimbursements

Estimated Completion : Design: 2022-2024, Miller's Landing Construction: est. 25/26, Columbia Construction: est. 26/27, McKay Construction: est. 27/28