Hollinshead Park — Attraction in Bend

This place is near and dear to my heart, and visiting it brings me more joy than there are adequate words to describe. My parents (Jim and Shirley Anderson) lived here, in 1957, and this was the place I was brought home to, shortly after I was born (August 27, 1957)...yes, we lived here, on the place that had been a real "working ranch" for many years, owned by Dean and Lily Hollingshead (real pioneers, and truly wonderful people), who also lived on the ranch. It was a childhood like no other, one that I would not trade for all the money in the world. As far back as I can remember, there were ALWAYS horses. Both Dean and Lily just loved horses. And there was a (very functional) outhouse. :) For many years, after we left the place (in 1963), my (paternal) grandmother (Harriet "Curly" Anderson) lived there, as well. When I would come to visit her in the summers, I would spend an entire day, "exploring" every corner of the ranch. When I attended college at COCC in 1976 - 1977, I recall many a morning, sitting with her at her kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee and watching the horses running in the fields near the (big) barn. I am SO GRATEFUL for their foresight, turning it into a city park, with a place for a community garden...and a truly beautiful barn, that has been turned into a gorgeous meeting place. I can still recall the horses in their stalls, in that same HUGE BARN...all the sites, sounds and smells. Visiting it, all these years later, always gives me a deep sense of "melancholy"....and "connection". THANK YOU to the city of Bend, Oregon, for maintaining and caring for this awesome piece of land...for keeping it protected for future generations...just as Dean and Lily would have...

Expansive grassy areas with many large established trees for shade. Hiking trail around the boundary of the park. Historical pioneer house can be viewed through the windows. The renovated barn is ideal to rent for smaller events and gatherings. There is also a community garden, low water use educational garden, area for dogs to roam leash-free, and undeveloped areas for exploring natural high desert habitats. Great for nature play for kids. Ideal for a short walk with people or dogs. Overall lovely park. Bathroom is a port a...

Happy, fun, and beautiful! So much to see! I love this place. It's so relaxing. DOG HEAVEN. Mrs. Sanchez, I have read most of your reviews. They read like the ramblings of a bitter, misanthropic, entitled, miserable old shut-in. It's a dog park. A DOG PARK. Do your research next time, and don't complain when you get the vapors at the sight of dogs at A DOG PARK. See a therapist. Pet a puppy. Realize that you aren't special, and you certainly aren't better or more important than other people OR their dogs. I am so glad I am...