Riverbend Dog Park — Attraction in Bend

Bend Parks and Recreation operates and maintains a large inventory of beautiful Parks, trails, and facilities. Unfortunately, the Riverbend Dog Park is NOT currently one of them. The dog park has literally been run into the ground. Wind erosion has literally blown away all soil and wood chips, leaving a rock-strewn eyesore. Judging by the elevated fence and gate foundations and the exposed tree roots and irrigation pipe, I would estimate that the surface has dropped about 6-10 inches in the past 8 years. The popular river access for dog play has also seen degradation, with much of the river bank riparian vegetation having washed away as the river banks erode. The rock rip-rap is in need of significant repair and replacement, before sections of the popular paved pedestrian and bike trail be lost to the river! This was at one time a jewel of a dog park in the midst of the Old Mill District. It's now an eyesore which has been loved to death. Rather than constantly expanding the holdings of the Bend Parks and Rec, maybe some significant funds could be directed to maintaining this popular and centrally...

Poop bags well stocked. I've never been there when any of the poop stations have been out of bags. A large main area, with a smaller contained area for smaller pups. It's all loose dirt.. no grassy areas. I usually avoid it on windy days, or I end up with a gritty mouth. There's a separate river access for swimmin' doggos. Some benches for sitting. There is a sort of picnic table. Not a lot of shade. There is a water spigot with a bowl for thirsty dogs (located by near the river access gate in the main area), but it is seasonal. As of yesterday (March 24, 2022) it hasn't been turned on, and it was a warm day. If you're not sure if it's been turned on, bring a gallon jug of water to share with all the doggos. Zoomies are thirsty work. My dog gives it 4 paws up and a...

Almost entirely dirt/pebbles/mini wood chips. Not a bad thing in my opinion, just prepare for a dusty pup afterwards! Also means less chance of ticks so that’s a win in my book. Fairly large area to run, a couple benches (one or two by a tree so if you get there at the right time you’ll catch the shade) and a picnic table. Just outside the gated area is a beach with plenty of people floating down the river In tubes and kayaks. Large fairly well maintained gravel parking lot that is shared with beach go-ers. There is also a designated dog beach area - Far more dogs in the water area than the gated dirt area. Only reason I didn’t give this five stars is because the...