Saved!
The park was at risk of demolition for county parking but thanks to all who took action, it will remain a park!
The park was at risk of demolition for county parking but thanks to all who took action, it will remain a park!
On January 24, 2022 by a 2-1 vote, the County Commission directed staff to develop a Request For Proposals to ”redesign” Worrell Park into a parking lot. The estimated cost was $2.5 to $2.8 million for 48 parking spaces. The redevelopment would actually net 68 spaces. 48 is what the County determined was needed to meet an anticipated City of Bend requirement related to the Courthouse Expansion.
On December 7, 2022 at the Board of County Commissioners meeting it became official via a secondary parking analysis that, "Current campus parking supply with better internal efficiency measures can support planned courthouse expansion" and "No significant modifications to Worrell Park needed at this time". The full analysis can be found on the county's website here.
The park can use some attention like leveling picnic tables, making an accessible trail, planting more native plants, weeding and more. Getting the park zoned as an Area of Special Interest could be a huge benefit to future long term protection. Development of a Master Park Plan could be a solid guide for the future of Worrell Wayside. Please enter your email below if you are interested in volunteering to help with development of a master park plan or any future Worrell Wayside endeavors.