March 31, 2012
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Local Government Grant Program
Attention: Michele Scalise
725 Summer Street, NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301
Re: Bend Park and Recreation District 2012 Local Government Grant Application
Dear Ms. Scalise,
The Old Bend Neighborhood Association supports the Bend Park and Recreation District’s 2012 Local Government Grant application to help fund the development of Miller’s Landing Park.
The grant will assist the district in providing close to home, recreational opportunities for residents of the Old Bend Neighborhood as well as satisfying expressed community demand for additional access to the Deschutes River and to the Deschutes River Trail. Some of the features and benefits of the park development include:
- An extension of the Deschutes River Trail that will provide an off-street trail connection for walking, running and cycling and an enhanced route for community events
- The provision of group and individual picnic sites that have consistently scored high in community surveys
- Year-round restroom facilities that will provide a clean, safe option for park visitors and Deschutes River Trail users
- A new beach/river access that will provide healthy, active recreation for children and families and additional access for kayakers, canoeists and other river users
- Protected riparian areas and extensive native plantings that will enhance habitat for wildlife and facilitate nature observation
Developing the Miller Landing property as a park has been a priority of the Old Bend Neighborhood Association and we support the Bend Park and Recreation District’s effort to develop the Miller Landing property.
Sincerely,
The Old Bend Neighborhood Association