Published 8:57 am Monday, October 26, 2026

The Sawyer Park parking lot has closed as part of an improvement project to upgrade several areas at the park situated along the Middle Deschutes Deschutes River.

The park, one of the oldest in Bend, will remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists using the Deschutes River Trail. Pedestrian access from O.B. Riley Road will be maintained along the park’s southern edge.

The project includes relocating the parking lot closer to O.B. Riley Road, adding accessible parking, restoring habitat, improving trail accessibility and constructing a permanent restroom, picnic shelter and river overlook.

Visitors should follow posted fencing, detours and closures during construction.

The project is funded in part by grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Local Government Grant Program. Completion is expected next summer.