Discovery Park

Park Overview

Nestled in the NorthWest Crossing neighborhood of Bend, Discovery Park spreads across 40 acres of Oregon beauty. The park blends developed recreational spaces with natural open areas, giving you plenty of room to breathe and play. It's typically peaceful here - a welcome respite from the hustle of everyday life, with enough space for families to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors without feeling crowded.

Scenic Lake

The park's centerpiece is a 3-acre lake that adds a touch of tranquility to the landscape. While it's definitely pretty to look at, swimming isn't recommended since the water is untreated. You'll notice signs warning about bacteria in the water, so it's best to keep your four-legged friends from taking a dip as well. But don't worry - the lake still provides a beautiful backdrop for your park adventures.

Park Layout

Discovery Park offers a nice balance with about 12 acres of developed recreational space and approximately 25 acres of natural areas left in their more wild state. This mix gives you options - stick to the amenities or venture into more untamed territory, all within the same park boundaries.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, some dirt trails meander through the hills above the park, great for a bit of exploration beyond the main areas.

Family Amenities

Kids of all ages will find something to love here. The park features natural play areas that encourage creative play, and when summer heats up, the splash pad water feature becomes the place to be for cooling off.

The playground has a unique design that children seem to enjoy, but it's worth noting it's not your standard play structure. Across the park, you'll also spot interesting sculptures that add artistic flair to your visit.

Recreation Options

Looking for a spot to relax or gather with friends? The park's picnic areas come complete with comfortable benches and tables, plus there's a picnic shelter that's meant for community get-togethers or family celebrations. These spots are particularly handy if you want to grab takeout from nearby restaurants and enjoy it in a natural setting.

The park's walking trails provide great opportunities for a leisurely stroll or a more brisk exercise session. For those with mobility concerns, the flat paved trails are a real plus, and there's good disabled parking available around the park. Both the picnic area and paved viewing spots are ADA-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.

Dog-Friendly Features

Dog parents, rejoice! At the far end of the park, you'll find a fully fenced off-leash area where your pup can run free and make new friends. The thoughtfully designed dog park has become a popular spot for the local canine community.

Throughout the rest of the park, the open spaces are great for on-leash walks, with plenty of opportunities to meet other dogs and their humans along the way.

Facilities

The practical stuff is covered too - clean public restrooms with proper flushing toilets, drinking water stations, and overall good maintenance across the park.

One thing to keep in mind: the park doesn't have a ton of tree cover, so on bright days, the sun can be pretty intense. You might want to bring a hat, sunscreen, or seek out what shade there is during the peak hours of sunshine.