We have been waiting to do this park until the jar gave it to us. We have some friends who live in the neighborhood, and wanted to come down and park with us when the time came. To be honest, I lost patience with the jar. With only 9 parks left (with play grounds) I was starting to wonder if we were ever going to pull Providence Park. Because it is on the way back from Big Sky Park, we decided to hit it on the way back.
Providence Park is in the middle of a beautiful, family friendly, subdivision on the east side of Bend. There is some off street parking, which generally isn’t full since most families walk from their homes. I could see those 4 or 5 spaces filling up on a busy day.
This park contains a half-court basketball court, two doggie stations and a billboard for community activities.
The play ground is surrounded by open grass. There is a walking/jogging trail around the perimeter of the park. This would make a great walking option for parents who need to bring their kids with me. I feel like you are close enough to the park, and can keep the park in your eye line for most of the trial. I also noticed a couple people walking their dogs on this trail as well.
The playground itself is varied. There are 2 regular swings and 2 infant swings. There is one big play structure with multiple slides. There is also an old school “jungle gym” that was nice to see for nostalgia sake. There were able features that I do not quite understand, but I’m sure kids like them.
There are three picnic tables and a few benches around the edge of the park. I feel like the park could use some more around the entire perimeter of the play ground.
It is probably not worth mentioning, but it is not very often a Bend Park has a problem with it’s “condition.” One of the megaphones is missing, making the other one almost obsolete. Then again, I’m sure kids use it anyway. The Bend Parks and Rec department is usually really good at this keeping the parks in good repair.
We got some amazing pictures of our son at this park. I have not big concerns about safety here, especially since the park is pretty far from the road. There is an ice cream trucks that drives around, so I suppose that could be a turn of for parents looking to avoid sweets. Also, there did seem to be a few bees around one of the trash cans, and flying around the picnic benches. If you, or your child, are allergic to bee stings I’d bring your epipen just in case.
Ratings:
(A scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is the least desirable and 5 is the most desirable)
Size: 4
Condition: 4.75
Amenities: 4.5
Safety: 5
Fun: 5
Overall Score: 4.5
Providence Park is a lovely play area in the middle of a family friendly neighborhood. Lacking in a large group picnic structures, there are tabled scattered around the property. The play area is varied and fun for all ages. There is a walking path if you are in a pinch. Providence Park would make a great place, especially if you are looking for something fun on the east side of Bend.
Bend Family Park Tour 