Parking in Downtown Bend is an important discussion in our community. In 2017, the City of Bend invested in a Downtown Strategic Parking Management Plan (to view the full plan, click here). In 2018, the Downtown Bend Parking Advisory Committee (DPAC), and the DPAC Work Committee was formed. This committee achieved several successes:
"We are really excited about the parking changes being developed for Downtown Bend," says Mindy Aisling, Executive Director of the DBBA, "and we are excited to work closely with the new parking manager and the City of Bend to assure that the needs our our businesses and customers are met throughout this process." The full list of strategies from the Downtown Strategic Parking Management Plan are as follows:
For more information, please feel free to reach out to the DBBA at downtownbend@gmail.com
The DBBA is a small nonprofit with a mission is to grow the vitality of Downtown Bend by enhancing the experience, image, and lifestyle of the Economic Improvement District (EID). For more information about the DBBA, visit www.downtownbend.org.
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The Downtown Bend Parking Advisory Committee (DPAC) has announced a partnership with Deschutes County and the City of Bend to provide access to free public parking at the Deschutes County Administration building parking lots on weekends and during special events. The Deschutes County Administration building parking lots, located between Wall Street, Lafayette Ave and Olney Ave, contain as many parking stalls as the Downtown Bend parking garage on Lava Rd and Oregon Ave. DPAC anticipates that utilizing these parking lots at the Deschutes County Administration building, during the busy summer tourist and special event season, will allow more people to easily access Downtown Bend. The parking lots will be available from Friday evening after 6pm to Sunday night. “Downtown Bend is one of the greatest assets of our City, and currently we are seeing parking reach capacity during our popular events and attractions”, says Aisling, Executive Director for the Downtown Bend Business Association, “This partnership will allow more people to experience our vibrant Downtown with ease.” The Deschutes County parking lots are only 3 blocks from the core of Downtown Bend, with well-lit sidewalks on both sides of the road, making it easily walk-able to and from Downtown Bend. For those who would rather catch a ride or require mobility assistance, DPAC has partnered with Ride Bend, a free shuttle service that operates 12pm to 8pm daily July 1st through Labor Day. Ride Bend operates a ten-passenger shuttle van that riders can request on demand using the new Ride Bend app. “Commute Options is excited to add a new park and walk option for folks to easily attend exciting happenings in Downtown Bend." said Kim Curley, with Commute Options and member of the DPAC, "Carpoolers can access free parking off the Bend Parkway and Wall Street and take an enjoyable walk to downtown. Ride Bend adds additional accessibility for families and individuals with disabilities.” The DPAC was created based on the goals outlined in the Downtown Strategic Parking Management Plan adopted by Bend City Council on June 7th, 2017. The committee is responsible for outlining, advocating, and initiating decisions that will improve and maintain a vital transportation system for the City of Bend, and create a model that can be used city-wide for the betterment of the entire community. Scott Douglass, CEO of Cascade Relays and member of the DPAC, said “Parking demands are at their highest during our busy tourist season and especially during special events. Through this partnership with Deschutes County, we are providing convenient free parking to the public within a few blocks of Downtown Bend.” Additional Information
More than 5,900 spaces - including one for you! With the recent parking changes, there has been some questions about where (and how) to park in Downtown Bend. There are more than 5,000 parking spaces, 3 public lots and a 4 story parking garage - keeping it simple and convenient to come downtown. So while you are dining at one of our award-winning restaurants, shopping for the perfect gift, seeing the latest live performance or attending one of our Downtown events – you won’t have any problems parking downtown.
Alternative modes of transportation Riding your bike is a great way to get around Bend. Here are some helpful links to check out so that you can create your perfect route:
Uber is also a great way to get around Downtown, and during the day the CET Bus is easy to ride (and you can even put your bike on the bus). In the summer, they also provide the free Ride Bend service! Finally, if you carpool or ride your bike, make sure that you are logging your trips so that you can win rewards from Commute Options. 4/21/2019 - UpdateToday the Downtown Bend Parking Advisory Committee decided to change the Greenwood parking lot and Irving street parking to match the 2 hours free + 2 hours paid in the Mirror Pond parking lots. They also voted to change the signage in all 3 areas to add more clarity for the user. Although these changes might take 4-6 weeks to implement - you can expect them promptly. We will most a new map reflecting these rate changes when the change is officially made and new signage is installed. Parking pilot program aims to make it easier to access Drake Park this summer. Bend Park and Recreation District and the City of Bend are partnering to facilitate easier access to Drake Park this summer. With a new, limited-duration parking program, the City and the park district are initiating four-hour parking limits along Riverside Boulevard to allow more park users the opportunity to visit Drake Park between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Drake Park is a very popular river exit location for thousands of river floaters each day in the summer and it also hosts numerous events and festivals. “Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying activities in the park with alternative modes of transportation or within the four-hour parking limits as we aim to make it easier to come and go to the park more frequently,” said Michelle Healy, planning and park services director, Bend Park and Recreation District. Cascade East Transit’s seasonal shuttles and Bend fixed route services provide easy and affordable transportation options. Cascades East Transit’s Ride the River shuttle transports river users from Bend Park & Float, located at Simpson Avenue and Bradbury Drive next to The Pavilion. This location will serve as the new start and end of the river floating activities with abundant parking available. Running every 15 minutes during the summer, the $3 fare includes transportation of river tubes to and from the floating launch and exit. For other park activities, including festivals, picnics or a walk along Mirror Pond, the free Ride Bend shuttle stops within a five-minute walk of Drake Park, making it easy to leave the vehicle parked at home, work or other parking areas. The City of Bend and Bend Park and Recreation District will gather input from neighbors and others through the pilot program to determine if parking limits achieve the goals. The agencies will also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of time-restricted parking beyond the Downtown Parking District. “Our hope is that this parking pilot program will provide greater access to Drake Park and give Downtown businesses much-needed parking stall turnover during our busy summer season, “ said City of Bend Economic Development Director Carolyn Eagan. Vehicles cited for exceeding the four-hour parking limit will receive a $50 parking ticket as part of the 24-hour enforcement activity. Diamond Parking, the City’s parking enforcement contractor, will enforce the restriction along with Bend Police Department. To report a vehicle that has exceeded the four-hour parking limit on Riverside Boulevard during the day (8 am to 6 pm) call Diamond Parking Services at 541.317.2805. To report a vehicle overnight (6pm to 8am) contact the Police non-emergency number 541.693.6911. Neighbors who would like to provide feedback are asked to call 541.317.3000, option 3. Calls to this number will be logged and the feedback recorded. Calls to this number will not be forwarded to enforcement. |
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