In 2012 democracy spoke. Voters approved a bond issue funding a footbridge across the Deschutes River, connecting communities in southern Bend to the Deschutes National Forest. The bridge received public support for good reason. It would bring environmental restoration to a disturbed waterfront. It would complete the Deschutes River Trail from Tumalo State Park to Sunriver. It would give underserved communities fair access to public lands.

The bond issue funded construction of the Bend Whitewater Park and The Pavilion Skating Rink. But the bridge has not yet been built.

We formed Connect Bend, a grass-roots neighborhood association, to get the bridge back to the top of the BPRD agenda. Let’s do what’s right for the environment and our community. Let’s do what’s right for fairness and democracy. Let’s get Bend connected. Sign our petition today.