A Park
An Auto Mall
Gateway to the Middle Fork Park
Envisioning a greener future
Imagine a future Gateway to the Middle Fork Park at the entrance to the Middle Fork natural area, offering both indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities for North Bend residents and visitors. This low-impact, eco-friendly park would not only feature vibrant grasslands for local elk but also support natural water filtration for the river. The park could also become an outdoor education destination for the region.
Alternatively, the City’s Planning Commission is promoting an auto mall* concept for the land.
*note – the DA does not describe the development in any way, but reliable sources from both inside and outside the city described it as an auto mall.
Potential Features of the Park Include:
- "Glice" Ice Rink: An innovative, water-free skating rink that doesn’t require traditional ice. Examples include:
- Rock Wall:
A climbing wall offering a fun and challenging activity for all ages.
- Daycare/Camp: A small facility focused on fun, "hands-on" indoor and outdoor experiences - potentially a fun place for tots to explore while the rest of the family goes hiking or skiing.
- Synergistic Businesses and Services: Inclusion of businesses such as ski, hiking, and bike shops, the North Bend Museum, the Ranger Station, etc. (moving these facilities or providing a satellite location)
- Indoor Recreation Area: A potential space for community activities and small-scale recreational opportunities.
- All–inclusive playground
- Indoor ski and snow board lessons
Alternatively, an *Auto-mall is currently under very serious consideration by the City.
How We Got Here
Since the National Guard is not coming to North Bend, the City began looking for alternative ideas for the land. On August 7th, North Bend’s Planning Commission approved a problematic (in our view) Development Agreement (DA) for an auto mall* to replace the National Guard facility. This 20-year development agreement will soon be reviewed and possibly approved by the City Council.
A coalition of large and small environmental groups is proposing consideration of an alternative: a park that celebrates our river and surrounding mountains with environmentally friendly recreation and open space for wildlife.
*note – the DA does not describe the development in any way, but reliable sources from both inside and outside the city described it as an auto mall.
