Ford's Pond Community Park Set for Grand Opening on September 6th

After a decade of community-driven efforts, Ford's Pond Community Park in Sutherlin is set to celebrate its grand opening on September 6th. The event marks a significant milestone in the transformation of this 202-acre former logging pond into a vibrant public space. Grand Opening Event Details Date: September 6th, 2024 Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: 382 Church Road, Sutherlin, OR 97479 Activities: Ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by refreshments A Decade of Transformation Since 2014, the Friends of Ford's Pond, in partnership with the City of Sutherlin, have dedicated countless hours to transforming the former logging pond into a community park. Beth Houseman of Friends of Ford's Pond shares their vision: "We envisioned Ford's Pond as a place for everyone to observe wildlife, exercise, connect, play or enjoy some quiet time," Houseman said. "The design was guided by the park master plan which relied on extensive public outreach. We wanted the park design to be inclusive to all ages and abilities using the Universal Design principles, to have a unique playground, amenities and to create educational opportunities." Recent Developments As the park prepares for its official opening, the City of Sutherlin reports that construction is 99% complete. Recent additions include: - An additional 0.9-mile ADA accessible path was added, bringing the total path around the pond to 2 miles from Church Rd Parking lot - Play safety surfacing around all playground equipment - Boardwalk (part of the path) - Ping pong table by Stone Age Concrete Table Tennis - Freshly seeded lawn areas. The remaining open areas will be seeded this fall. - Benches, picnic tables, and trash receptacles as well as bathrooms - Paved and striped RV parking area Kristi Gilbert, Community Development Director for the City of Sutherlin, expressed her enthusiasm: "This is an exciting project to see come to fruition. Ford's Pond Community Park will be a great asset to the community and those who visit our area. It has been wonderful to be a part of the project." Park Features Visitors to Ford's Pond Community Park can enjoy a range of activities, including: Hiking trails Fishing spots Kayaking opportunities Bird watching areas All-inclusive playground with swings, slides, and merry-go-round Musical instruments Picnic areas with pond views The park's design preserves 197 acres as an open space park, with only 5 acres developed as a community park. This decision aligns with the community's desire to maintain the area's natural beauty and wildlife habitats. The grand opening on September 6th will offer the public their first opportunity to experience all that Ford's Pond Community Park has to offer. Community members and visitors alike are invited to join in the celebration of this long-awaited addition to Sutherlin's recreational landscape. For more information about the grand opening event or Ford's Pond Community Park, please contact the City of Sutherlin Community Development Department.