Deschutes County Commissioners are inviting the public to participate in a community conversation regarding a proposed recreational campground on Fort Thompson Lane, north of Bend, Oregon.
According to a press release, the meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the County Services building, aims to discuss the potential opportunities for recreational campgrounds in the county. Board Chair Patti Adair described the location, stating, “It’s on the west side of Highway 97, approximately 500 acres.”
Last year, the board commissioned a camping feasibility study to examine the potential for establishing private or public recreational campgrounds in Deschutes County. The study assessed three locations, one of which is the county-owned land at Fort Thompson Lane, located north of Bend. This site will be the topic of discussion on July 30.
“Community members will have an opportunity to learn more about the study findings, as well as participate in one of four, 30-minute group discussions with the Board of County Commissioners,” the press release indicated.
However, the proposal encountered concerns from neighbors. “I’ve been talking to the neighbors in that community and they’re just incredibly concerned. It’s good that we’re going to meet with them,” Adair said, as reported by KBND.
Adair expressed concern that the campground project might be too costly to initiate. “From the feasibility study, [it] was $21 million. And I feel like, as County Commissioners, we have some other issues that are way more demanding and seriously needed in our county,” Adair added.
Another concern for Adair is addressing the needs of the homeless community in Deschutes County. “I definitely wouldn’t be voting for it. I have been really clear the whole time. I am not lukewarm; I am ice-cold about this project. Because I want some managed camp for the homeless, so they get out of the forest,” Adair added.
For more information about the community conversation, please visit deschutes.org.
