Central Oregon's Best Playgrounds

Whether you live in Central Oregon, you plan to vacation here, or you're just passing through, you probably want to know where your children are likely to have the most fun.

Here's my list, separated by city.  We'd love to hear what you think.  Please comment below.

Bend

Columbia Park

1. Columbia Park:  A pirate ship and a tunnel slide down the hillside toward the river. 

Larkspur Park, Bend

Farewell Bend Park, Bend

1. Larkspur Park:  The largest of Bend's playgrounds, and an urban trail to explore.
2. Farewell Bend Park: A very nice playground with a great play structure, climbing rocks and trail links to the Old Mill District on both sides of the river.  You can watch the paddle boarders from the adjacent footbridge. The downside is that parking can be an issue because of all the river users.  



Harmon Park, Bend

3. Harmon Park: A vintage tugboat is the major draw.  You can walk here from downtown Bend.  Just go through Drake Park and cross the footbridge.  



Quail Park, Bend

4. Quail Park:  A miniature tennis court, nice play structures, mountain views, and stairs to nowhere.



Mountain View Park, Bend

5. Mountain View Park:  A classic park set up.  Walking paths that are great for little bikers/scooterers, a nice sized play structure and expansive lawns, all with mountain views.

Madras

Community Park, Madras

1. Community Park:  A nice sized playground and restrooms that are open year-round.



Madras Aquatic Center

2. Madras Aquatic Center (Pool): This is a really nice pool.  There's a big slide, a shallow kid's play area, and a lazy river.  The west wall is all glass and has a great view of the mountains.

Prineville

Ochoco Creek Park, Prineville

1. Ochoco Creek Park: Worth the trip to Prineville to play on this huge wooden playground.  There is a similar one in Sandy if you're travelling between here and Portland.

Redmond

Sage Elementary School, Redmond

1. Sage Elementary School: This is the best playground in Redmond.



Sam Johnson Park, Redmond

2. Sam Johnson Park: Okay, so this isn't a great park yet, but it's going to be.  They just installed a replica Monkey Face climbing rock, and many more improvements are on the way. More information here:  Friends of Sam Johnson Park



Centennial Park, Redmond

3. Centennial Park : A mesmerizing fountain to play in. Easy parking (usually), Espresso available on site.

Sisters

Cliff Clemens Park, Sisters

1. Cliff Clemens Park:  This playground is newer and more engaging, but if you think you might need a restroom (or shade) you should visit Sisters Village Green Park.