According to the Bend Parks & Recreation website, Bend has three city-owned parks with tennis…read morecourts, and two of them are in the high rent neighborhood of Awbrey Butte (Sylvan Park is the other one on the butte, with Juniper hosting the sole non-Awbrey city courts). Not sure what to think about that other than I don't much like it. Anyhoo, Summit is a small, highly manicured bit of green space that indeed sports two new tennis courts, which are immaculate. Parking is very limited, which reinforces the notion that this park is for locals only.

This is a great little neighborhood park on the corner of Summit and Promontory. Within walking…read moredistance from many of the homes on the Butte. We ventured up their after spotting their tennis courts. We've lucked out both times and have had the place to ourselves. There are two courts, nothing fancy, but certainly do the trick. Benches for spectators inside the court area, nice grassy area outside for those who need a little shade. Plus a working water fountain. Basketball hoop, not even half court size, but works for practicing free throws, or working on your jump shot. Nice grassy area which is fairly level. Seems like an ideal spot for a game of frisbee, or picnicking with the family. Only one side of the park is actually on Summit Drive, the far side opposite the tennis courts at the end of the far grassy area. So, safe enough for little kids if you aren't picnicking on that side of the park. Has it's own lot with maybe 3 or 4 spaces and plenty of street parking.

While I consider the ability to travel a great blessing, I have to admit that certain complications…read moretypically ensue from being away from home. One of those challenges can be how to continue your workout routine when on the road. While I don't have specific recommendations for how to alleviate this situation in all cities, I can certainly provide some assistance when it comes to Bend, Oregon. The Athletic Club of Bend offers numerous opportunities for you to get that workout in when you're in town for a visit. Their amenities include 7 indoor tennis courts, an indoor running track, indoor and outdoor pools, a large spa, cardio equipment, weight room, a full basketball court, and 4 racquetball/squash courts. While those amenities don't necessarily make this place unique, there are two characteristics that do set this place apart. First, they openly accept visitors to the club. Many clubs are very closed minded about this, but not so here. Sure, you'll have to pay a guest fee, but it was very reasonable. Second, I found the members here to be genuinely welcoming. I chose to utilize the club for some tennis and I felt immediately accepted by a group of members who have a standing weekly match. After just 2 hours together I felt like a part of the group and left with names and phone numbers for the next time that I visit Bend. Sure, you can come up with an excuse to not workout while in Bend, but that excuse can't be that there's no facilities that you have access to or there are no friendly people here to connect with. And that's...Henry's Take. #bendexcercise #bendtennis #bendgym

In town for work and the lady at the front tried to tell me they don't do day passes when they…read moredefinitely used to. Then i said, "ok I'll sign up for a month." "No one is here is admin." So I can't give them money to work out. Apparently they don't need customers because it's a "private club". Interesting way to approach customer service. Smh...

This park is located right off of Brookswood. It appears to be great for families and children. It…read morehas a pretty big lawn that is not super visible from the road. So be aware that at first glance you may not think it is very big. There are several playgrounds here and even a little basketball court. This park has restroom, drinking fountains and even a trail that takes you to the canal road, though its important to note that is not a public trail. This is a great little park if you are in the Old Mill and may find the other parks too crowded for you and your family. Though the parking is very limited, so keep that in mind.

Great Park with a nice playground for younger or older kids. There are plenty of swings and slides…read moreand a variety of other toys for kids to play on. This place also has a half court basketball court and a large grass area of to the side. Beautifully landscaped and maintained too. When you need a restroom there is one right by the parking area.

Fairly good sized neighborhood park with a decent amount of green space. Not a ton of cover for…read morewarm days, but there are picnic tables and a half basketball court. Playground is fun for 2-12 year olds and includes a balance bar, tube slide, monkey bars, etc. with plenty to climb on. There's swings as well. The playground base is wood chips. Port a potty's only for bathrooms. There is a parking lot. A good family park.

Small neighborhood park that for its size is very nice. Play scape, basketball court, a couple of…read moregrass fields and a covered patio

Pretty little park on the side of the ever. Some nice views and a decent sized green space too. The…read moreplayground is for smaller kids in my opinion, as if they're over 7 it may be slightly bored. The park itself is nice with nice views and a lot of space.

Kids had a blast! Well kept and lots of people throughout the hour or two we were there. The grass…read morewas nice and green and the fact that is on the river front makes for an very relaxing surreal experience with the ss minnow and the awesome swings that can go higher than the tree tops if you ain't careful... I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick hit of child like running and yelling and jumping and ducking and just all around acting like a 4 year old high on pixie sticks and capriSun 100% Pure Juice!

This is a really nice neighborhood park, located right across the street from the elementary…read moreschool, which I imagine is convenient for parents. We like to walk here once in awhile, just to get a little exercise. It's got playground equipment, a basketball court, a couple walking trails, and a mini mountain biking area that would be good for kids or beginners. Lots of grass for pets, as well. I think kids probably sit and drink up on the elevated walking path, because we saw a bunch of trash and cans up there. Other than that, it's a cute little space.

Good place for little kids (2- to 5-year olds) to go sledding.read more

Big dog park with lots of options. There are beautiful walking trails and a large grassy field…read moreperfect for throwing a ball (perfect for a Chuck-It). There are water stations, but on May 2 the pumps were not working. Someone mentioned it may be due to nearby construction. Definitely bring your own water just in case. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, plus bathrooms near the front entrance. Parking is tight, especially with other activities going on like pickleball and kids' sports, but many people park along the street, which isn't a bad walk. Highly recommend.

This place is clutch. One of the best courses in Oregon. This is my favorite course I have…read moreplayed. This place has multiple things to offer. Per friendly, sports complex, hiking, disc golf. It is absolutely amazing.

The water is shallow so the kids can go out pretty far. It's got a rock beach so you can bring sand…read moretoys or things to float the water with. Awesome way to spend the afternoon!

Great spot for families. ..kids...dogs. Love the lake! My kids had a great time here today. You can…read moreswim and float and have a picnic. Theres a fun natural area for kids to play...fun rocks and sand and tree trunks to play on!

Cute little park…read more Note there's no shade on playground in morning. We ended up hanging out more on the grass field where there was a ton of shade. A cool feature of the playground: It's shaped like a pirate ship, and it includes a bouncy plank! There's a small shaded picnic table area with maybe 3-6 tables. There is a water fountain and port-a-potties. Parking was not easy on 4th of July. There was no dedicated lot, and the park's located in a busy residential area.

Great park and playground! We stopped by to let the kids get some energy out and they have a…read morereally nice pirate ship-themed playground. There is also a slide that goes down the hill right alongside the banks of the river, and just a few yards away is a neat wooden bridge that crosses the Deschutes. It was so cool to see tons of people floating down the river, right from the park. Kids had fun and we'd come again.