The Park – Friends of Ford's Pond

Ford's Pond Community Park

Discover Our Park

Located in southwestern Oregon, the 202-acre Ford’s Pond Community Park is home to the 95-acre Ford’s Pond. The majority of the park is being conserved as open space, primarily on the west hillside. Visitors can access the pond and hillside trails by the 2-mile Pond Loop Path (1 mile is paved). The southeast corner currently under construction will feature an inclusive playground for all ages and abilities.

Ford’s Pond is Transforming Lives

Many studies have shown that having a nearby park to exercise and enjoy the outdoors can improve physical and emotional health. Roger and Julie Cox kindly shared their story. With appreciation to Big Wrench Media and The Ford Family Foundation.

Recreation & Community Engagement

At Ford’s Pond Community Park, people of all ages and abilities can come together to improve their personal health and well-being and enjoy connecting with other community members.

Inclusive Playground

The Church Road playground (to be completed in July 2024) will include:

A “pond play area” for younger children with a beaver lodge, boat, dock, and water pump play activities.

Play equipment including an accessible merry-go-round, disc swing, musical instruments, slides, and ping-pong.

Three covered picnic shelters, restroom facilities, and a water fountain/bottle filling station.

Pond Loop Path

The shared-use Pond Loop Path is currently paved to halfway around Ford’s Pond (roundtrip from the Church Road parking area is 2 miles).

The remaining path (0.9 miles) is scheduled to be completed in July 2024.

Primitive Hillside Trails

The paths are mowed and offer hiking and mountain biking access to the west hillside.

The Meadowlark Loop (0.7 miles) offers a unique perspective of the pond from the southwest corner.
The Rosa Ridge Loop (0.9 miles) offers views of nearby mountains and valleys from under the oak canopy.

Boating/Fishing

Self-propelled watercraft and electric motors under 5 mph are allowed on Ford’s Pond. Enjoy fishing for crappie, bluegill, perch, and largemouth bass with a state license. Check with ODFW for current fishing regulations. Please remove all fishing line from the property! Protect our wildlife! Access is easiest from the Hwy 138W parking area.

Explore

Spend time exploring the three habitats found at Ford’s Pond Community Park: wetlands, willow/ash riparian, and oak savanna. Discover the unique flora and fauna found in each, noting the changes through each season. Located on the Pacific Flyway, Ford’s Pond is a stopover for many birds migrating between summer and winter destinations. Visit the Friends page for information on educational activities and stewardship projects. Eleven interpretive panels, featuring local photographers, will be located along the 2-mile Pond Loop Path (to be completed July 2024).