Ford's Pond Community Park
Where Everyone Plays!
Acquired in 2014 by the City of Sutherlin for municipal needs, the property, long a favorite with locals for fishing and birding, is also quickly becoming a regional attraction.
Located in southwestern Oregon, the park consists of the 95-acre Ford’s Pond and 107 acres of open space, bordered on the west side by an oak-savanna hillside.
The site was first commercially used as a wheat field, then converted to a log storage pond, and then left natural for many years.
Spend a few hours exploring the park.
Multi-use Paths
The perimeter path is paved to halfway around Ford’s Pond (roundtrip from the Church Road parking area is 2 miles).
The remaining path (0.9 miles) will be completed in 2023.
Primitive Paths
Unimproved hillside trails offer access to the west hillside, with an elevation gain of approximately 300 feet. Different routes offer views of the 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!
The property is home to three different habitats, offering opportunities for nature viewing and recreation:
Emergent Wetlands
Willow/Ash Riparian
Oak Savanna
Ford’s Pond is a Birding Hot-Spot
With over 195 species of birds, the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society offers birding events at the park and maintains an eBird list.
