The Park – Friends of Ford's Pond

Ford's Pond Community Park

A Place for the Community & Beyond

Located in southwestern Oregon, the 202-acre Ford’s Pond Community Park is home to the 95-acre Ford’s Pond. Most of the park is being conserved as open space, primarily on the west hillside. Visitors can access the pond and hillside trails via the 2-mile paved Pond Loop Path. The southeast corner features an inclusive playground designed for all ages and abilities.

Recreation & Community Engagement

Inclusive Playground

The Church Road playground, designed for all ages and abilities, features a younger play “pond” area with a water feature, climbing “dock,” and “beaver lodge” and multi-generational activities including ping-pong, musical instruments, a carousel, and slides.

Three covered picnic shelters and restrooms are available year-round.

Pond Loop Path

The shared-use Pond Loop Path is paved, except for a portion that is a boardwalk.

Starting from the Church Rd. parking area, the loop is 2 miles. Distances can be deceiving: carry water during warmer months. A bottle filling station is outside the Church Rd restrooms.

Information on the interpretive panels along the path can be found here.

Bird Viewing Plaza

The plaza honors the memory of Anna (Turko) & William Slemmer and realizes Anna’s vision of a place to learn about the birds and nature in Douglas County. The plaza has room for tripods and small lectures. The benches are oriented for viewing the west side of Ford’s Pond and the adjacent wetlands.

Information on the unique metal canopies can be found here.

Information on our fundraising needs to landscape the plaza can be found here.

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.

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.

Plan Your Visit

For all park-related questions or concerns, contact City Hall (541) 459-2857 or Public Works (541) 459-3542.

Explore & Discover

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 August 2024).