Ford's Pond Community Park
Where Everyone Plays!
Ford’s Pond has long been a favorite with locals for fishing and birding. The site was first commercially used as a wheat field, then converted to a log storage pond, and then left neglected for many years until the City of Sutherlin purchased the property in 2014 for municipal needs.
The Friends advocated for the city to also use the property as a park.
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 woodlands/savanna.
Recreation
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 Trails
Two mowed loops offer hiking and mountain biking access to the west hillside, with an elevation gain of approximately 300 feet. The Meadowlark Loop (0.7 miles) and Rosa Ridge Loop (0.9 miles) offer 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!
Discovery
The property is home to three different habitats, offering opportunities for nature viewing and recreation:
Emergent Wetlands
Willow/Ash Riparian
