The Mission: Save Troy Field
We need Troy field in the heart and soul of Bend
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Troy Field has been Bend's town green since 1904, when Bend was platted-- the location of countless events and celebrations for over a century. The historic residential and core were intentionally built around the community field.
In 1911, on Railroad Day, a high school football game was played in celebration of the railroad coming to Bend, which marks the beginning of the city's expansion. Now in 2022, Troy Field continues to be in danger of being eliminated. The current owners of the field (the School District) have surplused the property. The City Officials and the BMPRD have not shown interest in preserving the town green for future generations of Bend. The mission of Save Troy Field (Friends Of Troy Field), a small group of concerned community members, is to secure, preserve and protect Troy Field in its historic function as a play field and community gathering place. Feb 16, 2017 The Oregon State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) voted 6-1 to forward to the National Park Service in Washington D.C. the nomination for Troy Field in downtown Bend. It is being nominated for the honor of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The history of Troy Field encapsulates the significant history of the city since it's founding in 1904. Troy Field is more than a field. Troy Field has been the site of events and activities that have helped shape Bend. It has brought the community together at key times during the past 115 years. Troy Field continues to serve to bring people together for recreation and as a community gathering place. The School District and the City are aware that many members of the public want to save Troy Field. A small group of concerned citizens are working to secure and preserve the town green, potentially by collaborating with a non-profit to raise the funds to preserve the field as a historic community open space. City Officials have stated that Historic Preservation is important to Bend, yet they have, so far, chosen to overlook Troy Field, and, instead of incorporating this .8 acre plot into a plan that preserves it, have considered it surplus and unworthy of improvement as a park or a valued open space. Most growing cities would consider such an amenity a great asset to bring people into downtown, to relieve the urban heat-island effect, and to meet land-use planning goals for recreation, transportation and green, open space. Troy Field has been benefiting the city, its residents and visitors for a century. Simply put, it needs to be recognized as historic and be protected and preserved. Deschutes Memories Project
Shared stories and memories of Troy Field throughout the years. Residents brought photos and memorabilia to share as the Deschutes County Historical Society staff and volunteers digitized the items for inclusion in the archive for future generations. Deschutes Memories is joint project between the Deschutes Historical Museum and the Deschutes Pioneers Association. Each Deschutes Memories Project event focuses on a specific topic relevant to the Deschutes County area. Museum is located at 129 NW Idaho Avenue in Bend. |