Bend, OR – The Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD) is moving forward with plans to restore the High Wheels, an important piece of local history displayed in Drake Park. The artifact, a large piece of logging equipment used in the early 1900s, has been severely deteriorating due to years of exposure to harsh weather conditions and a lack of regular upkeep. As a result, significant work will be needed to preserve the wheel and ensure it remains a part of the community’s historical heritage.
The High Wheels, which once played a crucial role in transporting logs from the forest to railroads, have been a fixture in Drake Park for 84 years. Kelly Cannon-Miller, of the Deschutes Historical Museum, explained that these wheels were originally used with horses to pull large logs. At their peak, there were over 50 sets of High Wheels and 200 horses working in the forests of Central Oregon. The wheel in Drake Park was donated to the city by Brooks-Scanlon, a prominent local lumber mill, during the 1900s.
However, as motorized tractors took over in the 1920s, the High Wheels became obsolete. By the time World War II arrived, many of these wheels were dismantled and recycled for materials, making the surviving wheels, such as the one in Drake Park, increasingly rare.
Since its placement in the park, the High Wheels have been repaired twice: once in the 1960s and again in the early 2000s. In 2001, an assessment recommended a full restoration, along with a maintenance plan to prevent future deterioration. Instead, BPRD opted for a more limited cosmetic restoration, which included minor repairs such as fixing rot, replacing bolts, and repainting the wheel.
Unfortunately, these efforts have proven insufficient. A 2018 assessment revealed that the wheel has been subjected to ongoing water exposure, primarily due to the park’s irrigation system. The lack of proper drainage beneath the artifact has further exacerbated the issue, leaving the wheel vulnerable to continued damage.
Sasha Sulia, BPRD’s director of park services, acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive approach to preserving the High Wheels. The district is now exploring restoration options to stabilize the wheel and prevent further degradation. While the restoration project will be costly, Sulia emphasized the importance of maintaining this significant piece of Bend’s logging history for future generations to appreciate.
The BPRD plans to present the current state of the High Wheels and discuss its options for restoration during a board meeting scheduled for January 7. The community has shown a strong desire to preserve the artifact, underscoring its importance as a symbol of Bend’s rich logging heritage.
As the project moves forward, the BPRD will likely face challenges, including securing funding and ensuring that the restoration work is done in a way that respects the historical integrity of the artifact. Nonetheless, the district is committed to ensuring that the High Wheels remain an enduring symbol of Bend’s past for years to come.
