Recreation in Gorgeous Surroundings
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Sunriver Resort
Recreation in Gorgeous Surroundings
Sunriver was founded in 1969 by a forward thinking group of developers as an ecological experiment looking at the ability of humans and nature to coexist. The planners worked hard to preserve the natural beauty of an area that is surrounded by unspoiled Deschutes National Forest land. The development itself and the homes that have been built here are as minimally intrusive as possible on the natural landscape. Most properties have left the native vegetation intact which results in the feeling of “a community in the woods”.
The area has a rich history. Many Native American artifacts have been unearthed here indicating heavy use dating back thousands of years. Trappers and explorers frequented the area as well and the Deschutes River was actually named by French trappers that called the river “Riviera Des Chutes” meaning River of the Rapids. In 1942 the government purchased 5,500 acres where Sunriver now stands and opened an army training facility called Camp Abbot. The area was bought and sold numerous times over the years and ultimately purchased by Sunriver Properties, Inc. of Bend. Sunriver resort came into existence almost overnight with the development of the lodge, airstrip, swimming pools, golf course, home sites, and bike paths.
The Sunriver of today is much larger than that first development stage, but retains its respect of the natural environment and has not lost its quiet, family oriented appeal. The bike paths are still a joy to ride on warm summer days. The Lodge and shopping pavilion offer hours of shopping, dinning, and entertainment. The 8 1/2 miles of Deschutes River that border the west side of the Resort supply wonderful boating and fishing opportunities not found at other resort areas in Central Oregon. Two world class golf courses challenge golfers that come from all over the U.S. The airport is large enough to accommodate not only small craft, but private jets as well.
Living here takes many forms. Many homes and condominiums are full time residences while others are rentals or second homes. This is part of what helps to keep the resort flavor alive down through the years. Because there are various ages of homes dating back to 1970 and the fact that condominiums have been built here as well allows for a diverse real estate market including timeshare ownership. There really is something for almost everyone here.
