"Heros are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it's my responsibility to make it better."
Gov. Tom McCall
About Us
The Bend Park & Recreation Foundation is a non-profit organization which exists to raise private funds for the Bend Park & Recreation District. Incorporated in 1977 as a non-governmental, not-for-profit entity, the foundation has proven itself as a trustworthy and able steward of donated funds.
Our Mission
The Park & Recreation Foundation preserves Bend's livability by raising private funds to enhance and expand our community's parks, trails and recreation programs and to provide access and opportunity for all.
You can make a difference.
1. Volunteer your time, energy, expertise.
2. Contribute materials, services or money to a project or endowment fund.
3. Make a gift through your estate such as a charitable remainder unitrust, real estate, stocks, securities, life insurance or direct donation through your will. Click here to learn more how to give.
Our Successes - 1977 to present
- Preserved Hollinshead Park as a community park and historic landmark
- Facilitated the donation of Tillicum Ranch to the District
- Provided funding for the Skateboard Park
- Restored the historic Bend Amateur Athletic Club (Old Bend Gym), owned by the Bend Park & Recreation District and rented to the Boys and Girls Club for $1 a year.
- Sponsored the Bend Riverway Project, author of the Riverway Vision, a guide to building a river-oriented community.
- Helped preserve the character of Shevlin Park by raising funds to purchase open space as a buffer between development and the park.
- Funded and built two covered shelters and playground at Big Sky Sports Park. Our local community donated 70% of construction.
- Generated money for recreation scholarships.
- Held the River Trail Ramble, an annual run/walk event as a fund and friend-raiser for the Deschutes River Trail. Ramble proceeds have help fund the trail link at Commerce St., near McKay Park and the Southern Pedestrian Bridge
- Funded and produced a series of historic interpretive signs in community parks.
- Managed a capital campaign, raising over $533,000 in community support to help build Farewell Bend Park.
- Established the Luke Damon Youth Sports Endowment Fund and the Scholarship Endowment Fund with the Oregon Community Foundation to provide economically disadvantaged people in our community opportunities to participate in recreation programs.
- Provided support for the development of the Bend Heroes Memorial Plaza at Brooks Park. This is a memorial for local veterans and first responders.
Our Inspiration
In 1920, May Arnold, a local citizen, led a grassroots effort to convince the city fathers to create Drake Park. Were it not for her determination and vision, Bend would be without on its finest landmarks. Like Arnold, we at the Bend Park and Recreation Foundation believe that parks, trail, open space and community recreation opportunities are priceless community treasures deserving of support
Foundation Fundraising Events
• Gopher Broke Golf Tournament - A day of golfing with awards and dinner.
Your donation makes a difference. Listed below are special funds and programs dedicated to support specific needs. Click here for more information on the projects and funds listed below.
Dedicated Funds
1. Riverway - Deschutes River Trail
2. Annual Scholarship Fund - Meeting current scholarship needs
3. Opdycke Scholarship Fund for People with Special Needs
4. Shevlin Park Conservation Fund - Preserving Bend's largest natural park
5. Skateboard Park Fund
6. Bend Senior Center- helping Bend's older adults lead enriched lives
7. Luke Damon Youth Sports Endowment Fund - helping kids participate in sports programs
8. Scholarship Endowment Fund - building scholarship support in perpetuity
9. Dedication Program- Dedicating a park bench to someone you love
Our Board of Directors
Connie Newport, Chair
Lesley Edwards, Treasurer
Gary Davis, Secretary
Paul Taylor
Kristin Meagher
Joan Heinkel
Ex-Officio Members and Staff Liaisons
Don Horton, BPRD Executive Director
Ruth Williamson, BPRD Board of Directors
Jan Taylor, Community Relations Manager, Foundation Staff Liaison
How to Contact Us
Mailing address:
Bend Park & Recreation Foundation
PO Box 1212
Bend, OR 97709-1212
Telephone: 541-389-7275
Email: kim@bendparksandrec.org
Fax number: 541-388-5429
For a Park and Recreation Foundation brochure, our Dedication Program brochure or to learn more about the Foundation in any way, we invite you to contact us.
