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Bond Measure No 9-86

drt-river-660px.jpgBond Measure No. 9-86 Projects:

On November 6, 2012 citizens of Bend passed a ballot measure to protect our natural beauty, and expand access and recreational opportunities in our river, along our trails and in our parks.  The projects will support economic growth and prosperity and go far to protect our quality of life now and for future generations.  

The bond measure authorizes Bend Park & Recreation District to sell $29 million in bonds to fund these projects on the community’s behalf.   Bond funds can only be used for capital expenses (land acquisition, park and trail development, etc.) and cannot be used for personnel or operations.
 
Due to the nature of most of the projects, much of the on-the-ground features and amenities will not be seen until approximately 2015.
 
November 6 –  Spring 2013:
Immediately after the passage of the bond district staff began building the internal structures to support the projects, including:
  1. Prepare for the sale of the bonds.
  2. Schedule land acquisitions; initiate discussions and negotiations with land owners.
  3. Define, schedule and coordinate  project management.
  4. Determine best ways to communicate bond project status with community.
  5. Develop Memorandums of Understanding with partnering organizations to define expectations, roles and responsibilities.

Accomplishments and Progress to Date:

Sale of Bonds: Bond counsel and investment advisor determined; the Board of Directors was presented a workshop on the steps involved in preparing and selling bonds

Land Acquisitions: Two land acquisitions secured! The first of several land acquisitions tied to the connection of the Deschutes River Trail is under contract.  On December 18th the BPRD Board of Directors authorized Don Horton, Executive Director, to enter into a contract with an owner of land adjacent to Gopher Gulch Park.  A contract has been set for a future acquisition. In the meantime, the district has been given easement to begin trail development planning. On April 16th, the board authorized staff to purchase a 4.5 acre parcel of land located on the corner of SE 15th and Reed Market Road, adjacent to the Bend Senior Center. This land purchase will allow future expansion of the Bend Senior Center as well a second egress into Larkspur Park off 15th Street. Director Don Horton has also been in communication with other land owners regarding future land sales.

Project Management:  District planners, landscape architects and executive management are in the process of defining in more detail the scope of work necessary to complete all projects, further refining budget estimates and assigning staff management for each project. 

Partnership Agreements: Memorandums of Understanding are being developed with Oregon Rush Soccer, Bend Paddle Trail Alliance and Bend Ice to define expectations and roles and responsibilities in the development and management of projects. All three organizations have already taken steps toward their respective commitments to projects.

Community Outreach and Communication:  Bend Park & Recreation will communicate regularly on the progress, challenges and successes of bond funded projects.  This page on the website is one strategy.  Additionally, stories will run in the district magazine, signs will be posted  at park and trail sites, stories will run in the district’s email newsletter, announced in the media and through presentations made throughout the year(s) to service clubs and other public forums.

Transparency & Accountability

The Bend Park and Recreation District is accountable to tax payers and patrons. The bond incudes requirements for citizen oversight and regular audits to ensure that tax dollars are spent effectively and as promised.

To learn more, you can visit the following project pages: