Board of Directors Meeting Summary – December 16, 2025
December 17, 2025
The Bend Park & Recreation District Board of Directors met on Dec. 16, 2025, for its final meeting of the calendar year. A video recording of the meeting is available. The meeting began with employee recognition for Shannon Gilman, who is retiring as the aquatics supervisor after 35 years with BPRD, and staff introductions in Recreation.
Business Session
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit
The board received the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) from Finance Manager Eric Baird, Administrative Services Director Kristin Toney, and guest presenters Cyrus Ward and Jessica Luther-Haynes. The report, required by Oregon law, provided a thorough overview of the district’s financial position and operations. The independent audit, conducted by Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP, resulted in an unmodified “clean” opinion, affirming the district’s fiscal integrity. The board accepted the ACFR as presented, recognizing its importance for transparency, bond ratings, and public trust.
Boyd Acres Shop Construction Contract
Bronwen Mastro, Landscape Architect, presented the proposal to award the construction contract for the Boyd Acres Park Services Complex. The board reviewed the project’s background, noting the inadequacy of the existing facilities and the strategic importance of the new complex. After considering the single bid received from 2KG Contractors, Inc. for $2,898,500, the board approved the contract and a 10% contingency.
Authorization to Amend Lease for Bend FC Ground Lease
Senior Advisor Matt Mercer and Executive Director Michelle Healy recommended amending the ground lease with Deschutes Academy Futbal Club, also known as Bend FC, to extend the timeline for Phase 2 construction of additional soccer fields at Pine Nursery Park. The board of directors authorized the executive director to negotiate and approve Lease Amendment #4, extending the substantial completion date to July 31, 2028, and revising fundraising milestones.
Consent Agenda
The board codified amended personnel policies, updating procedures for payroll, leave, compensation, and performance evaluations to reflect legislative changes and best practices, ensuring alignment with current workforce needs.
Work Session
Optimize Play — Staff reported on the Optimize Play initiative, highlighting successful training and broad staff engagement in process improvement and efficiency. There was strong engagement in recent training sessions, with 188 employees earning Greenbelt status. The board reviewed feedback and outcomes, noting widespread enthusiasm for process mapping and the “Batch vs. Flow” concept. Supervisors and managers were encouraged to support staff in applying these tools, with each team tasked to identify three opportunities for process improvement in the current budget year.
Recreation Facility Level of Service – Matt Mercer presented options for measuring level of service for indoor recreation facilities, especially swimming pools. The board considered methodologies including per capita analysis, need/unmet need surveys, and actual use data.
The meeting concluded with the executive director’s report and board comments. The next board meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2026.
