Summary of Aug. 18 Board of Directors meeting
The BPRD board of directors approved plans to address parking demand at Larkspur Park, authorized a construction contract for river access and restoration improvements at Columbia Park, and received updates on operations for the new Art Station and the district’s long-standing partnership with Bend-La Pine Schools at the Aug. 18 meeting. A video recording is available.
Larkspur Parking Addition
The board of directors approved staff recommendations for expanding parking at Larkspur Park, which serves the Larkspur Community Center, trailhead, community park, playground and the soon-to-open Art Station. A parking study completed in 2025 identified ongoing shortages during peak use periods, and staff evaluated three potential parking expansion areas. Staff recommended moving forward with the 15th Street Parking Area and the Bocce and East Island Parking Area, which would provide a combined 39 new parking spaces while offering a more cost-effective solution than the North Parking Area. Construction could begin in spring 2027 and be completed by summer 2027, pending final design and bidding approval.
Columbia Park Access & Restoration Project
The board reviewed a proposed construction contract award for the Columbia Park Access & Restoration Project. Planned improvements include a new river access point, riverbank restoration, accessible pathways, plazas and site furnishings. The project also includes replacement of the aging Gilchrist Bridge, which connects important trail segments and no longer meets current multi-use trail standards. Following a competitive bidding process, staff recommended awarding the contract to Deschutes Construction Corporation and moving forward with the bridge replacement.
The project represents a coordinated effort between the district and the City of Bend to improve river access, ecological conditions and trail connectivity while reducing the need for future disruptions to the park. The project is expected to begin this fall.
Art Station Opening and Operating Plans
During work session, staff shared first-year operating plans for the new Art Station, which is expected to begin public programming on Sept. 21. The facility is designed to operate seven days a week and will significantly expand arts and enrichment opportunities in Bend. Initial programming will focus on high-demand classes and activities, while maintaining some existing classes at Harmon Clay Studio and Bend-La Pine Schools facilities due to space and scheduling limitations. Staff also outlined future opportunities including open studio sessions, community partnerships, facility rentals, parties and expanded arts programming based on community feedback and program demand.
Bend-La Pine Schools Partnership
The board also received an overview of the district’s partnership with Bend-La Pine Schools, which has provided shared facility use and coordinated programming for decades.
Between July 2025 and June 2026, the partnership supported more than 22,700 hours of recreation programming serving over 8,000 participants through childcare, enrichment programs and youth sports. School facilities continue to play a key role in district programming, while district parks, fields and recreation facilities support thousands of hours of school-related activities. It was also noted that 160 school district educators and employees have children enrolled in the Kids Inc. program, providing critical childcare needs.
Staff highlighted the partnership as an effective model for maximizing public resources, expanding access to services and supporting students, families and the broader community.
Staff introductions
Staff introduced two new employees to the board of directors. Alicia Gifford is the new arts and enrichment supervisor, and Daniel Widick is the new building control specialist.
The meeting on Sept. 1 is canceled; therefore, the next meeting is Sept. 15.
