Oct. 20 board of directors meeting summary
The Bend Park and Recreation District Board of Directors met on Oct. 20 for its regular meeting. Cary Schneider, board chair, opened the meeting by acknowledging the community’s shared grief following the recent Silver Rail school tragedy and acknowledging the impacts and support provided by BPRD staff. A video recording of the meeting is available.
Future neighborhood park on Bear Creek Road
The board approved Resolution No. 2026-11 authorizing the purchase of 4.92 acres on Bear Creek Road for a future neighborhood park. The negotiated purchase price was $2,493,921, with funding available through system development charges designated for neighborhood park property acquisition. The property is located within a park search area identified by the district as helping advance its goal of providing park access within one-half mile of most homes.
Shared framework with City of Bend
A third business item focused on Resolution No. 2026-12, which is a shared framework developed by BPRD and the City of Bend. The framework identified opportunities for collaboration related to affordable housing, recreation access, transportation, environmental stewardship and community vitality while recognizing each agency’s responsibilities and financial constraints. It did not authorize specific projects, expenditures, incentives or policy changes, which would require separate consideration when applicable.
Compensation and Pay Equity study and position changes
The board of directors approved three proposed staffing changes intended to better align district positions with current and anticipated operational needs. The changes included converting part-time positions supporting events and rentals, customer service and athletics, and planning and development. The adjustments will increase annual personnel costs by $51,000, which staff reported could be absorbed within current department budgets.
The board also received an update on the district’s Classification, Compensation and Pay Equity Study in the work session. The work examined market competitiveness, compensation and benefits, and compliance with the Oregon Equal Pay Act. A final report is expected to return to the board in November.
Summer recreation report
During the work session, staff shared recreation participation, program performance and facility use during summer 2026. The overview included registration programs, scholarships, rentals and river recreation services, along with year-over-year information intended to identify changes in participation, community needs and service levels. Highlights include:
- There were 283,610 total visits to recreation facilities and programs during summer 2026 by 19,000 individuals from 13,000 households.
- Drop-in visits to facilities, including Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, Larkspur Community Center and The Pavilion have increased 29 percent since 2022.
- There were 7,400 hours of inclusion support provided for 168 individuals with disabilities to participate in summer programs across every area in recreation.
- Scholarships were used by 619 households for $274,000 in support provided for summer programs.
- There were 1.1 million visits to river parks, including Miller’s Landing, Riverbend Park, Farewell Bend Park, Drake Park and others.
- The Bend Whitewater Park trail counters show increased river use at the location by 17-20 percent since 2022.
The meeting also included introductions of three new employees: Andy Motley, Facility Specialist 2; Emma Bell, Community Swim Supervisor; and Mariela Baza, Administrative Assistant 2.
The next board meeting is Nov. 3.
