Board of directors opening – applications now closed. 

BPRD Board Member Zavier Borja announced his resignation from the elected position and applications are being accepted to serve the remainder of the term, which expires June 30, 2025.  The seat will be on the May 2025 ballot.

Applications were due by noon on Friday, March 22.

Finalists will be selected and invited to present short presentations at the April 16 board meeting before an appointment is confirmed.

This timing aims to have an appointment made before important annual budget adoption meetings and activities scheduled for April and May.

An elected five-member Board of Directors governs the Bend Park and Recreation District. The District’s Board of Directors is responsible for developing district goals and setting policy.

The Board meets the first and third Tuesday of each month.

To contact District staff and Board members, email board@bendparksandrec.org. For Public Records Request, fill out and return this form.

Click to see Board of Directors meeting agendas and minutes.

Board of Directors

BPRD Board Member Nathan Hovekamp.

Nathan Hovekamp, Board Chair – Board term through June 30, 2025
Nathan Hovekamp moved to Bend in 1997 and has been on the board since 2015. He has a B.S. in biology, an M.S. in zoology, and a Ph.D. in education, and experience in college biology instruction, natural interpretation, and conservation. He currently serves on the Deschutes County Planning Commission and has previously served on the Bend Planning Commission, the Bend La Pine School Board, the board of Central Oregon LandWatch, and Bend Park and Recreation’s citizen advisory committee for Riley Ranch Nature Reserve. Nathan aspires to “contribute to the award-winning excellence that is the hallmark of Bend Park and Recreation.” 

Contact:

Nathan Hovekamp
Board Vice Chair, Bend Park & Recreation District
headshot of Bend Park and Recreation Board member, Jodie Barram

Jodie Barram, Board Vice-Chair – Board term through June 30, 2027
Jodie Barram was appointed to the board in January 2023. As a Central Oregon native who moved back to Bend 24 years ago, she has been an avid user of the District’s programs, trails, parks, natural areas, river access points, and off leash dog areas.

Jodie has expertise as a professional communicator working locally and nationally focused on emergency situations, wildland fire, its impacts and effective mitigation measures. She served on Bend city council previously, as Mayor Pro Tem for four of the six years, and on the planning commission. She has a bachelor’s degree from George Fox University.

Contact:

Jodie Barram
Board Member, Bend Park & Recreation District
headshot of Bend Park and Recreation Board member, Deb Schoen

Deb Schoen – Board term through June 30, 2025
Deb Schoen brings 40 years of parks and recreation career experience at Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District to the board of directors. She is a certified parks and recreation professional and received the Oregon Recreation and Parks Association’s 2019 David E. Clark Honor Award for a parks and recreation professional who has shown leadership, inspired others and made noteworthy contributions. Since moving to Bend, she has used many of the district’s facilities and enjoys classes, trails, dog parks and community events. Her passion is working to ensure equitable access to parks, trails and recreation for community members.

Contact:

Deb Schoen
Board Chair, Bend Park & Recreation District
headshot of Bend Park and Recreation Board member, Donna Owens

Donna Owens – Board term through June 30, 2027
Donna Owens was appointed to the board in January 2023 and served a three-year term on the Bend Parks and Recreation Budget Committee from 2020 to 2022. She moved to Bend in 1979 for a temporary job with the US Forest Service that turned into a long career in the Western U.S. before retiring in 2018 and returning to Bend. She has a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.

In addition to BPRD service, she volunteers for Family Kitchen, Friends of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and Deschutes Land Trust. She enjoys the outdoors, walking, hiking, birdwatching, wildlife observation, skiing and snowshoeing.

Contact:

Donna Owens
Board Member, Bend Park & Recreation District