Bend Park and Recreation District wins three statewide awards
October 23, 2025
Bend Park and Recreation District won three awards at the Oregon Recreation and Parks Association annual conference earlier this month.
Innovation Award
The recently completed Miller’s Landing renovation project was selected for the 2025 Innovation Award. The project was selected for its improved river access for boaters and river users, with an emphasis on users with mobility needs to have multiple opportunities to enter and exit the Deschutes River. BPRD worked closely with partners including Environmental Science Associates (ESA) and Empowering Access to design, construct and introduce the project that opened in summer 2025.
A video describes the project and was shown at the awards ceremony. Learn more about the project.
Aquatic Professional of the Year
Shannon Gilman, BPRD aquatics supervisor, was also honored as the Aquatics Professional of the Year.
“Shannon’s extraordinary 35-year aquatics career, the great majority of which was with the Bend Park and Recreation District exemplifies dedication, innovation, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to community well-being through aquatics,” said Sue Glenn, BPRD recreation manager.
For more than three decades, Gilman has mentored generations of lifeguards and swim instructors and developed swimmers of all ages and abilities. In June 1990, she joined BPRD as a swim instructor/lifeguard and went on to serve in many roles over the years.
“Shannon has been a steadfast advocate for public access to aquatics, ensuring that programs like Recreation Swim, Lap Swim, Family Swim, youth and adult swim lessons (including Spanish-language instruction), Novice Swim Team, Diving, and Masters Swimming remained available and inclusive,” added Glenn.
Lifesaving Award
The award goes to an individual or team for their response during a life-threatening situation or in training and preparation, demonstrating staff involvement and lifesaving innovation. It is awarded by the Aquatics section of ORPA.
A BPRD team of lifeguards and recreation facility staff members were honored for two responses to medical emergencies at Larkspur Community Center. The emergencies occurred within weeks of each other, with staff involvement before arrival of first responders. In both incidents, the patrons survived in part due to immediate attention and aid rendered.
BPRD supervisors provide comprehensive monthly training with a focus on Basic Life support skills and lifeguard rescues, as well as incident debrief procedures and support available to staff when needed.
Learn more about swim activities.
