Summary of April 21 BPRD Board of Directors Meeting
The Bend Park & Recreation District (BPRD) Board of Directors approved two policy and partnership items aimed at supporting growth, planning coordination, and service delivery. A video recording of the meeting is available.
Annexation Policy and Procedures
The board approved Annexation Policy and Procedures updates, which guide how new properties are added to the district as Bend continues to grow. The revisions modernize language, remove outdated provisions related to deferred annexation outside the urban growth boundary, and clarify how unique or one‑time annexation scenarios are handled. These updates help ensure that properties benefiting from district services are appropriately included and contribute to park and recreation funding.
Revised agreement with the City of Bend
The board also authorized the executive director to pursue a revised Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Bend focused on trail maintenance and coordinated planning. The updated agreement allows the city to install and maintain wayfinding signage on BPRD property, while clearly defining design standards, responsibilities and review procedures. The revisions improve coordination between agencies, support consistent trail navigation for the public, and are not expected to increase district costs.
Vehicle fleet leasing
During the work session, board members received information about vehicle fleet leasing, where staff outlined challenges with the district’s aging fleet, including rising maintenance costs, safety limitations, and unpredictable replacement cycles. Staff presented leasing as a potential solution to improve reliability, modernize vehicles, stabilize annual costs, and reduce administrative workload. Feedback from BPRD staff and other Oregon agencies that use fleet leasing was summarized. No decision was made, and staff will return to the board at a future meeting with a proposed contract for consideration.
North Shevlin Trail Plan
The second work session presentation covered the North Shevlin Refined Trail Plan. Staff explained how increased visitation, new neighborhood development, and informal trail use have led to erosion, habitat impacts, and safety concerns in North Shevlin. The refined plan proposes formal trail alignments, closure of damaged social trails, and improved access points. Board members were asked to provide input as staff continues refining the plan and develops preliminary cost estimates. The plan includes 1.2 miles of new trails, closing 1.8 miles of existing social trails, and repurposing 1.1 miles of existing trails.
Consent Agenda
The board approved the employee health insurance contract for the 2026–27 benefit year. After a competitive review process, the district will continue coverage with PacificSource, resulting in a 7.4% increase—lower than initially proposed. The approved contract maintains comprehensive medical coverage for employees, includes stable dental and vision rates, and reflects the district’s commitment to attracting and retaining a strong workforce.
The next board meeting is May 5.
