Summary of Nov. 21 board of directors meeting
November 22, 2023
The BPRD board of directors met on Nov. 21 and approved a construction contract for a new neighborhood park on Parrell Road in Southeast Bend. A video recording is available.
Little Fawn Park
Little Fawn Park is 3.39 acres of property located at the intersection of Hawes Lane and Parrell Road, formerly part of the Bend Golf and Country Club. The board authorized the executive director to award a construction contract to Mountain Sky, Inc., for construction of the park project.
Construction of Little Fawn Park will include shaded and open lawn, picnic and gathering space, play area, sport court, enhanced native landscaping and topography, small parking area, paved loop path, and a soft surface trail. Improvements will also include construction of the Parrell Road right-of-way adjacent to the property, including an asphalt multi-use path and enhanced pedestrian crossing at Hawes Lane. The project will get started this winter (weather permitting) and should be completed by fall 2024.
State-wide awards
In the work session, staff shared information and videos about five recent awards at the annual conference for the Oregon Recreation and Parks Association (ORPA).
Don Horton, executive director, was honored with the David E. Clark Professional Honor Award, the highest recognition ORPA can bestow. The award is presented to an ORPA member park and recreation professional who has demonstrated leadership, inspiration to others, and has made noteworthy and special contributions over a period of time to the recreation and park profession.
BPRD and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council shared the Environmental Leadership Award. This award recognizes a park and recreation professional or agency and its partner who has made an outstanding effort during the last five years to sustain and improve the environment and/or reduce the environmental impact made by the agency.
Kim Johnson, community engagement supervisor, was recognized with the ORPA Spotlight Award. This award is meant for those individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference in people’s lives, without being in the spotlight, without significant acknowledgement, but with steadfast grace and passion. This award is for an unsung hero in parks and recreation.
Ben Lewellen, facility maintenance supervisor, received the Outstanding Maintenance & Asset Management Award for an agency or team for its exceptional management, maintenance/enhancement, and programming of an existing park, trail, natural area, recreation, and/or aquatic facility over time.
ORPA also honors sections. Ann Story, swim program supervisor, was honored for Excellence in Programming by the ORPA Aquatics Section.
Executive director search
The internal recruitment occurred and resulted in two applicants: one of which did not meet minimum requirements for the position. As Deb Schoen conveyed, the board is appreciative of the individual’s interest in professional growth with the district. With only one qualified candidate, the interview process has been updated. There will be an external stakeholder meeting prior to the Dec. 5 board meeting. The board of directors will interview the candidate prior to the Dec. 19 board meeting. If the process results in an offer of a position, contract negotiations will occur in January.
The next board meeting is Dec. 5.