BPRD News

News - What's Happening at BPRD

Current News Releases & Public Service Announcements:

Released: February 7, 2013

"BPRD Board of Directors Seeks Candidates for Board Vacancy"

The Bend Park & Recreation District Board of Directors is currently seeking candidates to fill a vacant board position until June 30, 2013. It is anticipated the board will appoint the new board member at their Tuesday, February 19 meeting. The vacancy was created by Dallas Brown’s resignation in January.

The Board is composed of five members who serve four-year terms. Each member represents the district at-large rather than separate zones. This is a volunteer position and does not receive compensation.

To be considered for the board position, a candidate must:
• Reside within the district boundaries.
• Be a registered voter.
• Be able to attend regularly scheduled and other periodic meetings.
• Be willing to run for the seat in the May 2013 election for the term ending June 30, 2015.

To apply, candidates are to submit a letter of interest to: Chairman Scott Asla, Bend Park & Recreation District, 799 SW Columbia, Bend, OR 97702 or email board@bendparksandrec.org.

The application deadline is Friday, February 15, 2013. Applicants who meet position requirements will answer questions from the board and make a 3 - 5 minute presentation at the Tuesday, February 19, 4:00 pm board meeting. The new board member will be seated immediately following appointment to the position.

For additional information, contact Paula Lowery at (541) 706-6110 or paula@bendparksandrec.org.

Released: January 29, 2013

"Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series Kicks Off at Bend Senior Center"

Free to the public, the Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series begins February 6th at the Bend Senior Center. Held every Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 pm through May 8th, the weekly series features local experts sharing their knowledge on a variety of nature, wellness and current issue topics. Subjects include Central Oregon plants and animals, cooking, crafting, medical news, legal issues and safety awareness.

A detailed schedule is as follows:

Feb. 6th - Seniors: Elder Abuse & Fraud, Oh My!, Lt. Scott Beard, Deschutes Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

Feb. 13th - Stitching Through Time, Harriet Langmas

Feb. 20th - Advanced Directives: What is Right for You?, Heart & Home Hospice

Feb. 27th - Senior Fire Safety & Fall Prevention, Bend Fire Department

Mar. 6th - Mediation - A Win/Win for Everyone, Jo Zucker, Cascades Mediation

Mar. 13th - Raptors of Central Oregon, Patti Van Vlack

Apr. 3rd - Islam: An Overview of World Faith, Mike Caba

Apr. 10th - Spice Secrets: History, Healing & Cooking with Spices, Matt Perry, Savory Spice Shop

Apr. 17th - Birds in Central Oregon: How to Make them Part of Your Garden, Kevin Lair, Wild Birds Unlimited

Apr. 24th - Healthful Eating!, Mike Sackin, Mother’s Cafe

May 1st - Hearing Loss, Dr Ha-Sheng Li-Korotky

May 8th - Native Plants of Central Oregon, Karen Gentry, US Forest Service

Participants are to bring their lunch and Bend Senior Center and sponsor PacificSource Medicare will host dessert and coffee. An RSVP is requested at (541) 388-1133 or in person at the center’s front desk.

For additional information on the Bend Senior Center’s various events and programs, call (541) 388-1133 or visit www.bendparksandrec.org.

Released: September 6, 2012

“For the Health of It” Wellness & Fitness Fair To Be Held at Bend Senior Center

Focusing on older adult health, fitness and wellness topics, the Bend Senior Center is hosting the “For the Health of It” Wellness & Fitness Fair on Thursday, September 20th from noon to 4:00 pm. Free to the public, the event features the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Mobile Lab from Portland including visual acuity, glaucoma, blood pressure and diabetes testing (3 hour fasting needed for diabetes testing) as well as educational seminars, fitness demonstrations, local health and wellness practitioners and the event’s seasonal tradition of flu shots. Flu shots are $25 or free with a Medicare, Regence Blue Cross-Blue Shield, PacificSource Medicare, ODS or PacficSource insurance card. In addition, attendees are invited to enjoy a free, healthy barbeque lunch from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

Part of the senior center’s recognition of National Senior Center Month, the fair is produced in partnership with St. Charles Health System, PacificSource Medicare and Whispering Winds Retirement.

For additional information, contact the Bend Senior Center at (541) 388-1133 or visit www.bendparksandrec.org.

Released: September 4, 2012

Miller’s Landing Park To Receive Oregon Lottery Funds

The Bend Park and Recreation District has been awarded a $262,750 grant in support of development of the new Miller’s Landing Park on the Deschutes River across from McKay Park. The Local Government Grant was approved by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission at their August 30th meeting in Salem. Miller’s Landing is among fourteen large park grant requests statewide totaling $2.4 million coming from dedicated Oregon Lottery funding.

The grant funding will assist with various park development elements including a picnic shelter and plaza, restrooms, landscaping and irrigation. Other park development projects will be funded by the district. Construction is planned to begin in November and anticipated to be completed next summer.

In 2010, the district received a similar $250,000 grant in support of acquisition of the Miller’s Landing property. The district has also received Local Government Grants for the development of Pine Nursery Park in 2008, the South Canyon trail bridge in 2005 and for acquisition of the Shevlin Park conservation easement in 2000.

For additional information on Miller’s Landing and other parks, visit www.bendparksandrec.org or contact the Bend Park & Recreation District office at (541) 389-7275.

Released: August 24, 2012

Bend Senior Center to Celebrate National Senior Center Month in September

Preparations are underway at the Bend Senior Center as staff and patrons get ready to celebrate September as National Senior Center Month with numerous events focusing on older adult activities, fitness and wellness. Organized by the National Council on Aging’s National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), the month recognizes the more than 11,000 senior centers throughout the United States and their contribution to their patrons and respective communities. Bend Senior Center is one of only three accredited NISC senior centers in Oregon.

The signature event for the month is the “For the Health of It” Wellness & Fitness Fair on Thursday, September 20th from noon to 4:00 pm. Free to the public, the event features the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Mobile Lab from Portland including visual acuity, glaucoma, blood pressure and diabetes testing (3 hour fasting needed for diabetes testing) as well as educational seminars, fitness demonstrations, local health and wellness practitioners and the event’s seasonal tradition of flu shots. Flu shots are $25 or free with a Medicare, Regence Blue Cross-Blue Shield, PacificSource Medicare, ODS or PacficSource insurance card. In addition, attendees are invited to enjoy a free, healthy lunch at PacificSource Medicare’s barbeque from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

A free weekly series, the Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Wellness Talks program starts on September 19th. Every Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, the public is invited to bring their lunch and listen to local experts share their knowledge on health and wellness issues. Topics include: healthy choices for dining out, appetite, digestion, nutrition, sleep issues and healing through hypnosis. Sponsored by PacificSource Medicare and At Home Care Group, the talks include hosted dessert and coffee.

On September 26th, National Women’s Health & Fitness Day, it’s the Ladies’ Walk from 8:15 to 9:30 am. Women and men alike are invited to join together for a free mile walk and give Bend Senior Center staff person Laura Spears and patron Jean Augustine a great send-off as they walk from the Senior Center all the way to Sisters to promote women’s health.

Girls’ Night Out on Friday, September 28th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm will prove to be a real treat for patrons as Central Oregon Council on Aging and the Senior Center pamper the ladies with hors d’oeuvres, massages and other goodies. The evening’s fee is $15 and women can bring their mothers for free. Pre-registration required.

Celebratory activities kick off after Labor Day with the beginning of new fall recreation programs including weekly fitness classes, twice-a-week lunches and a variety of weekly activities including dances, knitting, card games and a book discussion group. In addition, the Senior Center will lead a weekly fall walk on the beautiful Larkspur Trail each Monday through October.

For additional information on events and programs, contact the Bend Senior Center at (541) 388-1133 or visit www.bendparksandrec.org.

Released: August 23, 2012

Juniper Swim & Fitness Center Special Hours and Pool Closure for Renovations, Maintenance & Labor Day

Juniper Swim & Fitness Center will be undergoing fall renovations and maintenance August 23rd through September 16th affecting the facility’s hours and operations. In addition, the Labor Day holiday is September 3rd, so patrons can expect special hours and some limited closures over the next three weeks.

The Yoga & Pilates wing renovation will be begin August 23rd and is expected to be completed September 3rd. Improvements include floor refinishing, ceiling remodel and soundproofing. Most yoga and Pilates classes will be on regular schedules but relocated within the center. Other fitness classes will not be affected.

The Olympic 50-meter pool will be closed September 3rd through 16th for regular bi-annual maintenance. All lap swimming will occur in the indoor 25-meter pool during this time.

For Labor Day on September 3rd, the facility will be open special holiday hours from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. Patrons can enjoy open recreation swim and the fitness center. Fitness classes, child care and lap swimming will not be offered.

In addition, on Friday, September 7th, the center will only be open until 4:00 pm. It will re-open for regular hours on Saturday, September 8th at 8:00 am.

All schedules, pool availability and class locations are available online and at the facility’s reception desks. For additional information, passes and fees, please visit www.juniperswimandfitness.com or call (541) 389-7665.

Released: August 23, 2012

Aspen Hall and Shevlin Park’s North End Temporarily Closed For Maintenance

Bend Park & Recreation District’s Aspen Hall and the adjacent northern portion of Shevlin Park will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, August 27th due to an asphalt maintenance project. Located at 18920 Shevlin Park Road, the park areas affected by the closure include Aspen Hall facilities and parking lot as well as park land and trails on the north side of the road. All areas are expected to re-open on Friday, August 31st. During the closure, people are encouraged to use the park lands, trails and parking areas south of Shevlin Park Road.

Additional information and a park map can be found on the district’s website at www.bendparksandrec.org. Bend Park & Recreation District appreciates the community’s patience during the project.

Released: August 7, 2012

Fall Recreation Program Registration Opens August 13th

It’s still summer, but Bend Park & Recreation District is thinking about the cooler days of fall! Registration for fall recreation programs begins August 13th for district residents and August 20th for those who live outside the district. Registration is being offered earlier than previous years to give families additional time to plan their autumn activities.

Program descriptions and schedules are available for review online at www.bendparksandrec.org. Beginning Monday, August 13th, registration will be available online at https://register.bendparksandrec.org or in person at the district office, Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and Bend Senior Center.

For additional information, contact Colleen McNally, Marketing Manager at (541) 706-6112 or visit www.bendparksandrec.org.

Released: August 3, 2012

Bend Open Swim Meet & Special Hours, August 10 - 12, at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center

Juniper Swim & Fitness Center will operate special hours for the Bend Open Swim Meet, Friday, August 10th through Sunday, August 12th.

Coming from all over the state, more than 450 swimmers, ages 6 to 18 years old, will participate in the Bend Open. The public is invited to come watch the event at no cost.
Fitness classes, the Fitness Center and the Olympic and Outdoor Activity pools will be open to the public for special hours as follows:

Friday, August 10th: Limited schedule

Olympic pool: open until 3:00 pm
Outdoor Activity pool: open until 3:45 pm

Indoor pools: open 4:00 – 9:00 pm
Fitness Center: open 5:15 am – 9:00 pm
Fitness classes: no classes after 4:00 pm

Saturday, August 11th: All pools closed, no fitness classes

Olympic pool: closed
Outdoor Activity pool: closed
Indoor pools: closed
Fitness Center: open 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fitness classes: no classes

Sunday, August 12th: Limited schedule

Olympic & Outdoor Activity pools: open after 2:00 pm
Indoor pools: open after 2:00 pm
Fitness Center: open 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fitness classes: no classes until 4:00 pm

Patrons can expect limited parking during meet hours and are asked to consider alternative transportation.

For swim session and class schedules, passes and fees, please visit www.juniperswimandfitness.com or call (541) 389-7665.

Released: July 27, 2012

Juniper Swim & Fitness Center Achieves High Rating in Annual Aquatics Review

On Thursday, July 26th, the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center aquatics staff and facility received a “4-Star” rating in a safety audit by Starfish Aquatics Institute or SAI, a third-party aquatic training and safety services organization. Scoring an overall four out of five possible “stars,” Juniper Swim & Fitness Center was found to meet or exceed industry standards in all areas of the review, with most areas achieving the highest possible “5-Star” score.

Performed by a SAI representative, the audit included lifeguard observations, scenarios and facility operations and management and a portion was conducted without prior notification to the facility. As lifeguards provide a high degree of protection for the aquatic industry, the review addresses possible issues as well as recognizes lifeguards for their skills and professional excellence. “With “4-Stars,” our rating shows that our guards are exceeding the high standards we set for them as well as the standards set by the lifeguarding industry and the Starfish Aquatics Institute,” commented Rob Shatting, Aquatics Coordinator.

Located at 800 NE 6th Street, Juniper Swim & Fitness Center features four pools and numerous swim programs and lessons. Schedules and additional information is available online at www.juniperswimandfitness.com or by phone at (541) 389-7665 (POOL).

Released: July 24, 2012

Quail & Harvest Parks Temporarily Closed For Maintenance

Bend Park & Recreation District’s Quail and Harvest Parks will be temporarily closed Friday, July 27th through Sunday, July 29th due to asphalt maintenance projects. Both parks are expected to re-open by Monday, July 30th. In the meantime, people are encouraged to use other area parks.

Quail Park is located at 2755 NW Regency Street. Alternate parks in the area include:

Lewis & Clark Park, 2520 NW Lemhi Pass Drive – similar picnic and playground features
Compass Park, 2500 NW Crossing Drive – similar picnic and playground features
Three Pines Park, 19089 Mt Hood Place

Harvest Park is located at 63240 NW Lavacrest Street. Alternate parks in the area include:

Sawyer Uplands Park, 700 NW Yosemite Drive – similar picnic and playground features
Sawyer Park, 62999 O.B. Riley Road - connection to Deschutes River Trail and Sawyer Uplands Park

Additional information and a district park map can be found on the district’s website at www.bendparksandrec.org. Bend Park & Recreation District appreciates the community’s patience during the project.

Released: April 10, 2012

New Butler Market Neighborhood Park Open House on Thursday, April 19th

The Bend Park and Recreation District is beginning the design process for Butler Market Neighborhood Park and is seeking public input.

Please join district staff for a public open house to view conceptual plans, review public input received to date and to share your comments. The open house will be held Thursday, April 19th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Bend Park & Recreation District Office Community Room, 799 SW Columbia Street. Visitors may drop in at their convenience during open house hours.

Approximately four acres, the new park is located in northeast Bend at 1630 NE Butler Market Road, near the intersection of NE Brinson Boulevard and NE Butler Market Road. Additional details are available on the BPRD website at www.bendparksandrec.org/.docs/_sid/070255d281dff002841f41f16fa5a06c/pg/10587. For more information, contact Robin Laughlin, BPRD Park Design Manager at (541) 706-6155 or robin@bendparksandrec.org

Released: April 9, 2012

Improve Weight & Fitness with Inch by Inch Healthy Lifestyle Program

Bend Park and Recreation invites those looking to improve their overall health, weight and fitness levels to join Juniper Swim & Fitness Center’s Inch by Inch Healthy Lifestyle Program. Led by certified fitness specialists, this 10-week series begins May 7th and includes goal setting, nutritional counseling, personal fitness assessment and exercise plan development.

With ongoing instructor and group support, participants will aim to make significant changes in body composition while learning sound nutrition and effective and fun exercise methods. Limited to 12 adults, Inch by Inch is held Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5:45 - 8:00 pm at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, 800 NE 6th St, Bend, OR 97701. The $240 class fee includes a full facility pass to over 180-plus weekly exercise classes so that attendees may incorporate various fitness sessions at their convenience (a $110 value). Due to small class size, participants are encouraged to register early. Additional information and registration is available at www.bendparksandrec.org or (541) 389-7665.

Released: April 6, 2012

Event to Showcase Talents in Central Oregon

Bend Park & Recreation District is hosting a night of local talent on Saturday, April 21st at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. The show features singers, dancers and more. Local celebrity judges will choose the top five acts and a final audience vote will determine who wins cash prizes totaling $1,000.

Doors open at 5:00 pm; show time at 6:00 pm. Tickets are available now for $12 adults and $8 kids 11 and under. Presented by Pacific Source Health Plans, the show has sold out the last four years so if you want to go, get your tickets early at www.towertheatre.org. All proceeds benefit special and adaptive recreation for people with disabilities in our community. Cash prizes have been donated by Bend Kiwanis Club. For more information, visit www.bendparksandrec.org or contact Sarah Thorsen, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, at (541) 706-6115.

Previous Releases:

2-21-12 2011 Community Recreational Needs Assessment Survey

6-20-11 July 4th Festival

6-15-11 Goose Population Program

6-14-11 District Office Design Award

4-19-11 Summer Teen Volunteers Needed

4-13-11 Earth Day Clean-up

4-11-11 Wayne Smith Retiring

April 2011 E-Newsletter

4-4-11 Arbor Week Tree Plantings

3-11-11 Early Online Registration

3-7-11 Central Oregon's Got Talent