Bend Park & Rec cancels spring recreation programs

Summer registration coming up April 20

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Park and Recreation District has canceled spring recreation programs in accordance with the governor’s limitations on gathering size, distancing requirements and announcement to keep schools closed through the end of the academic year. Previously, the district planned to have abbreviated programs if/when schools planned to reopen.

Credits will be issued for registration fees paid for spring programs. Refunds are available upon request by calling (541) 389-7275 or emailing info@bendparksandrec.org. Facility passes will be extended for the duration of the closure.

Summer registration opens Monday, April 20

Summer recreation program registration opens at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, April 20. Online preview of programs is available now at the registration website and the Online Playbook recreation guide.

Payment is not required at time of registration. The fee of a registered program will be due 30 days prior to program start date.

“Our goal is to assist individuals and families with summer planning while also recognizing that there’s uncertainty about what summer activities will entail due to the pandemic,” said Don Horton, executive director, Bend Park and Recreation District.

Facilities remain closed

As a reminder, All BPRD facilities are closed to the public including:

• Juniper Swim & Fitness Center
• The Pavilion (Ice Season has concluded)
• Art Station
• District Office
• Park Services
• Bend Senior Center

The facilities will remain closed until restrictions have been removed and safe operation can be resumed.

While facilities and outdoor amenities including playgrounds, sport courts and skateparks are closed, district staff members are offering new ways to help community users be active, stay engaged and avoid social isolation.

Play at Home offerings

While facilities and outdoor amenities including playgrounds, sport courts and skateparks are closed, district staff members are offering new ways to help community users be active, stay engaged and avoid social isolation. Check out a new “Play at Home” webpage, including Arts and Crafts, Nature & Outdoors, Sports, Fitness and Learning activities for all ages. To stay in touch with updates, you can follow the district’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:

• https://www.facebook.com/BendParkandRecreationDistrict/
• https://twitter.com/bendparksandrec
• https://www.instagram.com/bendparks/

“We are experiencing the uncertainty of the current situation and will continue to do our best to be here for recreation needs,” Horton added.

Outdoor Recreation

Use of natural areas, open park space and trails while maintaining at least 6 feet between people is currently allowed. In addition, off-leash dog areas, picnic shelters and restrooms remain open.

“Our local parks, trails and open spaces have always served as places where people can find respite and seek peace and restoration,” said Horton.

Allowing places for people to get out may help to curtail some of the negatives of social isolation.

Playgrounds, sports courts, exercise equipment and skateparks are closed. This includes pickleball, tennis, basketball, horseshoes and bocce ball courts.

For more information, visit bendparksandrec.org.