Bend Park and Rec details reopening plans, summer program cancellations

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Now that the governor’s office has shared its plan for reopening Oregon, the Bend Park and Recreation District said Tuesday it is planning to reopen recreation programs and some facilities, though it also detailed several summer program cancellations.

While COVID-19 has cancelled most summer programs through Bend Park and Recreation, the summer camps will start right on schedule at its usual time.

“Our summer camps typically are planned to begin after the end of the school year so that June 15 timeline is right in accordance with what we had been planning," Julie Brown said, the community relations manager for Bend Park and Recreation.

Most camps will be held at the Bend Pavilion. Other summer programs at the pavilion like cornhole and roller skating will be cancelled.

Here's their full news release:

Resuming recreation programs on June 15

The state’s decision to allow summer camps enables BPRD to begin the summer camp season the week of June 15. Work is underway to finalize plans now for which summer programs can occur, how to recall and train staff, and what modifications to services will be required.

Summer registration temporarily paused

The district is temporarily pausing summer registration, beginning Tuesday, to allow time necessary to retool our offerings in alignment with state requirements for size, distancing, etc.

Community members who have already registered for summer programs will receive details within two weeks.  For those who have not yet registered, registration will reopen beginning at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.

Two notable exceptions to the registration pause relate to Fall Youth Sports already accepting registration and Kids INC for the upcoming school year. Kids INC Registration will continue as planned for May 18 to May 22. Additional information is here.

Summer cancelations coming

Other than camps, the governor has not yet created guidelines for opening other types of recreation programs and has extended the closure date for some activities.

Some summer programs, other than camps, will be canceled. Youth lacrosse and girls’ softball programs, initially scheduled for this spring and postponed for summer, will be canceled due to state restrictions.

Adult softball leagues will continue to be postponed until conditions allow play to resume, or time restraints require the program to be cancelled.

Community members who are registered for a program that will be cancelled will receive notification within the next two weeks and receive a full credit to their BPRD account.

Recreation facilities reopening

Assuming Deschutes County is granted permission to begin reopening Phase I, the district expects to reopen Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, excluding pools, for reservation-only use in early June. Pools will open once state guidelines are developed.

“We will be using a reservation system to limit the number of people in each area of the facility, to ensure social distancing and a safe environment,” said Matt Mercer, the park district's recreation services director.

The closure of Bend Senior Center will remain in effect for now.

“The Larkspur Community Center is nearing the final stages of construction and should be ready to open by fall, which has been a longtime dream,” added Mercer.

Outdoor parks and trails

Parks and trails remain open to provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Community members are asked to follow distancing rules, take note of the signs and consider visits in the morning or evening or try less visited park and trail locations. More details here.