BPRD delays opening of new Larkspur Community Center
New target date: Late 2020 or early 2021; Juniper indoor pools then due for closure, renovation
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Park and Recreation District said Wednesday it has delayed the scheduled opening of the new Larkspur Community Center, to be followed by renovation of the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center indoor pools.
The updated timelines mean Juniper Swim & Fitness Center will continue to serve the community’s indoor recreation needs through the fall.
The Larkspur Community Center is now scheduled to open in late 2020 or early 2021, a change from a previously anticipated opening this fall, the park district said.
The project is an expansion adjacent to the Bend Senior Center at 15th Street and Reed Market Road to respond to community growth, particularly among the rapidly growing older adult population.
“The Bend Senior Center remains closed as part of efforts to slow the spread of the virus, especially among community members deemed to be most vulnerable by public health officials,” said Matt Mercer, the park district's recreation services director.
“This adjusted timeline for opening Larkspur Community Center allows us more time to evaluate the pandemic conditions and prepare to welcome all community members, including older adults, on opening day. In the meantime, we will be expanding virtual opportunities to keep people connected, engaged and active.”
The Larkspur Community Center will welcome people of all ages and abilities while continuing the legacy of the Bend Senior Center and further enhancing programs and opportunities for older adults. The facility will include 34,000 square feet of additional space and offer a multitude of opportunities to enhance lifelong fitness, learning and enrichment. Features include:
- A 5,000 square foot warm-water lifestyle pool with current-channel and spa
- A 6,000 square foot fitness center
- An indoor walk/jog track with 14 laps to a mile
- Group Exercise and Mind and Body rooms
- Locker rooms and private changing rooms
- Welcome desk and café area
- Outdoor spaces
- New and expanded parking, with entrances off of 15th and Reed Market
Following the opening of Larkspur Community Center, there will be a partial closure of Juniper Swim & Fitness Center to complete renovations to the indoor pools.
Juniper’s indoor 25-meter pool and small children’s pool turned 40 years old in 2018. As one of the most heavily used assets in the district, the reliability and performance of the asset is critical to serving community need.
The project includes renovating and resurfacing the indoor pool tanks, replacing the current deck to meet ADA standards, and upgrading the pool mechanical systems. The renovation will require a five-month closure of both indoor pools.
The Juniper renovation will not start until after the opening of Larkspur Community Center, to ensure the aquatic needs of the community are met without interruption, the park district said.
“After years of planning and saving, we’re eager to open Larkspur Community Center However, we must do it on a timeline that allows the community to fully enjoy it and ensures fiscal responsibility of the district,” added Mercer. “Juniper is well positioned to meet the needs of indoor fitness and swim activities during the pandemic period, as we experience lower demand and limitations on use.”
Fitness and aquatics classes and individual exercise opportunities are available by reservation now at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center.
The Larkspur Community Center project is funded by property taxes saved by the district, as well as system development charges to respond to community growth. The Juniper renovation project is funded by money saved by the district as a top-priority asset management project.
