Bend park district studies future field needs
The Bend Park and Recreation District was presented with a number of policy questions Tuesday evening to help guide current and future management of athletic fields.
Some of those topics include the best times of day for youth and team activities, where practices should be scheduled, future field rest and recovery times, and the possibility of new fields.
All of these questions hope to address the needs for fields, especially ball fields and sports fields. The multi-use fields are in the highest demand, such as Big Sky Park, Pine Nursery Park and the Skyline Sports Complex.
Most of the high-usage time is in the fall and spring after school, and many teams try to utilize the remaining daylight hours. The problems happen when too many teams want to use one area.
“Participation rates with all sports have been growing with the population of Bend,” said board member Ellen Grover. “While we are developing fields throughout our system, user groups have identified they want to continue to practice close to their schools and their communities, during certain periods of time that are convenient for families.”
The district is looking at what fields they currently have and where additional expansion would be appropriate.
THe next policy discussions will take place in November. In December, the board will consider a comprehensive field policy plan based on these recommendations.
