PARK & RECREATION PAGE

Link:  Bend Metro Park and Recreation District

Parks and Recreation Liaison Report for October 2008

Dog Parks update:  the planning for this had taken longer than anticipated and is continuing.   Jan Taylor, Communities Relations Director at BMPRD assures me that neighborhood  input will be sought through some sort of formal process once they are farther along in planning.

Park Accessibility Plans:  To help BMPRD provide access to parks and trails for those needing accessibility assistance of various kinds (estimated at 15% of users), staff has inventoried "outdoor developed areas".  This inventory is being reviewed for conformance to newer ADAAG guidelines, and staff will develop standards and guidelines for upgrading facilities on a priority list of needed improvements.  These standards and guidelines also will be used in new and remodeled facilities.  Included is the expectation that 41% of trails will be hard surfaced  and have acceptable slope and cross-slope for accessibility.  Public and special interest input will be sought during development of standards and guidelines, and a consultant also will provide guidance.

Irrigation water for Riverbend Park:  BMPRD is exploring options including drilling a well or drawing water from the river (the District has water rights), rather than continuing to purchase water.  The preference is to use well water rather than draw down water levels in the river.

BMPRD Speakers Bureau is being developed.

Brooks Park update:  Presentation of the Veteran's Memorial design is scheduled for the Nov 4 meeting, although this date is subject to change.