The Bend Parks and Recreation Bond Measure 9-86 passes 51 to 48 percent after a long ballot count.

Parks Executive Director Don Horton says their research warned them that the voting would be close; and they are thrilled to have gotten the bond passed.  "What this tells us though is that the community is ready to move forward. And it's tough for people to make the decision to raise their taxes. And so anytime you ask the community to do that, we know that we have about a 30%-35% "no" rate for any tax measure. So you're really working with the other 65% or 70% of the population that will consider if this is the direction for the community to go. And to we're proud that the product we provide, in park & rec, is something this community feels strongly about that they're willing to approve this project list."

Horton says they have already begun a little groundwork on the project list; but first, they need to sell the bonds and since they have not sold any since 1976; they need to get a new bond rating.