BEND, OR -- Bend Parks and Recreation says a recent survey shows the community is generally satisfied with the district’s services and rate parks, trails and recreation as a good value.  However, the survey also showed opinions are not as strongly positive as in 2013, 2016, and 2019. 

Bend Parks and Rec’s Julie Brown tells KBND News there’s room for improvement, given the number of people who weren’t sure about services, “They weren’t necessarily yes or no, but they indicated they don’t know. That’s an opportunity to do a better job of informing people of what we’re offering. So that’s one of the areas we’ve been specifically looking at. There are areas here with high marks for satisfaction with Parks and Recreation and quality of life, and the role that we play in quality of life. But, they’re down from where they were at all-time highs in 2019. So, our team, while not surprised, is still hoping we can make improvements the next time we survey.”

Brown says the company hired to conduct the statistically valid survey believes the pandemic is to blame, “Their assessment was this is consistent and it’s not something that’s Bend specific. It is something they’re seeing statewide, as well as nationally.”

81% of the 900 respondents say they visited a park or trail in the past year, and the vast majority say they felt welcome and safe. 

“We’re always looking for perfect tens across the board. So, the results of this, while not necessarily surprising after the last three years that people have had, it’s still a little disappointing,” said Brown.

The survey results (linked here) will be used to determine future parks district priorities and projects.