Park crews in Bend got a head start on spring, thanks to the region’s mild winter. Bend Parks and Rec teams completed maintenance usually delayed by snow, tackling both last fall’s postponed projects and this season’s preparations. A main priority was reducing fire risk—Julie Brown from the Parks department notes specialists spent weeks clearing brush and trimming vegetation during its dormant period. Nearly 2,500 yards of debris—equivalent to 250 dump trucks—was hauled away. That effort, says Brown, is vital for forest health and fire safety. Upgrades to sports fields and new trail construction also moved ahead on schedule.