Bend Park and Recreation District seeks teen volunteers, urging summer safety in Deschutes River parks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Summer is just around the corner, which means the Bend Park and Recreation District is shifting into high gear.

“We love having teen volunteers involved in our programs at the pools and in some of our youth recreational activities,” Kim Johnson, BPRD community engagement supervisor, said Monday.

This summer, your teen could be one of the 60 volunteers who help BPRD each summer. Volunteers are aged 12 to 18.

Teens can get involved as volunteers at Cougar Camp located in Shevlin Park and art camps held at Cascade Middle School.

Youth Recreation Supervisor Mackenzie Torres said, “Many students look forward to Camp Cougar every year and being that kind of mentor, and something they look forward to coming to every day.

Cougar Camp volunteers go fishing with campers ages 7 to 12, take bike rides and help them with skits.

There are also opportunities to participate in the Junior Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Assistant programs, held at the pools at the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center and the Larkspur Community Center.

Johnson said, “Some opportunities, like our Junior Lifeguard program, require you to complete training and then volunteer throughout the summer. Some opportunities you can sign up for and you volunteer for a week at a time. »

Most volunteer opportunities will begin around June 24.

Although it is currently windy in the High Desert, the weather will begin to improve, become sunnier and having a reason to float on the river and floating on the river comes with responsibilities. There are some do's and don'ts when it comes to this.

Last summer, park officials said they contacted 237 people suspected of drinking in the parks.

Park Steward Manage Jeff Hagler said, “It is a park rule and city ordinance that no alcohol is allowed in the parks.

BPRD park stewards and others will be at Riverbend Park on Wednesday. They will educate park and river users about safety rules and practices.

Hagler said: “We encourage people to do what they want before and after. But when you're in the park, just come and have fun without the alcohol. This will help everyone have as much fun as Bien.”

Drinking in the park may result in exclusion from all properties in the park district for 30 days or more. Citations and arrests are also possible with Bend Police. If you are caught drinking on the river, you could receive a ticket and a fine.