Bend Park and Recreation District wins three statewide awards, including innovation honor for Miller’s Landing
Silas Moreau
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Park and Recreation District has received three statewide awards from the Oregon Recreation and Park Association, recognizing excellence in innovation, heroism, and leadership in community recreation.
The district’s Miller’s Landing Renovation Project earned the 2025 ORPA Innovation Award, celebrating its accessibility upgrades that make river recreation safer and more inclusive.
The renovated park now features new entry and exit points for boaters and paddlers, with an emphasis on mobility access to better serve users with different levels of mobility, the organization said Thursday.
Alongside the innovation accolade, BPRD was also honored with the Life Saving Award. The distinction recognizes individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional response during emergencies or training situations.
The district earned this award for its quick and effective actions during two real-life medical emergencies at the Larkspur Community Center, where staff intervened to save lives through their training and rapid response.
Rounding out the honors, Shannon Gilman, BPRD’s Aquatics Supervisor, was named 2025 Aquatics Professional of the Year. Over her nearly 30-year career, Gilman has mentored generations of lifeguards and swim instructors, shaping the safety culture across Bend’s aquatic facilities and leading countless community members to confidence in the water.