Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) Winter 2022 Recreation Guide

Sisters Park & Recreation District Winter 2022 Recreation Guide January 1 – March 31, 2022 U T Registration opens on December 16, 2021 O L P U L S AV E &

GUIDE PRODUCED BY

The Nugget Newspaper

• COVER PHOTOS COURTESY JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

Sisters Park & Recreation District • Winter 2022 Recreation Guide

SAFETY REMAINS OUR TOP PRIORITY AT SISTERS PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT!

Sisters Park & Recreation District has been working hard behind the scenes, with safety as our top concern. As COVID guidelines continue to evolve, staff are working hard to stay on top of the latest changes.

WINTER RECREATION GUIDE

Below is the most updated district information as of December 10, 2021.

Registration opens on December 16, 2021 for all programs unless otherwise indicated.

HOW WE’RE KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE: …in programs

January 1 - March 31, 2022 Contact Us

Phone: 541-549-2091 Email: sprd@sistersrecreation.com Website: www.sistersrecreation.com

Business Office & Hours

Coffield Center, 1750 W. McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Board of Directors Bob Keefer, President; Heath Foott, Vice President; Peggy Tehan, Treasurer; Jeff Tryens, Secretary; Molly Baumann, Member Executive Director Jennifer Holland, jennifer@sistersrecreation.com

…in our facility • Sign-in procedures for all patrons.

• Posted COVID screening expectations.

• Increased cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces.

• Additional hand-sanitization stations throughout the facility.

Mission: To provide Sisters Country with exceptional recreation opportunities that enhance the livability of our community.

HOW WE’RE KEEPING OUR STAFF SAFE: Safety protocol training

WHO ARE WE?

All employees attend comprehensive safety-protocol training to understand current safety guidelines and updated procedures.

By Jennifer Holland | Executive Director, SPRD Sisters Park & Recreation District, originally called Sisters Organization for Activities & Recreation (SOAR), was founded in 1995 as a nonprofit organization to provide recreation, sports, and enrichment programs for Sisters area youth and families. Many groups in the community came together to create SOAR including the Sisters School District, Sisters Kiwanis Club, Sisters Rotary Club, Sisters Rodeo Association, AARP, and the Parent Teacher Association.

In 1998 voters approved the formation of the SOAR District, a special park and recreation district, which is partially funded by property taxes. The district boundaries are similar to the Sisters School District boundary. SOAR served Sisters and the outlying areas of about 14,000 residents. In 2009 the name of the organization was changed from SOAR to Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD).

Over the years, our programs and services have evolved.

In addition to now having programs for all ages, we also have three special-use parks, which include a disc golf course, a skate park, and a bike park. Thanks to the voters who passed a Local Option Levy in 2018, as well as strengthening community partnerships with the City of Sisters and Sisters School District, we are expanding programs to meet the growing needs of our changing community.

Our mission at SPRD is to provide Sisters Country with exceptional recreation opportunities that enhance the livability of our community. Part of how we fulfill our mission is by hiring passionate and dedicated staff who thrive on making a positive impact in their community. Come by the Coffield Center and say hi to our team members who are hard at work developing and implementing fun and exciting programs.

We are always open to new ideas and love to hear directly from you. Feel free to reach out to us by calling 541-5492091 or emailing SPRD@sistersrecreation.com.

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• Groups remain small.

• Increased sanitation practices and safety protocols.

• Low-contact check-in process.

• Daily contact and attendance logs for participants and staff.

• Screenings for symptoms of illness, including daily health checks.

www.sistersrecreation.com | 541-549-2091

Protective face coverings Face coverings are required for all staff and patrons ages 5 and up. We have free face coverings available by request.

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces All locations are following enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, which include cleaning commonly used areas and wiping down equipment and high-touch surfaces more frequently.

Infectious Disease Preparedness & Response Plan Sisters Park & Recreation District created new plans and policies to help guide protective actions against COVID19, which will address infection prevention and response measures to ensure the safety of our staff.

JOIN THE SPRD TEAM! WE ARE HIRING YOUTH CENTER STAFF, REFEREES, PRESCHOOL SUBSTITUTES, AND MORE!

Review job openings at sistersrecreation.com Send application to employment@sistersrecreation.com

Sisters Park & Recreation District • Winter 2022 Recreation Guide

CARE PROGRAMS

No-School Day Camps

SPRD offers a variety of programs designed to take care of your little one when you are not able to!

Grades K-4th. Looking for something fun for your student to do during no-school days? Look no further. SPRD is offering full-day care that is packed with fun, games, enrichment, and more! ERDC accepted.

Location: Education & Recreation Annex Gym 1/28.................. F........... 9a-4:30p............. $35 ID / $46 OD 2/4.................... F........... 9a-4:30p............. $35 ID / $46 OD 3/11 ................ F........... 9a-4:30p............. $35 ID / $46 OD 3/21-3/25......... M-F....... 9a-4:30p............. $175 ID / $228 OD 4/22.................. F........... 9a-4:30p............. $35 ID / $46 OD

Kids Night Out

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

Grades 2nd-6th. Looking for a kid-free evening so you can plan a date night or catch up on you-time? We have you covered. Drop your kids off with us and we will play games, create projects, and even feed them dinner!

Location: Coffield Center 3rd Friday of every month...... 6-10p............. $25 ID /$33 OD

Preschool

Ages 3-4. Join our preschool program for a year of learning and care! The teachers help children grow socially and emotionally along with learning literacy, math, music and movement, art, and physical education. Students must be at least 3 years of age by September 1, 2021 through those entering kindergarten in fall of 2022. All students must be potty trained. ERDC accepted.

Location: Education & Recreation Annex For a full list of schedule options, fees, and to be added to the waitlist, visit https://sistersrecreation.com/ activity/2122preschool/.

Accepting commitment forms for new families for school year 2022/2023 beginning April 11, 2022.

MIDDLE SCHOOL RECREATION PROGRAMS The Outlaws Club (OC)

Grades 5-8. The OC is the place to be after school! All middle school students are welcome at this free afterschool hangout. With video games, pool tables, homework help, and more, there is always something to do at the OC. This program will follow the Sisters School District calendar.

This program will begin once fully staffed.

Location: The Hangar M-F......................................... 3:15-5:30p..... FREE

YOUTH RECREATION

Mini Outlaws

Ages 4-6. Introduce your little one to a world of fun and movement. With sessions in a variety of focus areas, your kiddo will discover what their new favorite activity is!

Cheer

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

Each participant will get their very own pom poms.

Location: Coffield Center 1/4-1/25.... Tu... 4:30-5:15p $50 ID / $65 OD

Basketball

Grades K-4th. The focus of our after-school program is to provide a safe, structured, and fun environment for your kiddo. Our program includes structured playtime, enrichment activities, and a snack. Kids Club will follow the Sisters School District calendar. ERDC accepted.

Kids Club is currently full. Please call to be added to our waitlist.

Multi-Sport

Each participant will get a sports ball to keep.

Location: SPRD Fields 2/3-2/24.... Th... 4:30-5:15p $50 ID / $65 OD 541-549-2091 | www.sistersrecreation.com

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Kids Club

Each participant will get a basketball to call their own!

Location: Education & Recreation Annex 1/6-1/27.... Th... 4:30-5:15p $50 ID / $65 OD

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Sisters Park & Recreation District • Winter 2022 Recreation Guide

Grades 1st-5th. Stunt, tumble, and jump! This class will build on movement and balance skills to develop young cheerleaders.

Practices will vary due to our mini cheerleader performances at local games. Registration fee includes pom poms and an Outlaws cheer shirt.

Location: Coffield Center 1/4-2/8 ....................... Tu ........5:30-6:30p . $65 ID / $85 OD

Youth Tennis

Grades K-5th. Join our tennis pro on the court this winter!

National tennis champion, Bruce Fenn, brings over 20 years of experience with coaching this fun and exciting sport. Each week players will work on skill development while running drills, playing matches, and of course, having fun! Participants should bring their own tennis racquet, however, there will be some loaner racquets available. All skill levels welcome!

Location: Education & Recreation Annex- Gym Grades K-2nd 1/10-2/16 ..... MW ...... 3:30-4:15pm ........... $65 ID / $85 OD Grades 3rd-5th 1/10-2/16 ..... MW ...... 4:15-5:15pm ........... $65 ID / $85 OD

YOUTH ATHLETIC LEAGUES

Youth Basketball

Grades 1st-5th. All skills and abilities are welcome in our youth recreation basketball league. At SPRD, we focus on skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun. By keeping the sport fun and exciting, we hope students will continue to play basketball year over year. Our league works to properly prepare players to transition into middle school athletics.

Location: Sisters Elementary & Sisters Middle School Courts Registration deadline: 12/17 Grades 1-2 – Co-ed 1/10-2/26 ..... $65 ID /$85 OD Grades 3-4 – girls & boys teams 1/10-2/26 ..... $75 ID /$98 OD Grade 5 – girls & boys teams 1/10-2/26 ..... $85 ID /$111 OD

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

Outlaws Cheer

Youth Lacrosse

Grades 1st-8th. This program is offered in partnership with Bend Park & Recreation District (BPRD). Elementary and middle school lacrosse will practice twice a week in Sisters with games in Bend. Gear will be provided by BPRD, if needed.

Location: Sisters Elementary and Middle School Fields Registration deadline: 2/23 Grades 1-2 – co-ed 4/11-6/03 ..... $95 ID / $124 ID Grades 3-4 – girls and boys teams 4/11-6/03 ..... $100 ID / $130 ID Grade 5-6 – girls and boys teams 4/11-6/03 ..... $115 ID /$155 OD Grade 7-8 – girls and boys teams 4/11-6/03 ..... $115 ID /$155 OD

High School Lacrosse JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

9th-12th Grades. Come be a part of this fast-paced and incredibly fun sport. This program is made possible due to the hard work and dedication of the Outlaws Lacrosse Committee. Please be aware that all players will need an OSAA sports physical and a current US Lacrosse membership to participate.

Location: Sisters High School fields

Youth Volleyball

Grades 3rd-8th. Offered by Outlaw Volleyball Club, a committee of SPRD, this program’s mission is to create an environment where young athletes can develop into positive, forward-thinking players who have the tools to excel in volleyball and in life. Practices begin the week of December 27 in Sisters. Practices will be held twice a week, and tournaments every other weekend.

Location: Sisters Elementary School and Sisters Middle School courts

2/28-5/31 ..... $300* *Fee includes a $50 equipment deposit that will be refunded once all equipment is returned.

Grades 3-4 12/27/-2/20 .. TuTh ..... 3:30-4:30p .............. $125 Grades 5-6 12/27-2/20 ... TuTh ..... 5:30-7p ................... $300 Grades 7-8 12/27-3/5 ..... TuTh ..... 5-7p ........................ $500 4

www.sistersrecreation.com | 541-549-2091

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

Registration deadline: 1/5

Sisters Park & Recreation District • Winter 2022 Recreation Guide

SUMMER CAMP PREVIEW

SPRD IS SEEKING

Summer day camps, specialty camps, and playground program registration will open on April 4th at 10 am!

Mark your calendar as spots fill up quickly. Summer camp information will be fully updated on the district website by March 18, 2022.

VOLUNTEER SPEAKERS

Summer Preschool

Ages 4-entering Kindergarten. Check out the summer edition of our amazing preschool program. Spots are limited!

FOR OUR NEW LECTURE SERIES

Camp Ponderosa

Entering 1st-5th. Looking for a way to keep your kid active and entertained this summer? Look no further! Camp Ponderosa is the perfect mix of adventure and play. This weekly day camp provides full-day care!

Specialty Camps

Ages 5-13. SPRD is pleased to continue to offer an array of specialty camps over the summer. These week-long camps focus on a special area of interest. From soccer to outdoor survival, there is something for everyone.

Zumba Virtual

Playground Program

Grades 1st-5th. SPRD partners with the City of Sisters to bring to you this fun and free program! This 8-week program offers kids fun activities – games, arts, and crafts – at neighborhood parks, led and supervised by SPRD staff.

ADULT RECREATION & FITNESS

Ages 18+. Join Carol Ast-Milchen for a full-body workout to a spicy, upbeat mixture of Latin and International music.

Location: Coffield Center Ongoing ............. MTh ........ 9-10a $6 ID / $8 OD drop-in or $60 ID / $80 OD for 11 visits

Power Hour

Table Tennis

Ages 18+. If you have never played table tennis before, now is the time to start. This fun game works the body and mind! Play solo or with friends.

Location: Coffield Center Ongoing .... M-Th ....10a-4p ....FREE

Ukulele for Beginners

Ages 18+. Join us in the new fitness class that is open to all abilities. Classes will provide a variety of workouts.

From body-weight days, circuit training days, and HIIT (high intensity interval training) days, all workouts can be modified based on your health level. Come ready to sweat!

Location: Coffield Center Ongoing ............. MWF ....... 7-8a $6 ID / $ 8 OD drop-in or $60 ID / $80 OD for 11 visits

Yoga

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

Ages 18+. E Komo Mai, come join the fun and learn some fundamental skills to get you playing the ukulele quickly! The focus will be on learning to read and play chords along with different strumming techniques and even a little fingerpicking. No musical experience is needed. If you don’t have a ukulele, one can be provided.

Location: Coffield Center 2/2-3/9 ..... W... 6-7:30p $30 ID / $39 OD

OUR GOAL IS TO KICK OFF THE SERIES THIS SUMMER. LECTURES WOULD BE FREE TO ALL INTERESTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS. EMAIL SPRD@SISTERSRECREATION.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Ages 18+. This yoga series, offered in partnership with Honoring Yourself Yoga, is designed to bring balance to the body and the mind through a flow-based class that will allow students time to explore the postures while cultivating strength, flexibility, balance, and calm. This class is great for beginners, as well as seasoned practitioners! No yoga experience needed; come as you are!

Location: Coffield Center 2/4-3/11 ............ F .............. 9-10a .............. $15 ID / $20 ID or 6 week pass $70 ID / $91 OD

Tai-Chi

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Astronomy Club

The Astronomy Club is a committee of SPRD that works to foster enthusiasm for and knowledge of astronomy within the community of Sisters, Oregon and the surrounding areas. Join in on the fun, make new friends, and expand your mind.

Visit www.sistersrecreation.com for Zoom link.

Ongoing .. 3rd Tu each month ..7-9p FREE

Ages 18+. Join Master JianFeng Chen in learning Tai Chi, often called a moving meditation. Tai Chi can assist all ages and abilities with balance, flexibility, stress relief, and overall health. This class is a Beginning Tai Chi class that will focus on the Simple 8 & 24 Yang Style forms. No experience necessary.

Location: Coffield Center 1/14-2/11 .......... F .............. 11:15a-12p..... $70 ID / $91 OD

Community Room

Ages 18+. Looking for a place to make new friends? Come and hang out in our community room. Enjoy a good book, work on a puzzle, or just enjoy a cup of joe with a friend.

Location: Coffield Center Ongoing ............. M-Th ....... 10a-4p............ FREE 541-549-2091 | www.sistersrecreation.com

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Sisters Park & Recreation District • Winter 2022 Recreation Guide

COMMUNITY EVENTS

PARKS

Join the world of outdoor recreation! Check out the three specialty parks. Parks are open from dusk till dawn unless otherwise posted at site.

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

Skate Park

Sisters Shootout Series

Grades 5-8. The Sisters Shootout Series is a premier youth basketball tournament with the beautiful backdrop of Sisters! With amazing facilities and a variety of participating teams, this youth basketball tournament is a must-attend for any team. Register now at http://www.sistersshootout. com/ Main location: Sisters High School 1/15-1/16 ........ SaSu............ $325/team 2/19-2/20 ........ SaSu............ $325/team

Bike Park 242

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Looking to stay engaged and connected in our community?

Sign up for one or all of these volunteering options.

Volunteers help us keep our prices down and make our programs and services more accessible for everyone in our community. Thank you for all who have dedicated time in the past and for those who will in the future. You help make Sister Park & Recreation District an excellent place to recreate!

Events: Sisters Shootout Series Programs: Basketball, Volleyball, Kids Night Out

Hyzer Pines Disc Golf

INCLEMENT WEATHER

For up-to-date information on program and facility closures, visit the District Facebook page and website. Please note that if Sisters School District closes due to inclement weather, all SPRD programs and activities will be canceled.

OUT-OF-DISTRICT FEES

Our programs are open to everyone regardless of whether you live in our District boundaries or not. Since our District residents pay property taxes to help support Sisters Park & Recreation District, we do assess a 30% out-of-district fee to all participants who live outside of District boundaries.

CREDITS AND REFUNDS

✓ 5 business days notice or more: 100% refund or credit is given minus a $5 processing fee. ✓ 3-4 business days notice: 50% refund or credit is given minus a $5 processing fee. ✓ 2 business days notice or less: no refund or credit given. ✓ Program fees are not refunded or prorated for participants who miss portions of the program. ✓ Full refunds or credits will be granted for programs that are canceled by the District, without withholding a $5 processing fee.

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www.sistersrecreation.com | 541-549-2091

Spring/Summer Recreation Guide Keep a lookout for our guide that will be released in March.

The guide will cover programs offered April 1-August 31.

Sisters Park & Recreation District • Winter 2022 Recreation Guide

SEEKING DONATIONS FOR SKATE PARK EXPANSION Daniel O’Neill, a Sisters High School teacher, is teaching young people the culture of skateboarding – not just how to be a better skater, but the life lessons that can be learned from getting into skateboarding.

O’Neill is instructing a class this year at the high school called Skatepark. The skatepark class is offered to anyone who skates, and those who want to be involved in furthering the building project on the Sisters Skate Park located next to Sisters High School.

The Skatepark class at Sisters High School is fundraising Sawyer Kiefer, one of the students and planning for expansion of the skate park located near the high school and Sisters Park & Recreation District. in the class said, “We all really liked skateboarding and wanted to get into a class to learn how to build something that we can skate on.” of $50,000. They have received grants and donations from The skate park has been in use since 2010 after being built organizations around Sisters including The Roundhouse on the work of O’Neill and his students. O’Neill has been Foundation and Sisters Schools Foundation, as well as running some sort of extracurricular class for three years, donated materials and equipment from Robinson-Owen doing maintenance projects on the park, and figuring out Construction. They also had 800 concrete blocks donated ways to expand.

by Willamette Graystone to begin the building process.

This is the first year Skatepark is offered as an actual class “The support from the local community has been huge; if in the schedule at the high school. This year’s class goal is kids want to do something in Sisters, the community really to build a mini half-pipe that serves the needs of beginner steps in and helps. It is good for kids to see people help out skaters, as the park right now is tailored to more advanced their community, and hopefully it teaches them to give back skaters. to their community in the future,” said Daniel O’Neill.

“Everything we do is up for debate; it is up to the students O’Neill hopes that this class can help mentor young as to what they want to build, and they get to design it,” people — young men specifically — to have a passion for O’Neill said. “It is one of few DIY skate parks where whoever something while also building life skills and communication works on it and builds it gets to use it.” skills that will benefit them in their futures.

The class is in the design and fundraising phase of “We want them to learn to have the courage to start the building process on the half-pipe. Each class period something even though they might not know exactly how is dedicated to fundraising, design collaborations, and to do it, but to seek support and become educated so they discussion on what’s next. can do what they want to,” said O’Neill.

Student Baylor Dyer feels the impact of the class through They also focus on life lessons that skateboarding and teaching young kids to skate. working together on a team can teach you.

“The feeling you get is the best, when you see the potential “This class is really bringing us together, and the people passion for skating in a young person, and we’ve also been here are the ones that are passionate about it and it is a able to do that through this class with some middle school part of who we are,” said student Miles O’Neill. “We’ve students,” said Dyer. really built a tight-knit group of people in a different way The Skatepark class is still seeking donations for the than any sports team.” continued building of the mini half-pipe this upcoming Hunter Briggs, another student in the class, described how winter and spring terms. They are hoping to wrap up the it goes beyond just skateboarding. fundraiser soon so they can begin building.

“The class is also useful for learning life skills, such as To contact Skatepark about cash donations, call Sisters talking with businesses when we call asking for donations.

Park & Recreation District at 541-549-2091. To contact about We have to hold ourselves in a professional manner while material donations, call Daniel O’Neill at 541-306-9315. talking with them. We learn construction skills as well and To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ how the world of building actually works.” expanding-sisters-skatepark.

So far, they have raised $36,000 of their fundraising goal

REGISTRATION ONLINE MADE EASY! Follow these steps to secure a spot in your favorite program.

✓ Go to www.sistersrecreation.com and click the yellow “registration” button. ✓ If you haven’t registered since before the end of August 2019, you will need to create a new account. If you have, your default username is your email address and your default password is your phone number with no dashes or spaces. You may change this information once logged in. Click “login.” ✓ Use the buttons to browse the programs offered or click “search” and click “activity search.” Click the “type” to bring up those programs then click “search.”

✓ Click the + sign next to the item you’d like to register for, then add to cart. Check the box next to the person you’d like to enroll, then continue. Answer any questions that may pop up. ✓ Verify your registration then click “proceed to checkout.” Fill out the information required then click “continue.” Fill out the information on the payment screen then click “submit payment.” You must click the “return to website” button on the following page for your payment to be processed.

You should receive a receipt via email. If you have any challenges, call the office and we will walk you through the process.

541-549-2091 | www.sistersrecreation.com

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Sisters Park & Recreation District • Winter 2022 Recreation Guide

SCHOLARSHIPS KEEP SPRD PROGRAMMING IN REACH FOR FAMILIES Keeping programs in reach for everyone in Sisters Country is a key part of Sisters Park & Recreation District’s mission.

No one should assume that they simply can’t afford to enroll their child in camp, or participate in a senior program.

The staff at SPRD recognizes that people value their privacy when it comes to financial matters, and they emphasize that the scholarship application process is confidential.

“You can apply online or on your phone, so you don’t even

SCHOLARSHIP POLICY

Any resident of Sisters Park & Recreation District who, for reasons of financial hardship, cannot participate in an activity sponsored by the district, may confidentially apply for a partial waiver of activity fees. The maximum amount of scholarship funds granted to a household is $500 per fiscal year, limited to no more than 50% of the actual activity fee, and must be applied for and approved prior to participation.

All applicants need to reapply at the beginning of the fiscal year. Scholarship recipients are not eligible for refunds above the dollar amount they paid.

Exceptions to this policy: • A foster child who attends Sisters School District is eligible for the scholarship program regardless of their current address.

• A student residing outside of SPRD boundaries, but who is a resident of and attends a Sisters School District school, is eligible to apply for a District scholarship. Patrons are still subject to out-of-district fees, and scholarship funds may not be used toward out-of-district fee differential.

For approval, the patron needs to present proof of residency (any of the following): • current utility statement • driver’s license • bank statement • employee payroll record • mortgage or lease agreement • Deschutes County tax report 8

www.sistersrecreation.com | 541-549-2091

“The frontline staff doesn’t know who’s on a scholarship,” said Holland.

Holland said that SPRD recognizes that, even with scholarships, some families may have a tough time carrying the remainder of the fees.

“We’re often able to pair those families with Family Access Network dollars and Circle of Friends dollars, so those fees can be completely eliminated.”

The important thing is to make sure those who will benefit from programs can access them.

“It really can help and get those kiddos involved in some really beneficial programs,” Holland said.

SPRD is making a concerted effort to make sure people are aware that there are ways of clearing financial hurdles in the way of participation. The organization really wants people to use the scholarship program. This year, SPRD has budgeted $20,000 in scholarship funding in anticipation of more focused outreach.

“I would love — and I know the board would love — to have those dollars all spent, because that means our community is utilizing our programs and making healthy choices in recreation,” Holland said.

And proof of eligibility (any of the following): • an Oregon Trail Card (food stamp card) • statement of DHS benefits • WIC benefits • Oregon Health Plan eligibility statement or Medicaid card • Circle of Friends or Housing Works endorsement • unemployment benefits statement • Sisters School District free/reduced lunch.

If the patron is unable to provide this documentation, they may attach a hardship letter. To apply or to read the full policy, please visit www.sistersrecreation.com.

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

“We see a lot of families apply that have multiple kids, or they are a single parent,” said Executive Director Jennifer Holland. “We know that older clients can have income disparities, and we want folks to apply if they need it. That’s why it’s here… We recognize that, especially right now, times are hard and there are a lot of factors that go into your disposable income.”

The only people who know someone is on a scholarship are the staff who process applications.

JERRY BALDOCK, OUTLAWSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

Households can receive scholarships up to $500, which can be used for no more than 50 percent of program fees. Families or individuals who face financial challenges may automatically qualify for scholarships, based on criteria such as being an Oregon Trail Card recipient or being eligible for the Sisters School District free/reduced lunch program.

But other District residents are eligible as well. They can write a hardship letter to explain circumstances that make it necessary to apply for scholarship assistance.

have to come into the building to apply,” Holland said.